News
AFI Alumni Filmmakers at AFI FEST
Celebrate AFI Alumni at the 40th edition of AFI FEST presented by Canva! From World Cinema and Special Screenings to Luminaries, Documentary, Discovery and more, Alumni filmmakers will showcase their work on the big screen October 21–25 in Hollywood.
AFI Conservatory Applications Now Open
Good news to share with filmmakers in your network! Applications are now open for AFI Conservatory’s MFA programs in Cinematography, Directing, Editing, Producing, Production Design and Screenwriting for the 2027–28 academic year. If you know talented storytellers in your network who are ready to take the next step in their filmmaking journey, please encourage them to apply!
Backlot Platform Update
AFI will retire Backlot, our online platform for Alumni connection and networking, on Friday, October 16. Please log in before that date to save any information, contacts or materials you would like to keep.
AFI is also preserving an archived backup of Backlot information for future reference.
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.
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
Director Nick Simon (AFI Class of 2008) has signed with Independent Artists Group following the world premiere of his horror film WHAT HAPPENED TO DORIS? at Fantastic Fest. The film stars Heather Graham and also features the work of cinematographer Lucia Zavarcikova (AFI Class of 2020) and production designer Mars Feehery (AFI Class of 2010).
Marie Jamora (AFI DWW+ Class of 2020), Guest Artistic Director for the DWW+ Class of 2026, is directing the upcoming romantic comedy WE COULD BE IN LOVE, which is now in production and will shoot on location in New York and Manila, Philippines.
Rufus Seder (AFI Class of 1975) recently restored his feature film SCREAMPLAY, which has achieved cult status more than 40 years after its original release. The film will screen at the Academy Museum on December 17, as part of the Academy’s Restoration Celebration Festival, alongside a selection of other restored films. Watch the trailer here: https://matchboxcine.com/screamplay/
BURT and GIRLS LIKE GIRLS were named among TheWrap’s 10 Best Overlooked Movies of Summer 2026. BURT features the work of director and editor Joe Burke (AFI Class of 2009) and executive producer and cinematographer Daniel Kenji Levin (AFI Class of 2010). GIRLS LIKE GIRLS features the work of writer Chloe Okuno (AFI Class of 2014) and cinematographer Sonja Tsypin (AFI Class of 2018).
AFI Cinematography Faculty member Michael Pessah, ASC (AFI Class of 2004), served as cinematographer on the short film INVENTION 13. Shot on Super 16mm film in Omaha, Nebraska, the film premiered at Beyond Fest at the Egyptian Theatre. Pessah is also the cinematographer on MY BROTHER’S KILLER, an official selection of AFI FEST presented by Canva 2026.
Luca Cioci (AFI Class of 2026) has been selected to participate in the ASC Vision Mentorship Program for 2026–27. The program, led by the ASC Vision Committee, works to promote greater diversity and inclusion among cinematographers and their crews in the entertainment industry.
Maximilian Schmige (AFI Class of 2010) served as director of photography on THE SIXTY-YEAR MISSION: HOW STAR TREK CHANGED TELEVISION AND THE WORLD, now playing in Regal Cinemas. Check out the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjzxsIGHNTY
Seth Caplan (AFI Class of 2005) will produce DOWNRIVER, the scripted feature debut of director Sam Jones, for Artists Equity Independent Pictures, a new division of Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s production company dedicated to supporting emerging filmmakers.
This Saturday, Peter Deming, ASC (AFI Class of 1980), will receive a Career Achievement Award from Screamfest following a screening of EVIL DEAD II. Learn more about the event here: https://2026screamfest.eventive.org/schedule/690d41ca0c7fee70c2eb474b
Jacqueline Hoyt (AFI Class of 2002) serves as writer, showrunner and executive producer of Netflix’s THE ALTRUISTS, a series starring Anthony Boyle and Julia Garner that chronicles the rise and fall of cryptocurrency exchange FTX and its founder, Sam Bankman-Fried.