May 2025 News
AFI Life Achievement Award Presented to Francis Ford Coppola
At the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award Gala Tribute, AFI brought artists and audiences together to honor the iconic Francis Ford Coppola at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. The star-studded tribute included guests and presenters, Robert De Niro, Adam Driver, Harrison Ford, Morgan Freeman, Dustin Hoffman, Ron Howard, Diane Lane, Spike Lee and Al Pacino, as well as family members and fellow filmmakers Gia Coppola and Roman Coppola. The televised special, THE AFI LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: A TRIBUTE TO FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA, will premiere June 18 on TNT and air July 31 on Turner Classic Movies (TCM). Check out all the highlights from the unforgettable evening, view the official photo gallery and explore our newly launched online tribute site celebrating the legendary filmmaker.
David Lynch Remembered at the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award Gala Tribute
This year at the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award, AFI paid tribute to one of our own, AFI Conservatory Alum David Lynch (AFI Class of 1970) who passed away earlier this year. Lynch, whose groundbreaking work began at the Conservatory with his debut feature ERASERHEAD, was the inaugural recipient of the Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal in 1991. Established by Schaffner’s widow, Jean, the medal honors Alumni who embody Schaffner’s values—talent, taste, dedication and a commitment to quality filmmaking. Recent recipients include AFI Alumni Matthew Libatique (Class of 1992), Sian Heder (DWW Class of 2005) and Melina Matsoukas (Class of 2005).
AFI Alumni Set to Premiere Innovative New Films at Cannes
The 78th Cannes Film Festival, which launches May 13–24, has officially unveiled its full lineup, and AFI is proud to announce that several AFI Alumni will have their work featured at the prestigious festival this year. Among the highlights is THE PLAGUE in the Un Certain Regard category, marking the feature directorial debut of writer/director Charlie Polinger (AFI Class of 2017), who worked alongside fellow AFI Alumni, producer Lucy McKendrick (AFI Class of 2016) and cinematographer Steven Breckon (AFI Class of 2017), to bring the psychological drama to life. See the full list of Alumni with films heading to the Croisette this year!
Remembering AFI Conservatory Alum Bill Balas
We are deeply saddened by the passing of director, writer, producer and AFI Conservatory Alum Bill Balas (AFI Class of 2005). During his time as a Screenwriting Fellow at AFI, Bill created an impressive seven short films, showcasing a passion and drive that would define his career. He went on to find success in television, with writing credits on acclaimed series including BATES MOTEL, ANIMAL KINGDOM, CHICAGO P.D and SNOWPIERCER. His talent was rivaled only by his warmth and wit – AFI Screenwriting Discipline Head Anna Thomas recalls the day Bill gifted her a self-inking skull-and-crossbones stamp after she jokingly threatened to mark egregious script errors with one. Bill packed a lifetime of creativity, courage and spirit into his 51 extraordinary years, and he will be profoundly missed.
AFI Welcomes Filmmaker India Donaldson for Special Screening of GOOD ONE
AFI was honored to welcome rising filmmaker India Donaldson for an exclusive screening of her acclaimed debut feature GOOD ONE, along with a selection of her celebrated short films MEDUSA, HANNAHS and IF FOUND, for the Fellows of the AFI Conservatory. Learn more about Donaldson’s creative storytelling process and how her own feelings of passivity and frustration as a teenager informed the film, which originally premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
Celebrating the 2025 Writers’ Room Ready Participants
Congratulations to this year’s Writers’ Room Ready participants – Arden Earnest, Eric Schabla, Greer Sinclair, Matthew Syrett and Lauren Thomas (all AFI Class of 2024) – an inspiring group of screenwriters carrying on the tradition of bold storytelling at the AFI Conservatory. This prestigious program pairs graduating Screenwriting Fellows with top industry mentors to help launch their television careers. Check out the full list of participants and mentors from the program’s very beginning.
“Be the Train” Alumni Book Launch, Signing and Reception
A special thank you to AFI Producing Alum Selina Ringel (AFI Class of 2014) and all the AFI Conservatory Alumni who joined us for an inspiring evening discussing her new book “Be the Train” hosted by the Lawrence Herbert Alumni Center. At the event, Selina shared insights from her book, offering actionable advice and motivation for filmmakers at every stage. We appreciate everyone who came out to support and be part of the conversation, and we look forward to seeing you at the next LHAC event!
ONE FROM THE HEART Premiere Circle Member Screening
AFI recently hosted a special screening of Francis Ford Coppola’s ONE FROM THE HEART, followed by a lively conversation between “The Path to Paradise: A Francis Ford Coppola Story” author Sam Wasson and AFI President & CEO Bob Gazzale about Coppola’s storied career. The afternoon concluded with a book signing and reception celebrating Coppola’s legacy.
Missed out on the fun? Join the Premiere Circle for other exclusive events and unforgettable film experiences.
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!
In Other AFI News…
AWARDS, GRANTS, FELLOWSHIPS AND OTHER HONORS
The Peabody Awards nominated HOLLYWOODGATE, executive produced by Oscar®-winning AFI Alum Diane Becker (AFI Class of 2006), for Best Documentary.
At the 44th College Television Awards, the AFI thesis film, THE HICKS HAPPY HOUR, won Best Comedy Series. Director/co-writer Kate McCarthy, producer Cameron Wen, co-writer Michael Kefeyalew, cinematographer Ariano Trevino Angelone, editor Jin Hyuk Suk and production designer Yun Gu (all AFI Class of 2024) all helped bring the film to life.
We’re also proud to announce that the AFI thesis film LOLA was awarded The Loreen Arbus Focus on Disability Scholarship at this year’s annual College Television Awards, which awards $10,000 to filmmakers who amplify the voices of those with disabilities. A special shout-out to director/writer Grace Hanna, writer Duke Yang, producer Uloakuchukwu Anyiam-Osigwe, cinematographer Sarah Megyesy, production designer Jisoo Jeong and editor Jenna Schaelling (AFI Class of 2023) who created this remarkable film.
NEW PROJECTS IN DEVELOPMENT/PRODUCTION
Norman Reedus has joined Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Phoebe Dynevor in the upcoming horror film PENDULUM, produced by Darren Aronofsky (AFI Class of 1992), which is now filming in New Mexico.
Focus Features presented the first look at Yorgos Lanthimos’ BUGONIA, starring Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, and produced by AFI Conservatory Alum Ari Aster (AFI Class of 2010). The film is a loose remake of Jang Joon-hwan’s 2003 sci-fi satire SAVE THE GREEN PLANET.
Warner Bros. unveiled new footage of Paul Thomas Anderson’s ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Benicio Del Toro and shot by AFI Conservatory Alum Michael Bauman (AFI Class of 1992), at this year’s CinemaCon.
AFI Conservatory Alum Christian Filippella (AFI Class of 2008) is directing and shooting the family flick RING OF KIBO starring John O’Hurley.
New Line has acquired CUT OUTS, an original sci-fi thriller spec by Isaac Louis García (AFI Class of 2021). García has worked in multiple writers’ rooms, including DUSTER, co-created by LaToya Morgan (AFI Class of 2005), as well as ANGELYNE, executive produced by Sam Esmail (AFI Class of 2004).
DGA Award winner and Emmy Award® nominee Lesli Linka Glatter (AFI DWW Class of 1982) will direct the pilot and executive produce the limited series IMPERFECT WOMEN, which added Joel Kinnaman and will also star and be executive produced by Elisabeth Moss and Kerry Washington.
Antonio Banderas and Dominic Sessa – star of AFI AWARDS honoree THE HOLDOVERS – have been cast in TONY, a biopic about the life of celebrity chef and documentarian Anthony Bourdain. The script is co-written by Lou Howe (AFI Class of 2010) and Todd Bartels.
Bruce Springsteen visited the set of DELIVER ME FROM NOWHERE, the upcoming biopic which stars Jeremy Allen White as The Boss and features the work of cinematographer Masanobu Takayanagi (AFI Class of 2002). The film follows Springsteen during the period in which he recorded the album “Nebraska.”
Finn Wittrock and Alexandra Daddario are set to star in a new biopic about Milton and Kitty Hershey, which will be directed by AFI Alum Mark Waters (AFI Class of 1992) and chronicle the inspiring story behind one of the world’s most iconic chocolate empires.
NEW TRAILERS
A24 released the first trailer for EDDINGTON, the fourth feature of writer/director/producer Ari Aster (AFI Class of 2010), which stars Joaquin Phoenix and will bow at the Cannes Film Festival.
The horror film HIM, directed and co-written by Justin Tipping (AFI Class of 2011) and edited by Taylor Mason (AFI Class of 2012), released its first trailer. Produced by Jordan Peele, the film follows a rising quarterback who is drawn into the perilous world of an aging player (Marlon Wayans) and is set to debut in theaters on September 19.
NEW RELEASES AND OTHER PROJECTS
AFI Alum Josh Aichenbaum (AFI Class of 2016) and the team at Oak Tree Comics are publishing an anthology of children’s comics in support of the wildfire relief efforts. The working title for the project is We Are Los Angeles: After the Fires, Local Artists Reflect on & Reimagine the City They Love. They are currently looking for story submissions – check it out and send in your stories!
SINNERS, shot by cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw (AFI Class of 2009), earned $48 million from 3,308 North American theaters, topping the box office in its opening weekend. Overwhelmed by the response to the film, director Ryan Coogler penned a thank you letter to fans and acknowledged his cinematic influences including David Lynch (AFI Class of 1970), Julie Dash (AFI Class of 1974) and Andrea Arnold (AFI Class of 1991).
Netflix released the first trailer for the new Western series RANSOM CANYON, shot by cinematographer and AFI Alum Eric Koretz (AFI Class of 2006), which is now streaming.
Emmy Award®-winning filmmaker Annetta Marion (AFI DWW Class of 2005) was interviewed by Film Daily about her new docuseries, FIRST TO THE FINISH, which is now streaming on Amazon Prime.
The Hollywood Reporter reviewed SHE’S THE HE, which premiered at the SXSW Film Festival, calling it “hopeful and affirming,” and writing that “Leah Morrison’s eclectic costuming, Isabella Monge’s whimsical production design and the intimacy of Bethany Michalski’s [AFI Class of 2019] cinematography harmonize to give the movie a dreamy, almost surreal aesthetic.”
INVENTION, directed and co-written by AFI Alum Courtney Stephens (AFI Class of 2009), will premiere on Mubi following its limited theatrical engagement in New York City at Metrograph. In his review in the New Yorker, film critic Richard Brody remarks that the film, “proves to be nothing less than an up-to-the-minute report on the American state of mind—on the epidemic inability to distinguish fact from fiction.
In an interview promoting his directorial debut, ERIC LARUE, which recently premiered in theaters, Michael Shannon praised his cinematographer, Andrew Wheeler (AFI Class of 2010), stating, “Andrew Wheeler’s phenomenally gifted. I wish I had a month to [talk about his work] honestly.”
DISTRIBUTION
Apple TV has acquired the distribution rights to the documentary COME SEE ME IN THE GOOD LIGHT, edited by AFI Conservatory Alum Berenice Chavez (AFI Class of 2016). The film took home the Festival Favorite Award when it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year.
FESTIVALS AND FILM MARKETS
The Los Angeles Greek Film Festival (LAGFF) is set to honor acclaimed filmmaker Costa-Gavras in a multi-event Tribute that will include Oliver Stone in conversation with Costa-Gavras, John Landis and Professor Deborah Nadoolman Landis presenting him with the Orpheus Award, and Costa-Gavras partnership screenings with the American Cinematheque with Costa-Gavras and Michele Ray-Gavras in attendance! Five AFI Conservatory will be working the festival – Festival Co-Founder Ersi Danou, (AFI Class of 1992), Festival Programmer and Technical Coordinator Nasos Gatzoulis (AFI Class of 2016), Festival Programmer and Awards Ceremony Producer Christina Diamantara (AFI Class of 2019), Festival Director of Development Katerina Hoyo-Frederickson (AFI Class of 2021) and Costa-Gavras Tribute Producer Fay Efrosini Lellios (AFI Class of 1998).
The visual essay THE BIRTH OF A BEAUTIFUL BUTCH, directed by alum Gia Rayne Harris and shot by cinematographer Andi Obarski (both AFI Class of 2021) was picked up for distribution and has been screening around Europe for the past two years. It recently screened at the International Film Festival of Lesbians and Other Rebellious Women in Italy.
Reykjavík’s Stockfish Film Festival hosted a panel titled “David Lynch and Surrealism in Film and Shorts” which honored the late auteur and AFI Conservatory Alum. WILD AT HEART Executive Producer Sigurjón Sighvatsson, director Floria Sigismondi and writer and poet Sjón joined the discussion, which concluded with the unveiling of a Lynch bust by artist Klaudia Karolina Kaczmarek.
AFI Alum Diana Romero (AFI Class of 2007) will be debuting her one-woman solo show, “Me, Myself and Other“ at two festivals in June. Currently she and her team are raising funds for two fringe festivals. Any support is greatly appreciated. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed.
OTHER NEWS
In honor of its 35th anniversary, seasons one and two of TWIN PEAKS, co-created by visionary filmmaker David Lynch (AFI Class of 1970) and Mark Frost, is set to stream on MUBI this June.
Following the success of THE LUCKIEST MAN IN AMERICA, showcased at AFI FEST 2024, director and AFI Conservatory Alum Samir Oliveros (AFI Class of 2019) has signed with Cinematic Media for management. The film was also produced by fellow AFI Alum Amanda Freedman (AFI Class of 2019).
Robert Schwentke (AFI Class of 1993), whose credits include THE CAPTAIN, SNAKE EYES, THE TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE and more, has signed with Black Bear for management.