Professional Motion Picture Production and Distribution NEWS

ST. LOUIS-- As part of Stella Artois' long-standing commitment to the film community, the Belgian beer is sponsoring select American Film Institute (AFI) 2009 events, including the Life Achievement Award honoring Michael Douglas on June 11 and the 23rd annual AFI FEST Oct. 30 - Nov. 7 in Los Angeles.

AFI is a national institute providing leadership in screen education and the recognition and celebration of excellence in the art of film, television and digital media. AFI also trains the next generation of filmmakers, maintains America's film heritage and explores new digital technologies in entertainment and education.

"AFI plays a vital role in training the next generation of filmmakers, while helping preserve the film industry's rich heritage," said Paul Byrne, product manager, Belgian brands. "Stella Artois also has a history of supporting the global film industry including major film festivals and independent cinema. Sponsoring AFI is another way we can reinforce our commitment to the art of filmmaking and the filmmakers who have supported our brand over the years."

Most recently, Stella Artois partnered with Academy Award winning actor Kevin Spacey and film networking site TriggerStreet.com to create the Stella Artois Short Film Project, which discovers and showcases emerging filmmaking talent, and awards one independent filmmaker a $50,000 cash prize for their short film displaying the themes of "sacrifice" or "perfection."

"We applaud Stella Artois' support for the film community," said AFI President and CEO Bob Gazzale. "Stella Artois understands the vital role AFI plays in bringing together artists and audiences to celebrate excellence in film."

The AFI Life Achievement Award is the highest honor for a career in film. Founded in 1967, AFI's mission includes ensuring that great accomplishments of the past are recognized so that masters of film can take their deserved place in history beside leaders in other arts. The AFI Life Achievement Award honors an individual whose career in motion pictures has greatly contributed to the enrichment of American culture.

Based in St. Louis, Anheuser-Busch is the leading American brewer, holding a 49.2 percent share of U.S. beer sales. The company brews the world's largest-selling beers, Budweiser and Bud Light. Anheuser-Busch also owns a 50 percent share in Grupo Modelo, Mexico's leading brewer. Anheuser-Busch ranked No. 1 among beverage companies in FORTUNE Magazine's Most Admired Global Companies list in 2009. Anheuser-Busch is one of the largest theme park operators in the United States, is a major manufacturer of aluminum cans and one of the world's largest recyclers of aluminum cans. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, the leading global brewer, and continues to operate under the Anheuser-Busch name and logo.