April 2025 News
AFI DWW+ Showcase Celebrates Next Generation of Directors
AFI recently hosted the AFI DWW+ Showcase, premiering the innovative films of the Class of 2025 before a full house at the DGA Theatre. AFI DWW+, founded in 1974, is a tuition-free, year-long directing program that supports emerging narrative filmmakers through the entire production process, offering hands-on instruction from industry experts. The evening featured a keynote address by Emmy® Award-winning writer/director/producer Lucia Aniello (HACKS). Congratulations to the Class of 2025 and a special thanks to Guest Artistic Director Hanelle M. Culpepper for her leadership! Watch highlights from the memorable event and learn more about the participants and their films below.
AFI Conservatory Alumni Honored at 2025 SXSW Film Festival
Congratulations to AFI Alum Amy Wang (AFI Class of 2017) for receiving the Grand Jury Prize in the Narrative Competition at SXSW for her bold and daring feature film debut, SLANTED! Fellow Alumni – cinematographer Ed Wu and production designer Ying-Te Julie Chen (both AFI Class of 2014) helped bring the film to life. We’re also thrilled to highlight Art Directors Sandra Doyle Carmola (AFI Class of 2014), Katia Najera (AFI Class of 2018), as well as Assistant Art Directors Shi Min Yong (AFI Class of 2020) and Esmé Jackson (AFI Class of 2020), who were part of the talented team behind THE ACCOUNTANT 2, which earned the Headliners Audience Award.
AFI DWW+ Alum Maysie Hoy Recognized with Career Achievement Award at the ACE Eddie Awards
AFI is proud to celebrate AFI DWW+ Alum Maysie Hoy (AFI DWW Class of 1977), who was honored with the ACE Eddie Award for Career Achievement. A true trailblazer in Hollywood, Hoy started her career acting in Robert Altman’s classic films MCCABE AND MRS. MILLER, NASHVILLE and 3 WOMEN before transitioning to editing. She earned acclaim for her work on Wayne Wang’s THE JOY LUCK CLUB, Altman’s THE PLAYER, Theodore Witcher’s LOVE JONES, and over a dozen films with Tyler Perry, including THE SIX TRIPLE EIGHT.
Bridge to the Future Presents…ONE OF THEM DAYS
As part of AFI’s Bridge to the Future program, the Lawrence Herbert Alumni Center launched AFI Bridge to the Future Presents…, a conversation series where industry professionals share their insights with AFI Fellows and recent Alumni. In this series, producer Deniese Davis and production designer Monique Dias (both AFI Class of 2012) discuss their new comedy ONE OF THEM DAYS, starring Keke Palmer and SZA, and finding validation when they were emerging artists at the AFI Conservatory.
Acclaimed Filmmakers Visit the AFI Conservatory
The Conservatory continues to attract exceptional creative talent from around the world, and this last month was no exception! Watch Oscar®-nominated cinematographer Edward Lachman share his approach to creating imagery with “poetic authenticity” for MARIA, and hear acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof offer insights into the challenges of secretly filming THE SECRET OF THE SACRED FIG while remaining true to his vision amid censorship under a repressive regime.
AFI Alum Rob Spera Launches New Book on Directing
AFI Alum and Faculty Rob Spera (AFI Class of 1986) recently celebrated the launch of his new book, “Film/TV Director’s Field Manual: Seventy Maxims to Change Your Filmmaking,” at the Lawrence Herbert Alumni Center on the AFI Campus. Attendees had the unique opportunity to hear Rob share valuable insights from his latest work, offering practical advice for filmmakers at every stage of their careers. A big thank you to Rob for sharing his expertise and to the AFI Alumni who joined us for this special evening!
AFI Catalog Manager Sarah Clothier Highlights Women’s History at LA Symposium and More!
In honor of Women’s History Month, Sarah Clothier, AFI Catalog Manager, joined film historian Sloan De Forest at the annual Women’s History in LA Symposium at the Ebell Theatre. Together, they explored the rich history of women filmmakers using research from the AFI Catalog. Highlighting the Behind the Veil project, Sarah showcased the early careers and films of iconic women including Soo Yong, Lucille La Verne, Jeni Le Gon and others, many of whom first got their start in short films. Don’t miss Sarah’s upcoming appearances at LitFest Pasadena in May and the Women and the Silent Screen Conference in June!
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. For availability and more details, reach out to the Alumni Affairs team at alumni@AFI.com.
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 GLAAD Media Awards announced this year’s winners, including AGATHA ALL ALONG – directed by Rachel Goldberg (AFI DWW Class of 2010) and Gandja Monteiro (AFI DWW Class of 2018) – which won Outstanding New Series. MY OLD ASS, shot by cinematographer Kristen Correll (AFI Class of 2016) and executive produced by AFI Alum Bronte Payne (AFI Class of 2017), also took home the award for Outstanding Film – Wide Theatrical Release.
Congratulations to Emmy®-nominated cinematographer Catherine Goldschmidt (AFI Class of 2009) who was welcomed as a member of the American Society of Cinematographers. Her credits include acclaimed series HOUSE OF THE DRAGON and THE LAST OF US.
AFI Directing Alum Kate McCarthy was featured on KTLA, discussing her thesis film, THE HICKS HAPPY HOUR, that she co-wrote and directed, as well as the upcoming College Television Awards. She, alongside producer Cameron Wen and co-writer Michael Kefeyalew (all AFI Class of 2024), are nominated for Best Comedy Series.
NEW PROJECTS IN DEVELOPMENT/PRODUCTION
Netflix is in talks with AFI Conservatory Alum Darren Aronofsky (AFI Class of 1992) to direct CUJO, adapted from Stephen King’s beloved novel.
AFI DWW Alum Alexandra Hedison (DWW Class of 2004) has signed on to star in Natalie Shirinian’s directorial debut feature PONCHIK alongside Angela Sarafyan. Hedison said, “It’s exciting for me to support Natalie’s vision as writer/director on this incredible project. Her immense talent combined with an unwavering commitment to center stories about our Armenian community made it an immediate yes.”
Isobel May and David Corenswet will star in the upcoming film MR. IRRELEVANT about John Tuggle, who was given the title after being the last pick of the last round of the 1983 NFL draft. AFI Alum Jonathan Levine (AFI Class of 2004) is attached to direct the picture.
Following their previous collaboration on THE FIRE INSIDE – which had its U.S. premiere at AFI FEST 2024, Amazon MGM Studios and AFI Conservatory Alum Rachel Morrison (AFI Class of 2006) are reuniting on the film LOVE OF YOUR LIFE, with Morrison attached to direct and Ryan Gosling set as producer.
NEW TRAILERS
Warner Bros released a trailer for the new Paul Thomas Anderson film ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, which was shot by AFI Conservatory Alum Michael Bauman (AFI Class of 1992). The film is set for a September 26 theatrical release.
NEW RELEASES
Following its premiere at Cannes, the political satire RUMOURS, starring Cate Blanchett and executive produced by Ari Aster (AFI Class of 2010), is now streaming on Paramount+.
The new film BURT, directed by Joe Burke (AFI Class of 2009), shot by cinematographer Daniel Kenji Levin (Class of 2010) and executive produced by David Gordon Greene, just won Best Comedy Feature at Cinequest. The LA premiere is Saturday, May 3, at 1:30 p.m. at the Fine Arts Theater in Beverly Hills, with a portion of ticket sales benefiting Parkinson’s Los Angeles (PCLA). The film is a father-son grounded comedy about a 70-year-old street musician with Parkinson’s Disease based on the lead actor’s real life. Watch the trailer and find event and ticket details here.
ZERO DAY, directed and executive produced by AFI DWW Alum Lesli Linka Glatter (AFI DWW Class of 1982), landed at the top of Netflix’s most-watched TV list after its debut with 17.9 million views.
THE LUCKIEST MAN IN AMERICA, written and directed by Samir Oliveros and produced by Amanda Freedman (both AFI Class of 2019), will premiere in theaters beginning April 4. Watch the trailer for the film, which stars Paul Walter Hauser and had its U.S. premiere at AFI FEST 2024.
Cinematographer and AFI Alum Joe Passarelli (AFI Class of 2006) spoke with Indiewire about his new film THE ACTOR, which was written and directed by fellow Alum Duke Johnson (AFI Class of 2006).
Deadline reviewed HOLLAND, shot by cinematographer and AFI Alum Pawel Pogorzelski (AFI Class of 2010), calling the film “a beautifully composed portrait of the claustrophobia of suburbia and the darkness simmering underneath the niceties of the Midwest.”
The comedy series, DELI BOYS, edited by AFI Faculty and Alum Varun Viswanath (AFI Class of 2012), premiered on Hulu.
DISTRIBUTION
Fresh off its debut at Sundance, the feature OH, HI!, starring Molly Gordon and Logan Lerman, and edited by AFI Alum Kayla Emter (AFI Class of 2008), has been picked up by Sony Pictures Classics.
FESTIVALS AND FILM MARKETS
Cinematographer Motiejus Barauskas’ (AFI Class of 2019) new film CATTYWAMPUS is playing at the Aspen Film Festival this month. The film centers on two diamond thieves who discover they need to prioritize their work-life balance in the middle of a heist.
At SXSW, writer/director Uta Briesewitz (AFI Class of 1994) talks with Deadline about her new film AMERICAN SWEATSHOP, starring Lili Reinhart.
The new project FRIENDS AND FASCISM, written by Shuchi Dwivedi (AFI Class of 2024) and produced by her alongside Jhanvi Motla (AFI Class of 2017), was selected for the CinéV Film Market in India.
The new film DANDELION, produced by AFI Alum Tori Ichikowitz (AFI Class of 2024), is having a successful festival run, and will be showcased at the Florida Film Festival on April 12 and 16, Wicked Queer: The Boston LGBTQ+ Film Festival on April 13 and the Cascadia International Women’s Film Festival on April 25.
The New Directors/New Films festival, which takes place April 2 – April 13, will showcase LURKER, edited by David Kashevaroff (AFI Class of 2004) and produced by Charlie McDowell (AFI Class of 2006). It will also feature FAMILIAR TOUCH, which played in the Discovery section at AFI FEST 2024.
First-time writer/director Siobhan McCarthy spoke to Variety about her new film, SHE’S THE HE, shot by AFI Conservatory Alum Bethany Michalski (AFI Class of 2019), which recently debuted at SXSW.
AFI Alum Warren Kommers (AFI Class of 2003), cinematographer of STRANGE JOURNEY: THE STORY OF ROCKY HORROR, which premiered at SXSW, was interviewed about his work on the new documentary, that was produced by fellow Alum Garrett Price (AFI Class of 2005).
In a review of the film FORGE, Indiewire praised AFI Conservatory Alum Jing Ai Ng (AFI Class of 2019), calling her “a director to watch.” Producers Liz Daering-Glass (AFI Class of 2019) and Gabrielle Cordero (AFI Class of 2019), cinematographer Leo Purman (AFI Class of 2019), editor Briana Chmielewski (AFI Class of 2019) and production designer Arielle Ness-Cohn (AFI Class of 2016) all worked on the film, which premiered at SXSW.
The creator’s son of THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW reflected on the cult classic’s legacy in a first look at the documentary STRANGE JOURNEY: THE STORY OF ROCKY HORROR, produced by Garrett Price (AFI Class of 2005) and shot by Warren Kommers (AFI Class of 2003), which is set to premiere at SXSW.
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
Indiewire explored 20 films shot on film in 2025, including THE LAST SHOWGIRL and SINNERS – both lensed by cinematographer and AFI Alum Autumn Durald Arkapaw (AFI Class of 2009).
The Directors Guild of America has appointed negotiations committee leaders for its upcoming 2026 talks with studios and streamers, including director and AFI Alum Jon Avnet (AFI Class of 1972) who will serve as chair of the union’s negotiations committee for its Basic Agreement and Freelance Live and Tape Television Agreement.
Producer Deniese Davis (AFI Class of 2012), who visited the AFI Campus with her new comedy ONE OF THEM DAYS, spoke to Indiewire about the current rollback of DEI within the film and TV industry. “It’s a trickle-down effect,” she said. “What I see DEI stand for is opportunities and allowing non-privileged people a way to get their foot into the door and to get your first staffing job. When you roll that back, how do you break in? These programs were one way you could gain access.”
“The Business” podcast on KCRW featured AFI DWW Alum and DGA President Lesli Linka Glatter (DWW Class of 1982) who spoke about her television career, her new Netflix limited series ZERO DAY and her mentors including Steven Spielberg, George Miller and David Lynch (AFI Class of 1970).
The latest novel by AFI Conservatory Alum Howard Jay Smith (AFI Class of 1983) on the lives of great composers, “Viva Violetta & Verdi,” was just released for publication early this year. Set between 1813 and 1901, the book is told through the eyes of Dario Conegliano, a Jewish opera singer and friend of Verdi. “The book trills through the many love affairs the Italian composer conducted along with numerous highs and love, against the backdrop of Italy’s unification.” – Leslie Zemeckis, author, actress, and award-winning documentarian.