Audi to Present AFI FEST 2009 in Hollywood

HERNDON, Va., Oct. 29 /PRNewswire/ --

• For the sixth year, Audi will be the title sponsor of L.A.'s largest film festival
• 'AFI FEST 2009 presented by Audi' opens Friday with premiere of 'Fantastic Mr. Fox'
• Audi has a longstanding commitment to support the arts, from film to visual design
  

"AFI FEST 2009 presented by Audi," the longest running Los Angeles-based film festival, opens Friday with Audi as its presenting sponsor for the sixth consecutive year. The nine-day event kicks off award season with assorted world and U.S. film premieres, red carpet galas, and special events.

"AFI FEST celebrates creativity and innovation, so Audi is an ideal partner for us," said Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO. "The Audi commitment to the arts and to AFI FEST is well established, and fits hand-in-glove with its emphasis on design."

This will be a year of innovations at AFI FEST with several new features making their debut. The theme for 2009 is "See A Film On Us," meaning that for the first time the festival offered complimentary tickets to the general public for all screenings, including galas and special screenings. The response was overwhelming with the tickets selling out almost immediately online. Also, for the first time, AFI FEST will take place entirely in the heart of Hollywood with all film screenings at the legendary Grauman's Chinese Theater.

"The influence and character of AFI FEST aligns well with the prestige of the Audi brand," said Scott Keogh, Chief Marketing Officer, Audi of America. "Our role as presenting sponsor in 2009 comes at a very exciting moment in the event's history."

Audi's role as presenting sponsor includes recreating the Audi SkyLounge at Hollywood's famed Roosevelt Hotel, which will play host to a variety of private events and official AFI FEST engagements. Audi will also be the exclusive sponsor of the festival's opening night, featuring the premiere of "Fantastic Mr. Fox," directed by Wes Andersen and starring George Clooney and Meryl Streep, and the closing night premiere of "A Single Man," Tom Ford's directorial debut starring Colin Firth and Julianne Moore.

ABOUT AUDI OF AMERICA

Audi of America Inc. and its 270 dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. The Audi line up is one of the freshest in the industry with 23 models, including 12 models launched during model years 2008 and 2009. Audi is among the most successful brands globally. In selling one million vehicles worldwide in 2008, AUDI AG recorded its 13th consecutive record year for sales and profits.