Irvine, Calif. – A promotional alliance struck between Vizio and the American Film Institute (AFI) will launch with the TV vendor’s sponsorship of the institute’s annual AFI Fest, billed as an annual celebration of artistic excellence.
The 28th annual AFI Fest 2014 presented by Audi runs from Nov. 6 through Nov. 13 in Hollywood and is free to the public.
Vizio will host the festival’s opening night, which features the world premiere of “A Most Violent Year,” set in New York City during the winter of 1981.
For the event, Vizio is setting up the Vizio HD Lounge, where filmmakers get a chance to interact with its latest Ultra HD Smart TVs. The company will also provide 70-inch Vizio P-series Ultra HD full-array LED Smart TV and a 54-inch 5.1-channel sound bar to the winner of the Vizio Visionary Special Jury Award, which will be given to a filmmaker for “extraordinary visual storytelling. The winner will be chosen by a panel of international film writers and critics.
The Vizio Chill and Charge Lounge in the Roosevelt Hotel will let film enthusiasts relax while they charge their phones and get a drink while watching P-Series Ultra HD TVs displaying Vizio-produced 4K content.
The company has also placed billboards across Hollywood Blvd. and Highland Ave. in Hollywood.
The vendor will also place digital advertisements and promotion across online properties as well as Vizio-specific AFI Fest radio spots featuring the voice of entertainment host Mario Lopez.
A Vizio Fandemonium social site centered on the festival will let fans earn points and redeem them for rewards.
Vizio.com will also feature AFI Fest content on its home page.
“The collaboration has been designed to enrich and nurture the art of film and the viewing of content in homes across America,” the company said.
AFI Fest mixes red carpet galas of Hollywood films over multiple nights with new works from filmmakers around the world. The festival will pay tribute to film legend Sophia Loren, who will be honored at the Dolby Theatre on Nov. 12.
