Rodrigo Blaas' "Alma" will be screened during the Ann Arbor Film Festival's animation program on Friday, March 26 at 9:30 p.m.

Although post-Oscar buzz is still ringing in our ears, it’s now time to celebrate experimental and independent films at the 48th Ann Arbor Film Festival, happening March 23-28 at the Michigan Theater.

One of the oldest festivals in North America, the AAFF features — in the words of executive director Donald Harrison — “documentaries, animation, abstract silent films, intense visual experiments, character-driven stories, music videos, observational meditations and films that cross genres and defy expections.”

Which is to say, the fest pretty much has something for everyone.

THE NUMBERS: Although some of the events and programs are excluded, at heart the festival is a competition, with more than $20,000 at stake for various prizes. This year, AAFF received 2,500 submissions from 67 countries; about 40 volunteer screeners, over the course of 6 months, whittled the submissions down to 170 films from 20 countries. Running times for AAFF films range from 2 minute to nearly 2½ hours.

THE PROCESS: “It's hard to define specifics for how we make decisions,” said Harrison. “In the broadest sense, we're looking for films that meaningfully explore the art form of film. Often, these are films that affect us, challenge or confront our expectations, fully realize the filmmaker's vision, engage us with a strong sense of purpose, or merit further viewings.”

SUBMISSION TRENDS: “We are clearly seeing the effects of technology, with more filmmakers experimenting with techniques to deconstruct pixels (e.g., data-moshing) and more work coming from all parts of the world,” said Harrison. “We saw a lot of films addressing timely issues, such as the continued impacts of the Iraq war, gay marriage, and threats to the environment.”

Watch a brief trailer for the Ann Arbor Film Festival, made by popular AAFF alum Michael Langan and featuring music from local indie band Starling Electric:

2010 FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS: “Seriously, it’s a tough question, because I’m genuinely excited about every program in this year’s festival,” said Harrison.

Even so, Harrison cited filmmaker Kenneth Anger’s event on Saturday at 7:30 p.m., wherein an on-stage conversation between Anger and New York film critic Dennis Lim will follow screenings of a few of Anger’s restored 35 mm films; Friday night’s world premiere of a live musical score performed by Flying Lotus for Harry Smith’s classic avant-garde animation, “Heaven and Earth Magic”; and Wednesday’s Diamond Pivot Bright program, with 4 world premieres, all 4 filmmakers in attendance, and a pre-show bonus of never-before-seen footage of Iggy Pop at a 1973 concert.

Local filmmaker Alexis Bravos' "A Deep Well" offers 8 film haikus shot in Hillsborough, North Carolina, starring a man, a goat, a cat and some chickens.

FEATURED LOCAL FILMMAKERS: Jack Cronin’s “Sleeping Bear” screens on Tuesday’s opening night program at 8:15 p.m.; Zeynep Gursel’s “Coffee Futures” screens Saturday in the 1 p.m. All That Lies Between Us program; Peter Herwitz’s “Gesturings” screens during the How the Darkness Doubled program on Friday at 7:30 p.m.; Chris McNamara’s “The Use of Movement” screens Saturday at 1 p.m. in the All That Lies Between Us program; Scott Northrup’s “Everything to Live For” will be part of Out Night on Thursday at 7 p.m.; and Alexis Bravos’s “A Deep Well” screens during the Diamond Pivot Bright program on Wednesday at 7 p.m.

MOST POPULAR PROGRAMS: “We see the largest crowds for our Opening Night, Out Night LGBT-themed program, Animation-themed program, Kid-Friendly program, Awarded Film programs, and the late night Thursday night shorts program,” said Harrison. “Key special presentations sometimes draw huge crowds, and we anticipate Kenneth Anger and Flying Lotus to pack the house this year.” (Harrison expects many screening-room events to sell out in advance, and thus recommends that attendees purchase advance tickets or passes, and/or arrive at least 15 minutes early.)

FEST EXTRAS: In addition to competition film blocks (awards for various prizes will be announced Sunday) and special panels, lectures and film retrospectives, AAFF is affiliated with art exhibitions happening not only at the Michigan Theater, but also Work Gallery, at 306 S. State St., and the Ann Arbor Art Center, at 117 W. Liberty St.

AAFF’S FINANCIAL OUTLOOK: “We saw an increase in sponsorship this year — several new key donors joining our efforts; and with support from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, NEA and Warhol Foundation, we have momentum to build upon as we consider bigger possibilities for our upcoming 50th anniversary,” said Harrison. “Fundraising for a non-profit is always an ongoing effort, however, and If attendance and membership lag at this year's festival, we may experience a challenging summer ahead.”

AAFF’S REWARDS: “Everyday we're involved with artists trying to share their visions and reach audiences,” said Harrison. “There's an energy and excitement we share with that purpose.”

Here's a trailer for Portland-based writer/director Matt McCormick, whose film "Some Days are Better Than Others" - will be screened at this year's AAFF.

Here's a short film, called "Photograph of Jesus," that will be part of the AAFF's opening night program.

Jenn McKee is the entertainment digital journalist for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at jennmckee@annarbor.com or 734-623-2546, and follow her on Twitter @jennmckee.