Silver Spring, MD – The American Film Institute (AFI) is well underway with its 2017 AFI Latin American Film Festival running to October 4^th at the historic AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Silver Spring, MD.  Celebrating its 28th edition, the festival showcases the best in filmmaking from Latin America , Spain and Portugal. This festival embraces Ibero-American cultural connections.  There are a diverse selection of 42 films, one-third of which are female-helmed, ranging from international festival favorites and award winners to local box-office hits as well as debut works from outstanding new talent.  Additionally, a number of the filmmakers and actors will present their films in person at this year's screenings.  Several of the festival's Special Presentations will include post-screening receptions.