News
AFI Alumni Meet At Tribeca 2026
AFI Alumni turned out in force during the Tribeca Festival for a lively Alumni Happy Hour that brought together graduates from across disciplines and generations. The gathering offered an opportunity to reconnect, expand professional networks, and celebrate the growing presence of AFI storytellers at one of the industry’s premier festivals. Special thanks to Screenwriting Alum Ivano Pulito (AFI Class of 2016) for hosting the event at his family restaurant, Petrarca, in the heart of Tribeca.
Bridge To The Future: Screenwriting Industry Sessions
This week, AFI’s Bridge to the Future Screenwriting Industry Sessions gave Second-Year Screenwriting Fellows an unfiltered look at the industry they’re about to enter, straight from the professionals living it every day. No lectures, no theory. Just candid, career-shaping conversations between Fellows and working writers, producers, agents, managers and assistants at every level of the business.
Held over three days on Campus in the Lawrence Herbert Alumni Center, sessions included “Working as a Writer,” “Getting in the Room, Staying in the Room,” “Working with Agents and Managers,” “Getting Your Movie Made” and more. Each session was designed around what Fellows actually need to know: how the industry really works and how to make a place for themselves in it.
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
Director Drake Doremus (AFI Class of 2005) discusses his latest feature, NEXT LIFE, in a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter. The film stars Emilia Clarke and Edgar Ramírez and premiered at the Tribeca Festival.
LaToya Morgan (AFI Class of 2005) is set to adapt and executive produce Catherine Adel West’s upcoming novel “Strangers Behind Closed Doors” for television. Universal Television has acquired the rights to develop the project.
Warner James Wood (AFI Class of 2019) will premiere his one-act play “The Huddle” at the Hollywood Fringe Festival. Performances will take place at the McCadden Place Theatre in Hollywood during the final two weekends of June. Buy tickets here: https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/14489?tab=tickets
Susannah Grant (AFI Class of 1991) is executive producing and writing DISCRETION, Paramount+’s upcoming legal thriller starring Nicole Kidman and Elle Fanning.
Steven Spielberg’s DISCLOSURE DAY, opening in theaters today, features the work of cinematographer Janusz Kamiński (AFI Class of 1987) and editor Sarah Broshar (AFI Class of 2005). Watch the final trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icDuEHSxE-w
Affonso Gonçalves (AFI Class of 1993) has been named an advisor for the 2026 Sundance Institute Directors Lab. Gonçalves joins a group of filmmakers and industry professionals who will mentor participants during the program, which supports emerging directors developing new projects.
Scott Little (AFI Class of 2009) served as co-editor on Season 5 of POWER BOOK III: RAISING KANAN. Starring Mekai Curtis and Patina Miller, the STARZ drama returns this week. Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7RT9LZ_6M0
Kimberly McCullough (AFI Class of 2010) is serving as co-producer on the sequel to ROMY AND MICHELE’S HIGH SCHOOL REUNION, which has officially begun production in Los Angeles.
And finally, AFI Producing Fellow Renato Rocha da Cruz (AFI Class of 2027) recently opened AMBUE, a Brazilian-Argentine restaurant near the AFI Conservatory on Hollywood Boulevard, and is looking forward to welcoming the AFI community. Give it a try!