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
Charlie Polinger (AFI Class of 2017) won the First-Time Theatrical Feature Film award at the DGA Awards for THE PLAGUE.
Current AFI Screenwriting Fellow Quinn Spicker (AFI Class of 2026) won the 2025 Sloan Student Grand Jury Prize for his feature script “God Makers,” a drama about the real-life battle over ChatGPT, in which researcher Helen Toner confronts Sam Altman to influence the future of AI.
Jonathan Levine (AFI Class of 2004)’s UNTITLED JOHN TUGGLE, starring David Corenswet, Michael Shannon and Isabel May, will be released by Paramount on Christmas Day 2026.
Jane Hollon, producer (AFI Class of 2016) and USC School of Cinematic Arts graduate, brought her producing expertise to STEP BACK, DOORS CLOSING, a DC-set romantic drama debuting in select theaters today, before arriving on VOD March 17.
Seth Caplan (AFI Class of 2005) is among the producers behind I WANT YOUR SEX, Gregg Araki’s buzzy Sundance drama, which just landed a seven-figure U.S. distribution deal with Magnolia Pictures for a wide theatrical release later this year.
Patrick Creadon (AFI Class of 1993) won the Lumiere Award for Best Documentary at the 16th Annual Advanced Imaging Society Lumiere Awards for writing and directing THE KING OF COLOR. The film spotlights Larry Herbert, AFI Trustee Emeritus and inventor of the Pantone Matching System, whose leadership gift helped establish the Lawrence Herbert Alumni Center.
Casting director Allison Jones (AFI Class of 1981), behind HBO’s upcoming comedy ROOSTER, premieringMarch 8, helped shape the ensemble by encouraging creative rethinking of key roles.
Watch two new clips from director Dominik Locher’s (AFI Class of 2014) third feature, ENJOY YOUR STAY, which premieres in the Berlinale’s Panorama section on Feb. 14. The film offers a look at undocumented Filipino cleaners navigating exploitation and moral compromise inside a luxury Swiss ski resort.
Writer Lauren Ludwig (AFI DWW Class of 2012) helped shape “Brassroots District: LA ’74,” an immersive funk concert-theater hybrid in LA. The two-hour show is now running at Catch One through the end of March.