Pedro Almodovar guest directs AFI Fest

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Programme includes films that inspired him

The American Film Institute's 2011 AFI Fest will see Pedro Almod ó var serve as Guest Artistic Director, probably arriving in an Audi to satisfy the festival's main sponsor.

Almodóvar will also curate a sidebar programme of films that have inspired his work, with the line-up to be announced in October.

"I have an enormous respect for AFI Fest, which has always been very generous with me, so I am very honoured to be its Guest Artistic Director this year," said Almodóvar. "I'm looking forward to being in LA this November with my AFI Fest friends."

"There is a long legacy of international cinema at AFI Fest," said Jacqueline Lyanga, Festival Director.

"We've shown many of Pedro Almodóvar's films and we've seen the extraordinary influence that his work has had on other filmmakers over the years. Almodóvar's work embodies the cross-pollination of cinematic influences that fuel contemporary world cinema."

For the third year running tickets will be given away free to all screenings (including galas), with those who have splashed out on a Patron Package getting first dibs.

AFI Fest will take place 3-10 November in Hollywood, California at the historic Chinese Theatre, the Chinese 6 Theatres, the Egyptian Theatre and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.