November 2025 News
Alumni Reconnect at AFI Class of 2005 Reunion
Earlier this month, the AFI Class of 2005 Reunion welcomed 75 Alumni to the Lawrence Herbert Alumni Center for a night of celebration and reconnection. Highlights included Campus tours, a tree-planting ceremony and a presentation by the archivist on AFI’s history. Alumni enjoyed refreshments and received AFI FEST tickets, plus a free one-year Canva Pro membership.
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!
AFI FRIDAY UPDATE
Matthew Syrett (AFI Class of 2024) and Robyn Wholey (AFI Class of 2025) are co-creators of THE CHARACTERS YEARS, part of Vital Stories, a new Tribeca Studios initiative in partnership with the pharmaceutical company Lilly that empowers filmmakers to tell authentic, inclusive, health-centered stories.
Mobolaji Olambiwonnu (AFI Class of 2001) is among three filmmakers receiving support from the Stay in L.A. Documentary Development Grant. His film THE VILLAGE ON MY BLOCK, alongside Adam Saltzberg’s untitled true crime project and Mackenzie Rohan’s STEPPING OUT OF THE BACKGROUND, will each receive $10,000 to help develop and produce stories spotlighting L.A.-area experiences.
Thomas Mahoney (AFI Class of 2008) is producing CLAIRE, a creature horror thriller starring Krysten Ritter (JESSICA JONES), Cameron Crovetti (THE BOYS), Sarah Bolger (MAYANS M.C.) and Carrie-Anne Moss (THE MATRIX).
Thomas Mahoney will also produce MISTER YUMMY, the adaptation of the Stephen King short story first published in his 2015 collection, “The Bazaar of Bad Dreams.”
Max Olson (AFI Class of 2024) has been selected to participate in The Black List’s 2025 Projects Lab, which provides screenwriters with mentorship and professional support during a week-long workshop in Ojai, CA. Pippa Bianco (DWW AFI Class of 2014) and Liz Hannah (AFI Class of 2009) will also serve as mentors for the program.
Bronte Payne (AFI Class of 2017) has been named Co-Head of Film at LuckyChap, where she’s worked since 2018.
The trailer for THE PLAGUE has dropped. The film features the work of writer/director Charlie Polinger (AFI Class of 2017), producer Lucy McKendrick (AFI Class of 2016) and cinematographer Steven Breckon (AFI Class of 2017).
Rodrigo García (AFI Class of 1986)’s THE FOLLIES will premiere globally on Netflix on November 20, following a week-long qualifying run in theaters. The film is part of Netflix’s latest slate of Mexican originals.
Director Chloé Zhao and editor Affonso Gonçalves (AFI Class of 1993) spoke with Deadline about their collaboration on HAMNET, discussing how they “match rhythms” and engage in a “rewriting process in the edit.” Watch the full discussion here: https://deadline.com/video/hamnet-chloe-zhao-affonso-goncalves-editing-the-process/
IndieWire announced its Winter 2025 IndieWire Honors lineup. Curated by the publication’s editorial team, the annual event celebrates the filmmakers, actors and artisans behind some of the year’s most compelling cinematic achievements. Among this year’s honorees is Autumn Durald Arkapaw (AFI Class of 2009).