Film expert M.K. Asante Jr. teaches children about documentary filmmaking.

The American Documentary Showcase brings award-winning contemporary American documentaries to audiences around the world to offer a view of American society and culture as seen by independent documentary filmmakers.

Funded by a grant from the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and curated and administered by the University Film and Video Association (UFVA), the Showcase highlights the value of documentaries in fostering understanding and cooperation, dialogue and debate.

This year’s films have won recognition and awards ranging from an Academy Award nomination to a National Board of Review Freedom of Expression Award to a Special Jury Award at the International Documentary Film Festival in Amsterdam. The documentaries explore diverse topics including civil rights, the treatment of military veterans, environmentalism and freedom of the press.

The American filmmakers and film experts participating in the 2011 American Documentary Showcase will travel to Greece, Uzbekistan, India, Bangladesh and more than a dozen other countries throughout the year.

2011 Titles