AFI Docs presented by Audi (formerly Silverdocs) has announced their inaugural Policy Engagement Program, where filmmakers making social-issues documentaries connect with policy makers to maximize their impact on the issues their films cover. The program will take place in Washington D.C. on June 20; panelists and full schedule below.
Filmmakers have the opportunity to schedule one-on-one meetings with Congressional Members and staff from regions and committees as
well as Federal agencies related to their films. The filmmakers of “Gideon’s Army,” “I Learned America,” “Best Kept Secret,” “The Crash Reel” and “Lost for Life” were selected for personalized, targeted pro bono advocacy support by leading
advocates.
The Bi-partisan panelists include former and current
staffers from the house, senate, administration and prominent NGOs, most of
whom have experience working with filmmakers.
JUNE 20, 2013 SCHEDULE:
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. Film and Politics Boot camp
10:00 a.m. Campaigns and Elections Panel includes Sery Kim,
former Deputy Coalitions Director for the Romney for President Campaign and
former health counsel to Chairman Darrell Issa at the House Oversight and
Government Reform Committee (R), and Matt Thornton, former Senior
Communications Adviser at American Bridge “Super PAC” and
Communications Director for Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D).
10:30 a.m. Congress and the Executive Branch Panel includes
Minh Ta, Chief of Staff for Rep. Gwen Moore (D) and former Legislative Director
for Rep. Keith Ellison (D), MJ Henshaw, Press Secretary and Legislative Aide
for Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R), Clark Mica, former Acting Deputy Assistant
Secretary for Intergovernmental Relations at U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development (Bush Administration) and Will Jenkins, Director of
Communications at U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Obama
Administration) and former Director of Communications for Senator Jim Webb (D).
11:20 a.m. Advocacy and Lobbying Panel includes Heather
White, Executive Director of the Environmental Working Group, Michael Bracy,
Founder, the Future of Music Coalition and Katie Vlietstra Wonnenberg, the
Director of Government Affairs for the National Association for the
Self-Employed and President of Women in Government Relations.
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Networking Lunch with DC Insiders.
Filmmakers have the opportunity to have more in depth conversations with some
of the DC insiders over lunch in the Capitol.
1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Strategic Afternoon Policymaker Meetings
3:30 p.m. — 5:00 p.m.
AFI DOCS and Chicken & Egg Present “Capital Cocktails”
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