November 11 - 14, 2004

www.detroitdocs.org

Detroit Docs is back! Michigan's first and only documentary film festival is celebrating year three, and will screen over 100 world-renowned works from November 11 - 14. This year, the fest will kick off at Wayne's Welcome Center with an opening night gala featuring live music, refreshments and a special short film program. Michigan local, Harvey Ovshinsky, will be presented with a special achievement award from Detroit Docs in recognition of his highly regarded documentary filmmaking career.

Over the past year, the festival received hundreds of submissions to the juried competition. A panel of local filmmakers and film lovers selected the films based on qualities like captivating subject matter, creative technique and pacing. "We were happily surprised by the content and quality of entries this year," said executive director Chris Walny. "The judges really struggled with some of the final selections and had some lively arguments over personal favorites."

Film screenings will run throughout the weekend, at all six venues simultaneously. Doc lovers will have a smorgasbord of award winning options including "Bum's Paradise," "Seeds," "Go Further," "Monster Road," and "Checkpoint." "Audiences are in for a magical surprise this year," said programming director, Lucie Bourgeau. "These docs will move people beyond anything they could possibly see in a conventional Hollywood film." Detailed descriptions and further film information is available at www.detroitdocs.org.

Wayne State University, in the heart of Detroit's cultural center, is an important new venue for the festival. "We're thrilled to be sharing this incredible event with Wayne," said festival director Tod Hardin. "The match between film topics and Wayne State experts should make for lively discussions following screenings. We're also very proud to be offering free admission to all events for Wayne State students."

The university will also host lectures and workshops on filmmaking, featuring esteemed filmmakers from around the country and will feature student films and awards on Sunday, November 14.

Highlights:

Screening over 100 documentaries from all over the world including the United States, Canada, Scotland, Australia, Germany, Israel, United Kingdom, Poland, the Netherlands, and Japan

Introducing two new venues; Wayne State University & the Detroit Institute of Arts

Welcoming 30+ filmmakers and visitors from out of town to attend the festival with their works

Festival kicks off with an Opening Night Gala at Wayne's Welcome Center, Thursday, November 11, 2004, 7 pm - 10 pm

Highly acclaimed line-up of films, including a special screening of award winning "Go Further" with special guest filmmaker Ron Mann

Six new filmmaker workshops hosted by acclaimed documentary filmmakers