News
Bridge To The Future: Soft Skills Workshop
Earlier this week, 2nd Year Fellows and recent Alumni gathered in the Lawrence Herbert Alumni Center for a lively and insightful Bridge to the Future: Soft Skills Workshop, an event that went in-depth on a simple truth: in a relationship-driven industry, how you engage is just as important as what you create.
The panel, led by Alumni Haley Bartels (AFI Class of 2019), Haley Beasley (AFI Class of 2022) and Thayer Juergens (AFI Class of 2019) gave real-world guidance on navigating general meetings, pitching with authenticity, giving and receiving notes and building meaningful professional relationships. With a mix of practical advice and honest storytelling, the panel demystified the interpersonal dynamics that can make or break professional opportunities.
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.
A Candid Conversation With Cinematography Alumni
Thank you to everyone who joined us for a special Cinematography Alumni roundtable hosted by the Lawrence Herbert Alumni Center. This intimate fireside conversation brought together four accomplished Alumni — Johanna Coelho (AFI Class of 2013), Conci Althouse (AFI Class of 2012), Michelle Lawler (AFI Class of 2012) and Veronica Bouza (AFI Class of 2020) — with our current women and non-binary Cinematography Fellows for an open and candid exchange of experiences and advice. We’re especially grateful to Cinematography Fellow, Sydney Lawson, who led this meaningful discussion.
AFI Conservatory Alumni Projects Win at the 86th Annual Peabody Awards
The 86th Annual Peabody Awards, recognizing excellence in TV, radio and digital media, has announced this year’s winners, including standout work from AFI Alumni. These projects highlight pressing social issues and bold new voices shaping today’s storytelling landscape. AFI proudly celebrates the Alumni behind these achievements.
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
This week, we were proud to be recognized in Variety’s Education Impact Report, underscoring our growing impact on film education. Congratulations to the Faculty, Staff and Fellows at AFI whose work continues to advance storytelling in a rapidly evolving art form.
The Peabody Awards winners were announced this week, including incredible work from AFI Alumni. These projects highlight pressing social issues and bold new voices shaping today’s storytelling landscape.
The new trailer for HERSHEY, directed by Mark Waters (AFI Class of 1992), has dropped. The film will be released this Thanksgiving.
Magnolia Pictures has acquired Dave Boyle’s Japanese horror film NEVER AFTER DARK, featuring cinematography by Patrick Ouziel (AFI Class of 2017).
Cinematographer Brandon Cox (AFI Class of 2004) is behind the lens of RZA’s ONE SPOON OF CHOCOLATE. Watch the latest trailer for the thriller here: https://www.fangoria.com/one-spoon-of-chocolate-trailer/
David Ebersole (AFI Class of 1991), director and producer of HOUSE OF CARDIN, brings the documentary to The Criterion Channel on May 1 as part of the platform’s May 2026 lineup.
THE DRAMA, produced by Ari Aster (AFI Class of 2010), has surpassed $100 million worldwide since its April 3 release, becoming A24’s fifth film to reach the milestone.
Lesli Linka Glatter (AFI DWW Class of 1982) and Mimi Leder (AFI Class of 1973) are among the panelists for Variety’s inaugural “High Tea: Celebrating Female Directors,” spotlighting the trailblazing women behind some of television’s most talked-about series.
THE SAVANT, starring Jessica Chastain, with cinematography by Janusz Kamiński (AFI Class of 1987), will debut on Apple TV+ this July.
Naomi Foner (AFI DWW Class of 1980) was among the industry panelists who selected NYU Tisch’s 2026 Purple List, the Black List–inspired showcase of top graduate film student screenplays.
Have an exciting piece of news, an upcoming project or career accolades to announce? Let us know so we can share with the AFI community!