News
Autumn Durald Arkapaw To Receive Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal
Autumn Durald Arkapaw, ASC (AFI Class of 2009) will receive AFI’s 32nd annual Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal, joining a distinguished group of cinematographers previously honored with the award, including Matthew Libatique, Caleb Deschanel, Melina Matsoukas, Wally Pfister, Frederick Elmes, Janusz Kamiński and Rachel Morrison. The Medal recognizes AFI Conservatory Alumni whose work reflects the talent and commitment to storytelling exemplified by filmmaker Franklin J. Schaffner. Durald Arkapaw recently received an Academy Award® nomination for Best Cinematography for SINNERS (2025). The Medal will be presented at the AFI Life Achievement Award Tribute to Eddie Murphy on April 18, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
AFI Alumni Win Big At Sundance 2026
AFI Alumni were once again front and center at the Sundance Film Festival, which wrapped this past Sunday. This year’s features, episodic series and short films highlighted the exceptional talent and fresh perspectives of AFI Conservatory graduates who continue to shape the industry.
Congratulations to the AFI Alumni whose projects were honored with awards including JOSEPHINE (U.S. Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic and Audience Award: U.S. Dramatic), TAKE ME HOME (Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award: U.S. Dramatic) and BEDFORD PARK (U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Debut Feature).
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
Academy Award®–nominated cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw, ASC (SINNERS, AFI Class of 2009) will receive AFI’s 32nd annual Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal, joining a distinguished group of past honorees. Among those recipients are fellow AFI cinematographers Matthew Libatique, Caleb Deschanel, Melina Matsoukas, Wally Pfister, Frederick Elmes, Janusz Kamiński and Rachel Morrison. The Medal will be presented at the AFI Life Achievement Award Tribute to Eddie Murphy on April 18, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre.
Autumn Durald Arkapaw and Courtney Hoffman (AFI DWW+ Class of 2017) are behind a new Instacart Super Bowl commercial directed by Spike Jonze. The spot, titled “Bananas,” will air during Super Bowl LX, with Durald Arkapaw serving as cinematographer and Hoffman as costume designer.
Sony Pictures Classics has acquired rights to BEDFORD PARK, the Sundance 2026 U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award winner for Debut Feature. The Korean love story features the work of production designer Javiera Varas (AFI Class of 2006) and is executive produced by Bryan Hwang (AFI Class of 2013).
Producer Chris Crema (AFI Class of 2023) and former Freddy Wexler Company executive Matthew Ko have launched Knockout Shorts, an L.A.-based microdrama studio. The company debuted a slate of fully completed original microdramas and is producing one of the first SAG-AFTRA vertical video projects.
Brian Udovich (AFI Class of 2004) is executive producer on the HBO Max cop drama AMERICAN BLUE, which will now star Milo Ventimiglia.
Christopher Greenslate (AFI Class of 2016) has just released his debut graphic novel, “Queen Kodiak”. He will host a book launch this Saturday in Culver City. More information is available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/genre-with-a-beating-heart-queen-kodiak-by-christopher-greenslate-tickets-1980679590975.
Director, producer, screenwriter, and cinematographer Arthur Springer (AFI Class of 1994) and executive producer and screenwriter Carol Springer (AFI Class of 1995) have had their feature film DARK ALIEN VISIONS accepted to the Hollywood Real Independent Film Festival. Watch the trailer here.
Oran Zegman (AFI Class of 2018) has begun production on her new feature film, GOODBYE GIRL, shot by cinematographer Kristen “K2” Correll (AFI Class of 2016).
Loren E. Chadima (AFI DWW+ Class of 2001) will release her first book “Stop Memorizing Your Lines: Be Undeniable and Ready for ‘Action!’” on March 23. The book offers a practical, science-based system for delivering authentic performances on short notice and is now available for pre-order.
The Producers Guild of America announced this year’s PGA Awards nominees, including two AFI Alumni projects.
SOUTH PARK
-Anne Garefino (AFI Class of 1988), Executive Producer
David L. Wolper Award for Outstanding Producer of Limited or Anthology Series Television
DYING FOR SEX
-Chris Teague (AFI Class of 1989), Producer