A MESSAGE FROM MONTGOMERY COUNTY EXECUTIVE ISIAH LEGGETT

Dear Friends:

On behalf of the people of Montgomery Country Maryland, welcome to the premier documentary film festival in the United States, and a destination for media professionals from around the globe.

To the residents of the National Capital area: your year-round support and enthusiasm for the AFI Silver Theatre has secured its national reputation as America's leading movie theatre, offering the best in world cinema; and for this special week in June, national and international media turn their attention to our success. Montgomery County and the Silver Spring community pride ourselves on bringing together the best in art, and commerce in one of the most diverse communities in the country - and SILVERDOCS brings it all into focus.  We are a community on the move, with a progressive spirit and an expanding range of cultural, educational and recreational amenities.

AFI has been a great educational asset to our community, with nearly 50,000 students participating in AFI Silver's Educational Screenings Program, and I'm very pleased that this year the SILVERDOCS International Documentary Conference will expand on those efforts with a special program 'School Docs' bringing education and media professionals together to explore the future of film in the classroom - and continuing Montgomery County's commitment to leading-edge, quality education and to building strong communities.

If you are new to our community, you are about to fall in love with our exciting local hotspots and friendly atmosphere.  If you are returning for another exhilarating year of SILVERDOCS, join me in taking pride in our success