Launched in 2003, the SILVERDOCS: AFI/Discovery Channel Documentary Festival is a partnership between the American Film Institute and Discovery Channel that showcases independent filmmakers and expands the audience for independent documentaries. SILVERDOCS is an international film festival, honors excellence in filmmaking, supports the diverse voices and free expression of independent storytellers and celebrates the power of documentaries to improve our understanding of the world.

The concurrent five-day SILVERDOCS International Documentary Conference presents thought-provoking presentations and engages a diverse group of over 1,000 filmmakers and industry leaders concerned with the future of nonfiction storytelling, production and distribution.