The Ann Arbor Film Festival has received a $20,000 grant from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences to present archival films and programs spanning its 5 decades of independent and experimental film exhibition history during the 50th festival.

Through support from the Academy, the AAFF will celebrate its historic 50th season by presenting special archival films and programs over the six-day event. More than 30 archival films, selected from the more than 5,000 that have screened at the AAFF over its history, will screen throughout the 50th festival, representing a dynamic range across the art form of film. Early works by acclaimed makers, such as Gus Van Sant, Barbara Hammer, Chick Stand and Bruce Baillie, will join other influential and rare films presented in context with contemporary independent works at the 50th AAFF.

“We are proud to partner with the Academy to present archival films at our 50th festival,” Donald Harrison, executive director of the AAFF, said in a press release. “We believe this type of programming across generations advances film culture and will generate important conversations about independent artists’ contributions to the art form of cinema.”

The Ann Arbor Film Festival is the second oldest annual film festival in North America and the first U.S. film festival to prominently feature the films of independent artists working with short format and experimental techniques. The AAFF received an AMPAS grant in 2010 to honor avant-garde filmmaking legend Kenneth Anger.

The 50th Ann Arbor Film Festival takes place March 27 - April 1. It will feature approximately 180 films over 40 programs, along with free panels, lectures and after parties. The full program of films will be announced Feb. 29.