Back in October, we happily announced that the IDA had forged a new partnership with USC's School of Cinematic Arts through the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Education's American Film Showcase program. Now, just a month or so before the launch of the program, the official selections have been announced, which include 19 documentary features and four documentary shorts.
Of those selected, the IDA is happy to be affiliated with more than just a handful of these powerful and important films. Last year's Gasland and the critically-acclaimed Food, Inc. have both participated in past DocuDay events, and this year's DocuDay program features the coming-of-age documentary Undefeated. Both Library of Dust and To Be Heard were featured in the 2011 DocuWeeks program, with For Once in My Life and Spellbound participating in the program in years prior.
There are also some IDA Documentary Awards nominees in the bunch: Spellbound, Sweetgrass, Food, Inc. and Mad Hot Ballroom have all had the honor of being nominated in previous years.
In 2012, American Film Showcase will send American filmmakers and film experts overseas to present independent cinematic projects to a diverse audience. USC and IDA worked together to choose films that will promote insights into American life and culture while illustrating different viewpoints. We are happy to send Les Blank, Lisa Leeman, and other friends of the IDA overseas to act as ambassadors for this amazing program.
Visit the U.S. Department of State's website for more on the program and for a full list of all the films and experts chosen to participate.