The AFI Docs documentary film festival is presenting its 2020 edition online between June 17 and 21, a decision the organizers took to avoid canceling the event due to the coronavirus pandemic.
This year’s festival features 59 films from 11 countries and 11 virtual World Premieres. The directors of 61 percent of the movies are female, while 25 percent were directed by people of color and 14 percent by LGBTQ directors.
There will be Special Presentations, Feature Films, Cinema’s Legacy, Episodic and Short Film sections.
The movies will run from June 17–21 on DOCS.AFI.com with the sponsorship of AT&T, as well as The Washington Post and Meet the Press as media partners.
“Now more than ever, it is important to expand our perspectives and listen to voices that may differ from our own, and this year’s festival includes a diverse range of insights and experiences for audiences to share in,” Michael Lumpkin, Director of AFI Festivals, was quoted as saying.
“These films explore political and social issues in the US and across the globe, introducing us to the next generation of leaders and shedding new light on figures of the past.”
Today’s the day! Passes are sold out but tickets still available to our screenings. #AFIDocs https://t.co/kPLyla81fd pic.twitter.com/ov94zGObdK
— AFI DOCS (@AFIDOCS) June 17, 2020
“Canceling was not an option,” Lumpkin told WTOP. “As time passed, we realized that we had to go with an online virtual option. … If you’re home and there’s internet, then we can give you some great documentaries to watch in June.”
The festival will distribute Audience Awards to a feature and a short film based on votes cast by attendees. The organizers will announce the winners of the Audience Awards for Best Feature and Best Short the week of June 22.
AFI Docs is an international film festival organized by the American Film Institute and the Discovery Channel. This is the 18th edition of the event.