News
AFI Alumni Projects Spotlighted At 25th Tribeca Film Festival
The 2026 Tribeca Film Festival, which runs from June 4–15, 2026, has unveiled its official lineup, and AFI graduates are once again in the spotlight. Join us in celebrating the bold new work from AFI storytellers at this year’s festival that reflects the creativity, range and vision of AFI Conservatory Alumni.
AFI Alumni Meetup At Cannes 2026
AFI Alumni from around the world gathered at the legendary Le Petit Majestic during the Festival de Cannes to reconnect over drinks, lively conversation and a shared passion for cinema. The annual meetup brought together storytellers, collaborators and friends in one of the festival’s most iconic gathering spots.
AFI Alumni Set To Premiere New Films At Cannes
The 79th Cannes Film Festival, running May 12–23, has officially unveiled its full lineup and AFI is proud to celebrate the Alumni whose work will be showcased at this year’s prestigious festival. Explore the full list of AFI Alumni bringing their films to the Croisette.
AFI Alumni Win At The Academy Awards
We are proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the AFI Conservatory community at this year’s Academy Awards®! Congratulations to Autumn Durald Arkapaw (AFI Class of 2009), winner of the Academy Award® for Best Cinematography for SINNERS.
We also celebrate three Oscar® wins for films executive produced by Kim Magnusson (AFI Class of 1991): MR NOBODY AGAINST PUTIN (Best Documentary Feature), ALL THE EMPTY ROOMS (Best Documentary Short Film), which was also executive produced by Eric Nichols (AFI Class of 2013) and TWO PEOPLE EXCHANGING SALIVA (Best Live Action Short Film).
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
Darren Aronofsky (AFI Class of 1992) is moving forward with his American Revolution-themed AI project ON THIS DAY… 1776 under his AI studio Primordial Soup. Speaking at the AI for Talent Summit in Cannes, he described the project as an experimental exploration of AI-driven storytelling.
Mattson Tomlin (AFI Class of 2014) co-wrote THE BATMAN: PART II, directed by Matt Reeves and starring Robert Pattinson. Scarlett Johansson and Sebastian Stan recently joined the cast ahead of the film’s release on October 1, 2027.
Filmmaker John Patton Ford (AFI Class of 2009) recently joined the Joe Burke Filmmaker Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on persistence, filmmaking and building a sustainable creative career.
Julie Dash (AFI Class of 1974) directs Wanda Sykes’ comedy special LEGACY, shot by Nasreen Alkhateeb (AFI Class of 2027), premiering on Netflix May 19.
The supernatural horror movie PASSENGER, featuring the editing work of Martin Bernfeld (AFI Class of 2008), premieres in theaters today. Watch the official trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNIn8kW1kyE
Through Her Lens: The Tribeca Chanel Women’s Filmmaker Program includes Patty Jenkins (AFI Class of 2000) on its Advisory Committee and has long supported emerging filmmakers through annual workshops and development grants.
The 20th Los Angeles Greek Film Festival (LAGFF) takes place May 27–31, 2026, with Ersi Danou (AFI Class of 1992), festival co-founder, and Nasos Gatzoulis (AFI Class of 2016), festival programmer. The festival opens with a remembrance honoring Oscar-winning production designer Dean Tavoularis, who was honored with an AFI Honorary Degree in 2018, and closes with a tribute presenting the Honorary Orpheus Award to composer Alexander Desplat.
CORPORATE RETREAT is in theaters today. The film features work by cinematographer Josh Fisher (AFI Class of 2016), and camera operators Praveen Elankumaran (AFI Class of 2022) and William Christensen (AFI Class of 2016). Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpufRdcfep8
Editor Varun Viswanath (AFI Class of 2012) edited Season 2 of Netflix’s BAD THOUGHTS. The six-episode dark comedy debuts on May 24.
Thorsten Schumacher (AFI Class of 2001) executive produced the acclaimed drama THE SALT PATH starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs. The film’s theatrical rollout in the U.S. and Canada begins today. Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmKrU58h9lU