SILVERDOCS Announces Muhammad Ali in Attendance for FACING ALI

SILVER SPRING, Md., May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- AFI-Discovery Channel SILVERDOCS
Documentary Festival today announced one of this year's special programs
during the eight-day event held just outside Washington, DC. Muhammad Ali,
one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century will be making an exclusive
appearance at SILVERDOCS to present Lionsgate/ Spike TV in association with
Muhammad Ali Enterprises' FACING ALI from director Pete McCormack and producer
Derik Murray.

From the moment he captured the gold at the 1960 Summer Olympics, the fighter
who first came to prominence as Cassius Clay electrified the world and
transformed the art of boxing. Articulate, handsome, charismatic and
outspoken, he became an icon of the burgeoning civil rights movement and a
hero to millions around the globe. A master showman and a brilliant
strategist, Ali won as much by getting inside his opponents' heads as by his
astounding physical talents. With exclusive interviews and vintage footage
from the champ's unmatched career, FACING ALI recreates his most unforgettable
rivalries, and recounts his triumphs, tragedies and unstoppable spirit.

Through fascinating and deeply personal conversations with some of The
Greatest's most renowned opponents, including Ken Norton, Earnie Shavers, Joe
Frazier, George Foreman, Leon Spinks and Larry Holmes, FACING ALI tells the
story of modern prize fighting. As the boxers each recount their pivotal
experiences in the ring with Ali, they also provide touching snapshots of
their own remarkable careers, and unique insights into a man who remains one
of the most prominent figures in American history.

"Muhammad Ali is a larger than life figure who has captured the hearts and
minds of generations. We are honored to welcome him to the Festival and to
present this important part of his legacy," said Sky Sitney, SILVERDOCS
Artistic Director.

SILVERDOCS will release its Competition films on May 20, 2009 and its full
slate on May 21, 2009.

About SILVERDOCS

AFI-Discovery Channel SILVERDOCS Documentary Festival is an eight-day
internationally recognized event that honors excellence in filmmaking,
supports the diverse voices and free expression of independent storytellers
and celebrates the power of documentary to improve our understanding of the
world. Now in its seventh year, the Festival runs June 15-22 at the AFI Silver
Theatre and Cultural Center in the Washington, DC, area. The 2008 Festival
featured 108 films from 63 countries presented to more than 25,000 attendees,
including the influential audiences of the nation's capital and media
professionals from around the world. The concurrent five-day SILVERDOCS
International Documentary Conference presents thought-provoking presentations
and engages a diverse group of more than 1,000 filmmakers and media leaders
concerned with the future of nonfiction storytelling, production and
distribution. For more information, go to SILVERDOCS.com.

SOURCE SILVERDOCS

Jody Arlington for SILVERDOCS, +1-301-495-6759, jodyarlington@mac.com