We are most pleased to welcome you to the XVII Edition of the Latin American Film Festival, to be held at the historic AFI Silver Theatre from September 20st through October 8th, 2006.

This Festival has been promoting the artistic talent of film directors in the Washington DC area for almost two decades, providing an extensive annual exploration of filmmaking throughout Latin America. The 2006 edition is organized by the Association of Ibero American Cultural Attaches (AACI), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the American Film Institute (AFI).

Last year we welcomed nearly 6,000 audience members, a record turnout, to see 25 award winning films from 14 Latin American countries. This year we expect a significant growth in attendance. In addition, we welcome the participation of Spain and Portugal this year.

The event will run for three weeks and will feature more than thirty films, many of which will premiere for the US market at our Festival. The opening and closing ceremonies will be hosted by the IDB Cultural Center, and will be followed by the screening of a participating film. The IDB Cultural Center will also host a panel discussion with festival film directors at the downtown IDB Conference Center.
Other activities will include a seminar to present IberMedia’s film co-production program for Latin America, which will place at the IDB’s Enrique E. Iglesias Auditorium.