ABOUT SILVERDOCS
SILVERDOCS was created through a unique alliance between AFI and the Discovery Channel to showcase, honor and expand the audience for independent documentaries. Now in its third year, SILVERDOCS has become one of the largest and most prestigious international film festivals in the Washington, DC, area, attracting filmmakers and films from around the world. SILVERDOCS' home base, the beautiful AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, includes an exquisitely restored 1938 art deco main theatre plus two modern, stadium-style houses-all of which feature the best exhibition technology and the ability to accommodate nearly every film and video format.

THE FESTIVAL
The Washington, DC area is home to SILVERDOCS and the most concentrated base of international policymakers, diplomats, producing organizations, world journalists, issue experts and activists on the planet. The AFI Silver's location puts SILVERDOCS in a unique position to bring together diverse and informed audiences to explore the art and craft of documentary and to examine the content revealed by nonfiction films.

Last year's Festival screened 79 films, which were selected from a competitive field of more than 1,200 entries submitted from 71 countries around the world. SILVERDOCS attracted over 12,000 people to its six-day run of screenings and Symposia.

PROGRAM STRANDS
Feature Documentary Competition - a distinguished selection of new documentaries from around the world that demonstrate a bold commitment to subject matter, excellence in cinematic craft and innovation in storytelling.

Short Documentary Competition - documentaries under 50 minutes that give the audience a concentrated does of humor, intellect, passion, humanity and more.

World View - a diverse and colorful collection of films from the United States and abroad that uncover the thriving creative forces found in every corner of the world.

Symposium Screenings - documentaries that link the range of issues and viewpoints inherent in the documentary form with the diverse and informed audiences of the Washington, DC, area. Each Symposium Screening will be followed by a lively discussion, featuring special guests who will share their expert insight with the audience.

AWARDS
SILVERDOCS STERLING AWARDS
The SILVERDOCS Jury, comprised of a distinguished group of documentary film professionals, will present the SILVERDOCS Sterling Award to the most exceptional feature-length and short film documentaries screening in the competition category. Filmmakers will receive the following:

• Feature documentary award: $20,000 in cash and prizes
• Short documentary award: $5,000 in cash and prizes

SILVERDOCS AUDIENCE AWARDS
A SILVERDOCS Audience Award will be presented to the best feature-length and short documentaries deemed most popular by Festival attendees. Documentaries completed before March 1, 2004, are not eligible for the Audience Award. Award-winning films receive additional screenings on the closing day of the Festival.

SILVERDOCS 2004 AWARD WINNERS

• Sterling Award Best Feature Film: (tie) DEATH IN GAZA by James Miller and ORIGINAL CHILD BOMB by Carey Schonegevel.
• Sterling Award Best Short Film: PORTER (SOLO UN CARGADOR) by Juan Alejandro Ramirez.
• Audience Award Best Feature Film: BORN INTO BROTHELS by Zana Briski and Ross Kauffman.
• Audience Award Best Short Film: LIFE TO LIVE by Maciej Adamek.
• Special Jury Mention, Feature Film: LIBERIA: AN UNCIVIL WAR by Jonathan Stack and James Brabazon.
• Special Jury Mention, Short Film: FOO-FOO DUST by Gina Levy and Eric Johnson and WELCOME TO WARREN by Brent E. Huffman.

INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY CONFERENCE
The SILVERDOCS International Documentary Conference is a must-attend event for both veteran and novice documentary filmmakers to learn the ins-and-outs of filmmaking from seasoned pros and forge partnerships that last a lifetime. In its first year, the Conference drew 450 filmmakers and guests from more than 50 countries for three full days of diverse and compelling programming, which included:

• Special focus on filmmakers and d broadcast professionals from developing countries brings together East, West, North and South, laying the groundwork for new cross-cultural creative and business relationships.
• Silver Sessions-small group meetings with industry pros - connect filmmakers with decision-makers: program executives from Discovery, IFC, ITVS, HBO, PBS, and moreÉ commissioning editors from BBC, Arte, Alliance Atlantic and more.
• Workshops address issues of funding and distribution markets around the globe.
• Networking opportunities abound at free breakfasts, lunches and cocktail receptions.

The Conference takes place concurrently with the Festival, giving Conference attendees plenty of the world's best documentaries to see once the panels and workshops have ended.