News
Applications Are Now Open For The AFI DWW+ Class Of 2028
Applications are now open for the AFI DWW+ Class of 2028. For more than 50 years, the tuition-free, year-long workshop has supported emerging directors with mentorship from industry professionals and the opportunity to develop and produce an original short film.
If you know an aspiring director, please help spread the word by sharing this opportunity. Applicants are also invited to attend one of our upcoming Virtual Office Hours sessions to learn more about the application process, workshop timeline and participant experience.
Applications close Wednesday, September 9 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
Afi Conservatory Named One Of The Top Film Schools In The Nation
MovieMaker Magazine has named AFI Conservatory one of the top film schools in the U.S. and Canada. Beth de Araújo (AFI Class of 2013 & DWW Class of 2018) is featured on the cover of the issue, which highlights the Conservatory’s impact on the next generation of filmmakers. Her acclaimed film JOSEPHINE won both the U.S. Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic and the Audience Award: U.S. Dramatic at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. De Araújo says AFI shaped her fundamental approach to filmmaking — and three of her key JOSEPHINE collaborators, including producer Marina Stabile (AFI Class of 2009), editor Anisha Acharya (AFI Class of 2014), and reshoot cinematographer Ava Berkofsky (AFI Class of 2013), are AFI alumni as well.
AFI Alumni At TIFF
AFI celebrates the AFI Conservatory Alumni projects premiering at the 51st Toronto International Film Festival, taking place September 10–20, 2026. Congratulations to our Alumni whose work will be showcased before audiences from around the world.
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
AFI has once again been named one of the best film schools by MovieMaker Magazine. The magazine also spotlights Beth de Araújo (AFI Class of 2013 and DWW Class of 2018), writer/director of the upcoming film JOSEPHINE. “The American Film Institute gave me a really meaningful foundation for how I approach movies,” de Araújo told MovieMaker.
Bryce McGuire (AFI Class of 2013) co-wrote Universal’s upcoming horror film SLEEPOVER, based on his original short story and set for release in 2027.
The family drama IF I TELL YOU, from writer-director Tessa Blake (AFI DWW+ Class of 2014), is playing in select LA and New York theaters through September 2. Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEarAg5SZn8
Michael Miner (AFI TV Workshop in 1999), who co-created and co-wrote the original ROBOCOP film, will serve as an executive producer on Prime Video’s upcoming eight-episode reimagining of the series.
Peter Deming (AFI Class of 1980) is the cinematographer of the new crime thriller THE WHISPER MAN, coming to Netflix today. The film stars Robert De Niro, Adam Scott and Michelle Monaghan. Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHRR-1CKYIQ
French outfit mk2 Films has come on board NAZA, a new documentary from NO OTHER LAND directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, to handle international sales. James Wilson (AFI Class of 1991) produced the film, which is set to screen at the Venice Film Festival.
The CLIFFHANGER remake, starring Lily James and Pierce Brosnan, has landed a February 2027 release date from NEON. The film features the work of Thorsten Schumacher (AFI Class of 2001) and Lars Sylvest (AFI Class of 1999) as producers and Flavio Martinez-Labiano (AFI Class of 1987) as cinematographer.
Dimitri Komm (AFI Class of 2026) edited Michael Lockshin’s THE MASTER AND MARGARITA, opening in U.S. theaters on September 18, 2026.