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
Caleb Deschanel (AFI Class of 1969) is the cinematographer on LAIKA’s upcoming stop-motion fantasy WILDWOOD. The film arrives in theaters nationwide October 23. Watch the latest trailer: https://www.thewrap.com/creative-content/movies/wildwood-trailer-travis-knight-laika-fathom-entertainment/
Mahesh Pailoor (AFI Class of 2006) directs PAPER FLOWERS, based on the true story of Shalin Shah and his viral essay “Thank You, Cancer.” The film opens in theaters today. Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWM7y9FWPFU
Producer James Wilson (AFI Class of 1991) is among more than four dozen Academy members appointed as chairs or vice chairs for the organization’s 2026–27 committees.
Liz Hannah (AFI Class of 2009) co-showruns, writes and serves as an executive producer on GOD OF THE WOODS, the upcoming Netflix series based on Liz Moore’s novel. Filming is underway in upstate New York.
Danny Ruhlmann, ASC (AFI Class of 1985) serves as cinematographer on SPA WEEKEND, which opens today. Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9p7j3UvpEQQ
Gandja Monteiro (AFI DWW+ Class of 2018) directs Marvel’s VISIONQUEST, which premieres on Disney+ October 14. The series brings together Marvel’s Vision and other AI characters in a new story. Check out the first trailer here: https://www.thewrap.com/creative-content/tv-shows/visionquest-trailer-marvel/
Todd Banhazl (AFI Class of 2009) is the cinematographer on THE WRONG GIRLS, the new comedy from filmmaker Dylan Meyer. The film is currently in theaters.
Simon Schneider (AFI Class of 2025) was interviewed by Deadline about his AFI Thesis film DEGREE OF CERTAINTY, which he is developing into a feature with Maxwell Kagan (AFI Class of 2025) attached to produce. The project also features the work of Eliot Grigo (AFI Class of 2025), cinematographer; Jason Luo (AFI Class of 2025), editor; and Jessica Burnam (AFI Class of 2024), production designer.
ONE BY ONE, an upcoming independent horror thriller from director Danny Buday (AFI Class of 2005), announced its ensemble cast Thursday as principal photography begins at the landmark Kentucky Castle.
Veteran showrunner Frank Spotnitz (AFI Class of 1989) will mentor HBO Max’s Script Engine program, which selected 12 European writers to develop locally rooted original series to pitch to HBO Max in November.
Multiple AFI Conservatory Alumni contributed to DREAMS IN NIGHTMARES. The film opens in Los Angeles on August 28, followed by a wide theatrical release in September.
- Pin-Chun Liu (AFI Class of 2013), Producer
- Ludovica Isidori (AFI Class of 2013), Cinematographer
- Cyndi Trissel (AFI Class of 2013), Editor
- Liska Ostojic (AFI Class of 2013), Executive Producer
- Jacqueline W. Liu (AFI Class of 2013), Executive Producer
- You-Hao Su (AFI Class of 2013), Executive Producer
- Carlos Garza (AFI Class of 2013), Production Manager (Mexico Unit)
- Michael M. McGuire (AFI Class of 2009), Line Producer/UPM (Additional Photography)
- John Negropontes (AFI Class of 2010), Production Supervisor (Additional Photography)
- Jazmin Jamias (AFI Class of 2023), Assistant Editor
- Zekun Mao (AFI Class of 2017), Additional Assistant Editor
- Aashish D’Mello (AFI Class of 2017), Additional Assistant Editor
- Sasa Numic (AFI Class of 2013), Main Titles Design
- Praboo T. Arivanathan (AFI Class of 2023), Post Consultant