AFIFEST 2009 (Event Over)

Oct. 30 - Nov. 7. This year's AFI Fest is trying something radical in these difficult economic times: they're giving you a chance to see a movie for free. Yes, free.

And their selections aren't just any movies, they're cream of the crop picks from prestigious fests like Sundance, Cannes and Toronto.

You can see stars like Heath Ledger (in his final film, "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus"), Colin Firth (Oscar-bound for "A Single Man"), Robert DeNiro ("Everybody's Fine"), Viggo Mortensen ("The Road"), Michael Cera ("Youth in Revolt"), Nicolas Cage ("Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans") and even Mariah Carey (better than you could ever imagine she'd be in the must-see "Precious").

Or you can tour Europe with prize-winning offerings from Romania ("Police, Adjective"), Austria ("The White Ribbon"), Italy ("Vincere"), France ("Bellamy") and the U.K. ("Fish Tank").

There's plenty to see, but you don't think free tickets will last long, do you?

If you're having a hard time narrowing it down, check out our AFI festival picks. But remember, the best part of any film festival is making a discovery all your own.

Most festival screenings will occur at Mann Chinese 6 (6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood & Highland Center; AFI FEST Box Office in the Mann Chinese 6 Main Lobby)

Screenings on the final weekend will occur at Laemmle's Monica 4-plex (1332 2nd St., Santa Monica; AFI FEST Box Office in the Main lobby)

(from website)