SILVERDOCS | Attend | Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

TICKETING FAQ

Maximize your festival experience! You can avoid ticket lines, relax at the Cinema Lounge, meet filmmakers and much, much more!

How can I buy tickets?

You can buy tickets online or at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center.

Tickets for individual films will go on sale May 27th.

Once available, there are many ways to purchase tickets:

Online sales

Tickets may be purchased at SILVERDOCS.com. Free online ticketing. All major credit cards accepted. Please make sure to bring the credit card you used to purchase the tickets to the AFI Silver box office to pick them up. You must be seated 15 minutes before the film starts to guarantee admission.

Phone Sales

May 27 - June 14

Open Tuesday - Saturdays 12:00 EST - 7:00 EST

Call 1.877.DOCS.TIX

All phone sales include a $4 service fee per transaction.

Individual Ticket Sales

General Admission: $10

Discount: $9

Day-Of-Show Tickets: $10

Phone Sales: General Admission + $4 fee per transaction

Day of Show ticketing

Day-Of-Show ticket sales are available exclusively at the AFI Silver and based on availability. Day-Of-Show tickets will not be sold over the phone or on-line. Tickets are $10, CASH only, no discounts, exchanges, or refunds.

Standby Sales

We offer standby ticketing to give guests a chance to see the best documentary films!

Standby sales are located at the AFI Silver Theater 45 minutes before the start of a “Sold-Out” screening. Standby admission starts 10 minutes before screening. Arrive early! Tickets are sold based on availability and admission is not guaranteed.

AVOID THE HASSLE – PURCHASE A PLATINUM PACKAGE OR STERLING ALL ACCESS PASS!

Where is the Film Schedule?

Click here to view a schedule of our films and events.

FESTIVAL GUEST FAQ

Where does SILVERDOCS take place?

SILVERDOCS takes place in Silver Spring, Maryland. The festival and conference events take place in three main locations, all within a two-block radius. The venues include the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, the Discovery Communications World Headquarters, and other points of interest around downtown Silver Spring. See more locations here .

Where is Silver Spring, Maryland?

Silver Spring is just north of Washington, DC, right off of the Capitol Beltway. Click here to see us on a map.

How do I get there?

Click here.

Where should I stay in Silver Spring?

The Courtyard by Marriott - Silver Spring Downtown is the Official Hotel Sponsor of SILVERDOCS. There are many hotels in Silver Spring. Click here for more info.

What are my weather and wardrobe considerations?

June tends to be hot and humid in the Washington, DC area and is subject to unexpected summer thunderstorms. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and pack a jacket or comfy throw, as many venues are well air-conditioned. Because the Conference events are held in several different locations, comfortable walking shoes and an umbrella are recommended.

What is the Cinema Lounge?

The Cinema Lounge is the social hub of the Festival. Located in the heart of downtown Silver Spring (just steps away from the AFI Silver and Discovery Communications), the Cinema Lounge is a great place to network, relax, enjoy a cold drink or listen to a live performance. Access is restricted to pass holders, so be sure to purchase your pass ahead of time!

CONFERENCE FAQ

Where is the full Conference Schedule?

The conference schedule is posted here. Purchase a Platinum Package, Sterling Pass or Industry Pass to gain full access to all of the exciting conference Programs.

What are Silver Sessions? How do I sign up?

Silver Sessions are small group meetings with international development, programming and acquisition executives; program officers from the NEH, NEA and NSF; theatrical, DVD and international broadcast distributors; marketing and PR consultants; producer’s representatives; legal advisors and industry leaders. Attendance is limited to 15 – 20 participants. The full list of Silver Sessions is available here.

Sterling All Access Pass holders have priority access to Silver Sessions. Industry Pass holders may sign up for six Silver Sessions in advance and Conference Day Pass holders may sign up for two in advance, subject to availability. Registered Conference attendees may sign up on-site for additional Silver Sessions on a first-come, first-served basis depending on availability.

To Sign Up: Pass Holders with access to the International Documentary Conference may E-mail their top eight (8) day-specific choices, in order of preference, to Conference@SILVERDOCS.com or contact the Conference Desk at 301.495.6769. Six (6) choices will be assigned (subject to availability).

What is the education workshop and who is it for?
(What is the education workshop? Panel discussions? Lectures? Etc?) The focus of the workshop is primarily for secondary teachers of all subjects but especially language arts, social studies, humanities and special education. In addition, topics discussed at the workshop will be pertinent to school administrators, curriculum designers and specialists. While the content is targeted primarily to Educators, sessions are open to all Conference Pass holders.

What subject areas will be included in the education workshops?
1.   Dealing with challenged film and literary texts in the classroom
2.   Teaching English, humanities or social studies using documentaries
3.   Teaching AP English or rhetoric using documentaries
4.   Engaging student learners using filmmaking in the classroom
5.   Aligning film-related lessons to state standards and rationales
6.   Using the documentary to teach the principles of argumentation
7.   Engaging at-risk student learners
8.   Incorporating 21st century technology in the classroom
9.   Using film clips or segments in lessons
a.   The technology of loading student-generated film on the Web
b.   Student and education-friendly websites

When will the educator workshop be held?

The education workshops will be held primarily on June 18 &19. However, attendees are welcome to attend the other workshops occurring during the festival.

What events will the educator pass get me into?

The educator pass permits access to all film screenings, conference programs and Festival lounges from the 16th until the 23rd of June, plus access to sponsored conference breakfasts, lunches, happy hours and regular reception. Some events will note whether an RSVP is required.

Can I get Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) or course credit for the workshop?

No, because of the time constraints, these workshops have not be accredited for CEUs or university credit. However, many jurisdictions may give credit with proof of attendance at the workshops. See your local accreditation office for information.