July 2025 News
AFI Announces Rebecca Green as New Producing Discipline Head
AFI has announced that Rebecca Green has joined the AFI Conservatory as the new Head of the Producing Discipline. Green has made an impact across many facets of our industry, most notably as a champion for producers and as a strong advocate for their vital role in the industry. Her newsletter “Dear Producer” has become an essential resource for independent producers as well as a reflection on the state of the industry. Her notable credits include the breakout horror film IT FOLLOWS, the poignant drama I’LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS and her recent work, ALL THAT WE LOVE.
AFI Tribute to Francis Ford Coppola on TCM
Tune in to the televised special for the AFI LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: A TRIBUTE TO FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA, re-airing July 31 at 8:00 p.m. / 7:00 p.m. CT on TCM. The AFI LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: 50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL will also re-air on TCM at 6:00 p.m. that same night. Thank you for supporting the this year’s AFI Life Achievement Award – alumni ticket sales at the event raised $8,487.75, benefiting scholarships for future Fellows!
Class of 2022 Thesis Films Launching on Watch.AFI.com
AFI is excited to announce that new AFI Conservatory and AFI DWW+ films have been added to the online collection on Watch.AFI.com – now available for free streaming. The latest additions include Class of 2022 Thesis films, which after a successful festival run, have received global recognition.
Announcing Honorary Degree Recipients at the AFI Conservatory Class of 2025 Commencement
Viola Davis and Walter Murch will receive honorary doctorates at this year’s AFI Conservatory Class of 2025 Commencement, taking place Friday, August 8, 2025 at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. AFI looks forward to celebrating the remarkable achievements of the graduating class and marking this milestone in their filmmaking journey.
Bridge to the Future Hosts Screenwriting Industry Sessions
Held at the Lawrence Herbert Alumni Center, Bridge to the Future hosted a three-day event for 2nd Year Screenwriting Fellows, offering Fellows the opportunity to engage directly with over 25 working professionals including: LaToya Morgan (DUSTER), Liz Hannah (THE POST) and Andy Siara (PALM SPRINGS).
6 Alumni Selected to 2025 Women in Film Fellowship Class
Women in Film selected six AFI Alumni for a year-long program of mentorship, master classes, career strategy sessions and industry network building. The AFI Alumnae recognized included: Andressa Cordeiro (AFI Class of 2014), Erin Jones-Wesley (AFI Class of 2019), Radha Mehta (AFI Class of 2023), Rayana Rasamee (AFI Class of 2022) and Ioana Vasile (AFI Class of 2024).
Reserve a Space at the Lawrence Herbert Alumni Center
Planning a meeting, table read or rehearsal? As an AFI Conservatory Alum, you can book our versatile conference and multi-purpose rooms at the Lawrence Herbert Alumni Center. Please review the updated campus access website and request a campus visit.
Join the AFI Alumni Network on Backlot
Looking for collaborators, industry insights or opportunities to mentor fellow AFI Alumni? Stay connected with the latest happenings in the AFI community by signing up for AFI Backlot. It’s your space to share, connect and strengthen our creative network!
Request an AFI Email
Need an AFI email address to streamline communication with fellow Alumni or assistance with your AFI Alumni account? Our Alumni Affairs team is here to help – contact us today!
In Other AFI News…
AWARDS, GRANTS, FELLOWSHIPS AND OTHER HONORS
Congratulations to all the AFI Alumni and Fellows named 2025 Women in Film Fellows! We’re proud to celebrate these visionary storytellers selected for the prestigious WIF Fellowship, supporting the next generation of leaders in the industry.
Business Fellows Presented by STARZ #TakeTheLead
Erin Jones-Wesley (AFI Class of 2020)
Cinematography Fellows Presented by Netflix
Andressa Cordeiro (AFI Class of 2014)
Ioana Vasile (AFI Class of 2024)
Rayana Rasamee (AFI Class of 2022)
Giuliana Tambellini (AFI Class of 2026)
Director Fellows Presented by Netflix
Radha Mehta (AFI Class of 2023)
Producing alum Diana Romero (Class of 2007) is featured in this Hollywood Reporter article about her Fringe Festival show: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/arts/hollywood-fringe-record-year-1236295798/
AFI alums Frederick Elmes (Class of 1972) and Peter Deming (Class of 1980) — the cinematographers behind five of David Lynch’s (Class of 1970) films — reunited at Italy’s Global Series Festival to talk TWIN PEAKS, their collaborations with Lynch, and a long-rumored project that might finally come to life.
Alliance of Women Directors, whose Co-Chair is Jennifer Warren’s (AFI Class of 1982), announced their 2025 Mentor Latina Directors Fellows: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/articles/alliance-women-directors-sets-2025-184144595.html
ColorCreative, the management and production company co-founded by producer Deniese Davis (AFI Class of 2012) announced the cohort for the third year of its Find Your People Program, including AFI Fellow Joseph Choi (AFI Class of 2026) and Alumna Allysa Lisbon (AFI Class of 2024). Additionally, ColorCreative announced a strategic partnership with investment firm HarbourView Equity Partners at the Cannes Lions Festival.
Reframe Rise and Women in Film announced the cohort for the Class of 2025, which includes Ino Yang Popper (AFI Class of 2020): https://variety.com/2025/artisans/news/reframe-rise-wif-cohort-class-2025-1236439056/
Women in Film announced their 2025 WIF Fellowship Class, welcoming several AFI Alumni for a year-long program of mentorship, master classes, career strategy sessions and industry network building. The AFI Alumnae recognized included: Andressa Cordeiro (AFI Class of 2014), Erin Jones-Wesley (AFI Class of 2019), Radha Mehta (AFI Class of 2023), Rayana Rasamee (AFI Class of 2022) and Ioana Vasile (AFI Class of 2024).
NEW PROJECTS IN DEVELOPMENT/PRODUCTION
Daniel Dreifuss (AFI Class of 2007) will produce the limited series adaptation of “A Boy’s Own Story,” the seminal 1982 novel by the late gay author Edmund White.
Husband/wife filmmakers and alums Charlie Polinger (AFI Class of 2017) and Lucy McKendrick (AFI Class of 2016) are writing the script for Amazon MGM Studios’ upcoming BRATZ movie, set to star Kim Kardashian.
THE SAINTS created by Matti Leshem (AFI Class of 1990) and developed by Martin Scorsese was renewed by Fox Nation for Season 2.
Mark Ruffalo will star opposite Ruth Madeley in Apple Original Films’ BEING HEUMANN, directed by Siân Heder (AFI Class of 2005). The film adapts Judy Heumann’s bestselling memoir.
NEW TRAILERS
The trailer for THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY Season 3 was released. The show features the work of cinematographers Sandra Valde-Hansen (AFI Class of 2006) and Tarin Anderson (AFI Class of 2004): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faL_S-7z4_I
NEW RELEASES AND OTHER PROJECTS
M3GAN 2.0 released to theaters nationwide today and much of the branded content created for the Universal film was created by a team of AFI Alumni, including this piece: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WbnF49aBeE
- Director Drew Pollins (AFI Class of 2016)
- Producer Leal Naim (AFI Class of 2016)
- Production Designer Adele Cain (AFI Class of 2017)
- Art Director Sandra Rodriguez (AFI Class of 2023)
- Production Support Ken Morris (AFI Class of 2016)
Indiewire interviewed Ari Aster about his new movie EDDINGTON set to be released nationwide on July 18: “I’m hungry for more work that is reflecting where we.”
THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY, which features the work of cinematographers Sandra Valde-Hansen AFI Class of 2006) and Tarin Anderson (AFI Class of 2004) announced the episode rollout for its third and final season, premiering with two episodes on July 16 and then releasing a new episode weekly on Wednesdays until the series finale on September 17.
ECHO VALLEY written by Brad Inglesby (AFI Class of 2005) and starring Sydney Sweeney and Julianne Moore recently premiered on Apple TV.
FESTIVALS AND FILM MARKETS
CRUSTY FOULER had its world premiere at the Dances With Films Festival on June 23. The feature film stars and is produced by Anabelle Lemieux (AFI Class of 2024), with Matt Gelzer (AFI Class of 2024) as editor and Nevo Shirazi (AFI Class of 2024) as cinematographer.
EAST OF WALL, executive produced by Scott Frank (AFI Class of 1984), screened as a Spotlight Feature at the Tribeca Film Festival.
The AFI thesis film DANDELION won Best Narrative Short at the 2025 Brooklyn Film Festival. The film features the work of AFI Class of 2024 including director Fiona Obertinca, screenwriter Corey Pinchoff, producer Tori Ichikowitz, cinematographer Bruce Wang, production designer Ana Visuetti and editor Ace Jing Wang.
OTHER NEWS
AFI Alum, AFI Faculty member, Emmy nominee and Editor Varun Viswanath (AFI Class of 2012) was featured on the cover of CineMontage magazine for his work on Hulu’s DELI BOYS. https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1536017-q2-2025/0.
AFI Alumni gathered in New York for the annual AFI Happy Hour, hosted by the Lawrence Herbert Alumni Center in collaboration with AFI Screenwriting Alum Ivano Pulito (AFI Class of 2016) at Petrarca Cucina e Vino in Tribeca. Held during the Tribeca Film Festival, the event brought together local alumni and those in town for the festival to engage and reconnect.
Lesli Linka Glatter (DWW+ Class of 1982) was featured on Deadline’s “Behind the Lens” interview series highlighting her show ZERO DAY.
Written by Jacob Stock (AFI Class of 2018), THE CURIOUS CASE OF DOLPHIN BAY was featured in the New York Times’ list of 5 Children’s Movies to Stream Right Now.
The proceeds from the David Lynch Collection auction hosted by Julien’s auction with Turner Classic Movies raised $4.25 million total for the iconic filmmaker’s estate.
Emmy nomination voting is now underway, with the following AFI AWARDS TV Program Honorees in the running for this year’s Emmy Awards: ABBOTT ELEMENTARY, THE BEAR, HACKS, A MAN ON THE INSIDE, NOBODY WANTS THIS, THE PENGUIN and SHRINKING.