reported by Jeremy Barns, CyberScreenwriter.com

AOL has launched True Stories (http://movies.aol.com/truestories), a new website dedicated to documentary films, featuring both critically acclaimed independent titles, as well as new projects prior to theatrical release.

Each month, True Stories will premiere up to two feature-length films. The first will be Danielson: A Family Movie, which will make its theatrical debut in major markets beginning this month. The second film is Shadow Company, a look inside the world of private security firms in Iraq.

True Stories provides a forum where viewers can share their thoughts on each film, discuss the subject matter with others viewers, as well as learn ways to get involved. For filmmakers, this added community element can provide an opportunity to build an audience for sometimes controversial subject matter before the films hit theaters. Filmmakers will maintain personal blogs as a way to bring the film further to life, provide in-depth profiles of the featured subjects when possible, and an open channel of communication with the public. Select films will also feature bonus footage and interviews, including deleted scenes.