Posted by Larry Gleeson

In a dramatic brand expansion, NBC News’ MEET THE PRESS WITH CHUCK TODD will hit the big screen for the first time this fall, joining forces with AFI for an innovative documentary film festival premiere featuring must-watch untold stories of American politics.

See the live news announcement here.

The first-ever Meet The Press Film Festival n Collaboration with the American Film Institute will be held this November in Washington, DC, featuring seven short-length documentary films produced with a diversity of perspectives. Submissions are now being accepted.

The commanding journalism of “Meet the Press” is a natural fit with AFI, an institute established in 1967 after President Johnson’s mandate — to bring “together leading artists of the film industry, outstanding educators and young men and women who wish to pursue the 20th-century art form as their life’s work.” AFI is also known for its acclaimed Washington, DC-area documentary festival. The innovative collaboration not only combines NBC News’ benchmark political reporting with AFI’s dedication to connecting audiences, filmmakers and policy leaders — it celebrates the 70th and 50th anniversaries, respectively, of both historical institutions.

With politics-themed and issue-oriented documentaries more popular now than ever before, the groundbreaking November film festival is a consequential expansion for the longest-running show on television. By pairing gold standard reporting with long-form storytelling, MEET THE PRESS and AFI are redefining the gravity and scope of a Sunday public affairs program in 21st century political journalism.

More information on the first-ever film festival will be announced in the coming weeks.

(Source: AFI.com)