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
In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Robbie Ryan, the THR Visionary in Cinematography Award recipient at this year’s EnergaCAMERIMAGE, reflects on his career, and his first major filmmaking collaborator, director Andrea Arnold (AFI Class of 1991).
Film Independent has announced the 15 projects and 34 filmmakers selected for its 23rd annual Fast Track Film Finance Market. Two projects led by AFI Alumni are among this year’s selections: BANGBANG TEAHOUSE, directed and written by Courtney Loo (AFI Class of 2004) and BEST MAN, produced by Nico Blanco (AFI Class of 2021).
In a new IndieWire interview, casting director Heidi Levitt (AFI Class of 1987) discusses her powerful documentary WALK WITH ME and shares her thoughts on the Academy’s growing recognition of the vital role casting directors play in filmmaking.
Kristinn Thordarson (AFI Class of 1990) is producing the six-part Cold War crime series TOP OF THE ROCK, starring Leslie Bibb, alongside Ólafsson and Ágúst Freyr Ingason, with Truenorth CEO and Founder Leifur B. Dagfinnsson as executive producer.
Season two of MARTIN SCORSESE PRESENTS: THE SAINTS premiered this week on Fox Nation. Creator Matti Leshem (AFI Class of 1990) spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about the season premiere, sharing the fascinating truth behind Saint Patrick’s canonization and setting the record straight on the myths.
AFI Fellows Alex Bush, Neil Ferron, Kenza Berrada Amor and Sam Mandich took part in Ari Aster (AFI Class of 2010) and Lars Knudsen’s very first Square Peg Social, a four-day creative gathering celebrating distinct voices and pairing emerging filmmakers with trusted industry mentors.
Director Vasilisa Kuzmina (AFI Class of 2025) and screenwriter Daisy Anderson (AFI Class of 2025) are behind the upcoming near-future horror thriller NO MAN’S LAND, which stars Noomi Rapace and Millicent Simmonds.
HBO has renewed TASK for a second season. The premium outlet picked up the drama from MARE OF EASTTOWN creator Brad Ingelsby (AFI Class of 2005) and starring Mark Ruffalo.
Mimi Leder (AFI Class of 1973) will be featured in the second season of the filmed podcast series “My Hollywood Story”. Hosted at Soho House’s Luckman Club, the series is produced by Stacey Wilson Hunt and will also feature Scott Cooper, Ruth E. Carter, Patricia Clarkson, Marlee Matlin, Kumail Nanjiani, Jay Roach, Charlie Sheen, and Gus Van Sant.
The Television Academy Foundation announced nominees for the 45th College Television Awards, which recognizes excellence in student-produced programming from colleges and universities across the country. Three AFI Thesis films earned nominations.
COMEDY SERIES/CHANCE PERDOMO LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP
DANDELION
Fiona Obertinca (AFI Class of 2024), director
Corey Pinchoff (AFI Class of 2024), writer
Tori Ichikowitz (AFI Class of 2024), producer
DRAMA SERIES
SONG OF SILENCE
Vasilisa Kuzmina (AFI Class of 2025), director/writer
Qiuping Han (AFI Class of 2025), producer
Daisy Anderson (AFI Class of 2025), writer
SCRIPTED SERIES
PATAKHA
Tiffany Wu (Class of 2024), producer
Rohit Relan (Class of 2024), director
Umut Ipek (Class of 2024), writer