AFI FEST 2010 Presented by Audi Announces New Festival Leadership

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- AFI FEST presented by Audi will return to Hollywood, California in November for its 24th year. In an encore of the "See A Film On Us!" program that proved successful last year, AFI Fest 2010 will offer free daytime screenings and a limited number of free tickets to evening screenings and galas, including Opening and Closing Night.

AFI also announced today that Jacqueline Lyanga, an AFI veteran programmer and key architect in the planning and implementation of AFI FEST and other AFI events since 2005, has been named Festival Director for AFI FEST. Lyanga is also a graduate of the AFI's world-renowned AFI Conservatory.

Joining her is another AFI FEST veteran, Lane Kneedler, who has been named Associate Director of Programming. Returning as Festival Producer is Derek Call, who managed Festival operations and the eight-acre AFI Campus from 2002-2008.

Audi of America returns as AFI FEST's presenting sponsor. Other returning sponsors include American Airlines and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Arts Commission. AFM (American Film Market) continues as the market partner with AFI FEST.

"This is an expert AFI team who will enrich the institute's proud tradition of bringing the world's finest films to the world capital of moviemaking," said Nancy Harris, COO of the American Film Institute. "Thanks to Audi as our presenting sponsor and our other committed sponsors, we're also proud to offer the 'See A Film On Us!" program again. What began as a recession-inspired experiment has proven a new model for film festivals where the price of admission is not a barrier to experiencing the best of world cinema," continued Harris.

AFI FEST Festival Director Jacqueline Lyanga said, "I'm looking forward to carrying on the 24 year tradition of AFI FEST at the American Film Institute. AFI FEST is an internationally renowned film festival that has consistently responded to change with innovation, and AFI is committed to honoring artists and their work at the highest level. It's a privilege to be a part of that mission."

AFI FEST 2010 presented by Audi will feature domestic and international works from emerging filmmakers and modern masters, nightly special screenings, tributes and red-carpet gala premieres. In addition to the free screenings, AFI FEST passes for reserved seats at evening galas and tributes will be available for purchase.

Additional information about AFI FEST 2010, including specific dates and venues, will be available soon. For more information about AFI or AFI FEST go to AFI.com.

SOURCE AFI FEST