News
AFI Conservatory Celebrates The Class Of 2026
Congratulations to the AFI Conservatory Class of 2026! Fellows were honored during Commencement earlier today at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, marking the culmination of their time at the Conservatory. During the ceremony, AFI also conferred Honorary Doctorates upon Academy Award® and Emmy® winners Guillermo del Toro and Aaron Sorkin.
AFI Alumni At TIFF
AFI celebrates the AFI Conservatory Alumni projects premiering at the 51st Toronto International Film Festival, taking place September 10–20, 2026. Congratulations to our Alumni whose work will be showcased before audiences from around the world.
AFI Named One Of The Top Film Schools In The Nation
The AFI Conservatory has once again been recognized by The Hollywood Reporter as one of the nation’s top film schools. Congratulations to our extraordinary AFI Alumni, Fellows, Staff and Faculty, whose talent, dedication and achievements continue to champion the future of the art form.
Applications Are Now Open For The AFI DWW+ Class Of 2028
Applications are now open for the AFI DWW+ Class of 2028. For more than 50 years, the tuition-free, year-long workshop has supported emerging directors with mentorship from industry professionals and the opportunity to develop and produce an original short film.
If you know an aspiring director, please help spread the word by sharing this opportunity. Applicants are also invited to attend one of our upcoming Virtual Office Hours sessions to learn more about the application process, workshop timeline and participant experience.
Applications close Wednesday, September 9 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
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
The 83rd Venice Film Festival has announced its official selections. Congratulations to our Alumni whose work will be showcased before audiences from around the world. Read more here: https://www.afi.com/news/celebrating-afi-alumni-at-the-2026-venice-and-toronto-film-festivals/
Joshua Giuliano (AFI Class of 2015) will premiere RIVER as the Opening Night film of the Midnight Madness section at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival, where programmer Peter Kuplowsky praised the filmmaker’s “incredible discipline and visual confidence.”
Ari Aster (AFI Class of 2010) produced the upcoming psychological crime thriller PRIMETIME, starring Robert Pattinson. A24 released a new trailer for the film, which opens in theaters next month.
Carl Franklin (AFI Class of 1986) serves as executive producer on Netflix’s MONSTER: THE LIZZIE BORDEN STORY, the fourth installment of the Emmy® Award-winning anthology series. Starring Ella Beatty as Lizzie Borden, all eight episodes premiere September 17 on Netflix.
TONY opens in theaters today. The film was written and executive produced by Lou Howe (AFI Class of 2010) and features cinematography by Michael Bauman (AFI Class of 1992). Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1MVnzd2aVc
Director Patty Jenkins (AFI Class of 2000) will appear in person at a 70MM screening of WONDER WOMAN on September 12 at the Fine Arts Theatre Beverly Hills. Tickets are available here: https://fineartstheatrebh.com/
Amazon has picked up the upcoming BAYWATCH reboot, executive produced by Dante Di Loreto (AFI Class of 1991), for multiple international territories.
OLMO opens in theaters today, featuring cinematography by Carolina Costa (AFI Class of 2013). Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w47hQPWZA3s
Matthew Syrett (AFI Class of 2024) has been named a finalist in the Script Pipeline TV Writing Competition for his pilot script, LETHE, selected as a Top Five Script from more than 2,700 entries.