Local documentarian Tiffany Shlain's 2011 film "Connected" will be one of the 29 films included in the US Department of State's American Films Showcase. According to the official announcement last week, the project is "an international cultural diplomacy initiative that brings people together worldwide through film."

"Connected", which is subtitled "An Autobiography About Love, Death, & Technology", is an examination of the many ways—both good and bad—that modern life has brought us closer. The subject matter is important to Shlain, who is also a co-founder of the Webby Awards. And now the American Film Showcase offers Shlain an opportunity to continue her discussion with new audiences in developing countries around the world.

On the phone, Shlain revealed just how much this program meant to her film. "Getting into Sundance was so validating and we've had a great tour with the film after our theatrical release in the fall. But to have this happen is such an honor. That was part of the vision of what we hoped this film would do."

Indeed, Shlain was newly energized after a day-long orientation this past Saturday (over Skype, natch). "The people from the State Department told us it was fine if our films had content that challenged the political status quo. They said 'We are representing democracy and America. When you speak for yourself, that represents the fabric of America.'"

Shlain and the other filmmakers submitted their schedules for the next 6 months to the State Department, which will forward them on to 25 US embassies. From there, the embassies will send out invitations for the filmmakers to come on 7-10 day visits. Accompanying them will be members of a panel of "film experts", including such Bay Area notables as SFSU Film Professor Bill Nichols and UC Berkeley's Class of 1937 Professor of Film & Media Mary Ann Doane. The screenings will be supplemented by workshops and discussions featuring these experts.

As it turns out, Shlain is no stranger to this sort of cultural exchange. "When I was 18 I was a student ambassador to the Soviet Union, with a program called People to People," she explained "So, 22 years later, to be touring in this official capacity is so cool."