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 – Continued – 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.

AFI FEST presented by Audi will begin accepting submissions in March. The final deadline for shorts (under 30 minutes) is July 30, 2010. The final deadline for features (over 30 minutes) is August 13, 2010. Acceptance decisions will be announced in early October. For more information email programming@AFI.com, or call 1.866.AFI.FEST. AFI FEST is the only film festival in the United States to hold the prestigious FIAPF accreditation (FIAPF.org), assuring a high standard of quality and reliability for the international film community. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognizes AFI FEST as a qualifying festival for the Short Films category of the annual Academy Awards.

The American Film Market (AFM), to be held November 3-10, 2010, is the market partner of AFI FEST. Since its formation in 2004, this alliance has grown into the largest gathering of film professionals in North America. The association between the two events connects art and commerce, broadening the opportunities for all participants.

Last year’s AFI FEST presented by Audi enjoyed record attendance, as audiences turned out in force to attend films and special events. Programming highlights from AFI FEST 2009 presented by Audi included 7 consecutive nights of galas and tributes, including FANTASTIC MR FOX, PRECIOUS, THE MESSENGER, A SINGLE MAN, THE ROAD and a 50th Anniversary digitally re-mastered presentation of Alfred Hitchcock’s NORTH BY NORTHWEST; tributes to Viggo Mortensen and Christopher Plummer, the latter featuring a screening of THE LAST STATION; red carpet appearances by Wes Anderson, Drew Barrymore, Angela Bassett, Kate Beckinsale, Nicolas Cage, Lee Daniels, Julie Delpy, Robert De Niro, Colin Firth, Tom Ford, Terry Gilliam, Woody Harrelson, Werner Herzog, Martin Landau, Julianne Moore, Mo’Nique, Bill Murray, Tyler Perry, Eva Marie Saint, Jason Schwartzman, Charlize Theron and Oprah Winfrey; and access to the AFI Digital Content Lab’s 2-day DigiFest conference.