The AmericanFilm Institute (AFI) has launched the international cultural exchange andcollaboration programme AFI Project 20/20.

Up to20 American and international filmmakers who have films screening at thisyear's AFI Fest will be announced as participants during the festival, whichruns in Los Angeles from Nov 1-12.

AFIProject 20/20 will invite select filmmakers to tour institutions in foreigncountries and promote greater mutual understanding through their work. AFI Festwill be the first stop for each year's participants.

Theproject is supported by the President's Committee on the Arts and theHumanities, the Department of State, the National Endowment for the Arts, theNational Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum and LibraryServices.

'Weare proud with AFI Project 20/20 to expand international exchanges andcollaborations and enhance global understanding and communication among theworld's filmmakers,' AFI president and chief executive officer Jean PickerFirstenberg said.