February 2025 News
AFI Sets New Date for AFI AWARDS Amid Wildfire Recovery
AFI AWARDS 2024 has been rescheduled to Thursday, February 6, following a postponement in response to the destructive California wildfires that swept through our tight-knit Los Angeles community. In the spirit of unity and celebration, this private luncheon will recognize this year’s honorees, emphasizing the power of art to inspire and bring people together during challenging times.
Remembering Visionary Storyteller David Lynch (AFI Class of 1970)
We recently mourned the loss of one of our own – AFI Conservatory Alum David Lynch, whose groundbreaking work in film and television redefined storytelling. He famously slept in the Greystone stables while making his very first feature, the cult classic ERASERHEAD, embodying his relentless dedication to his craft. From THE ELEPHANT MAN and BLUE VELVET to WILD AT HEART, MULHOLLAND DRIVE and TWIN PEAKS, Lynch’s distinctive and dreamlike vision left an indelible mark on audiences and inspired generations of future filmmakers. Relive a moment when he returned to the AFI Campus to discuss the art of storytelling and the profound joy he found in the creative process of filmmaking.
AFI Alumni Projects Land Nominations at the 97th Academy Awards®
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has unveiled the nominees for this year’s Academy Awards®, and we’re thrilled to celebrate the AFI Conservatory Alumni and projects among this year’s honorees. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the Oscars® will air live from the Dolby Theatre on Sunday, March 2. Click below to see the full list of films by AFI Alumni nominated for this prestigious honor, and join us in cheering them on as they take center stage!
AFI Alumni Debut New Work at 2025 Sundance Film Festival
AFI Conservatory Alumni were once again front and center at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival, which wrapped yesterday. This year’s features, episodic series and short films showcased the exceptional talent and fresh perspectives of AFI Conservatory graduates who continue to shape the industry. Congratulations to cinematographer Austin Shelton (AFI Class of 2018), co-producer Zane Kalnina (AFI Class of 2020) and executive producer Scott Frank (AFI Class of 1984) who worked on EAST OF WALL, which took home the Audience Award in the NEXT category. Check out the diverse range of AFI Alumni projects featured at this year’s festival!
AFI Community Comes Together at Pancake Breakfast
AFI Alumni, Faculty and Staff gathered on the AFI Campus for a Pancake Breakfast last month to support each other in the wake of the devastating LA wildfires. A heartfelt thank you to Rick Rosenthal (AFI Class of 1973) for flipping pancakes and making the event possible through his generous support, and to all who attended for strengthening the sense of unity and community that defines AFI.
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 BAFTAs officially announced their annual nominations. We’re proud to announce that the following AFI Alumni projects were recognized.
- Best Film Nomination – THE BRUTALIST, Aaron Himmel (AFI Class of 2011), Executive Producer
- Outstanding British Film Nomination – BIRD, Andrea Arnold (AFI Class of 1991), Writer/Director
- Outstanding British Film Nomination – LEE, Liz Hannah (AFI Class of 2009), Co-writer/Executive Producer
- Leading Actress Nomination – Marianne Jean-Baptiste (AFI DWW Class of 2008), HARD TRUTHS
The 82nd annual Golden Globes was held on Sunday, January 5, honoring the following outstanding AFI Alumni projects:
- Winner of Best Motion Picture – Drama
- THE BRUTALIST, Executive Producer Aaron Himmel (AFI Class of 2011)
- Winner of Best Television Series – Drama
- SHŌGUN, Director Charlotte Brändström (AFI Class of 1982) and Consulting Producer Mako Kamitsuna (DWW Class of 2011)
The Art Directors Guild (ADG) unveiled their nominations for the 2025 ADG Awards. Congratulations to the following AFI Alumni who were recognized for their creative work this year:
- One Hour Period Single-Camera Series Nomination
- PACHINKO – Eric Jeon (AFI Class of 2010), Supervising Art Director
- One Hour Fantasy Single-Camera Series Nomination
- DUNE: PROPHECY – Kevin Houlihan (AFI Class of 2011), Senior Art Director; Mari Lappalainen (AFI Class of 2015), Art Director; Emma Sparer (AFI Class of 2017), Set Designer
- FALLOUT – Benjamin K. Cox (AFI Class of 2014), Set Designer
- One Hour Contemporary Single-Camera Series Nomination
- YELLOWSTONE – Kate Weddle (AFI Class of 2013), Graphic Artist
- Multi-Camera Nomination
- BUNK’D – Kelsi Drew Howard (AFI Class of 2021), Assistant Art Director
- WIZARDS BEYOND WAVERLY PLACE (SEASON 1) – Kelsi Drew Howard (AFI Class of 2021), Assistant Art Director
- Variety or Reality Series Nomination
- HELL’S KITCHEN – Jubilate Cox (AFI Class of 2017), Assistant Art Director
- Period Feature Film Nomination
- A COMPLETE UKNOWN – Benjamin Cox (AFI Class of 2014), Assistant Art Director
- Contemporary Feature Film Nomination
- TWISTERS – Daniela Medeiros (AFI Class of 2015), Assistant Art Director
- Television Movie Nomination
- UNFROSTED – Evan Welch (AFI Class of 2019), Art Director
The American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) revealed their nominations for the ASC Awards, including AFI Alumni Robert Elswit (AFI Class of 1977) for RIPLEY and Catherine Goldschmidt (AFI Class of 2009) for HOUSE OF THE DRAGON.
The Directors Guild of America (DGA) announced the 2025 nominations for the DGA Awards, including the following AFI Alumni projects:
- Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Movies for Television and Limited Series Nomination
- THE PENGUIN, “A Great or Little Thing” – Jennifer Getzinger (AFI DWW Class of 2005)
- Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Children’s Programs Nomination
- DESCENDANTS: THE RISE OF RED – Jennifer Phang (AFI Class of 1999)
- OUT OF MY MIND – Amber Sealey (AFI DWW Class of 2019)
The DGA Student Film Awards were unveiled. Congratulations to the following AFI Alumni who were recognized this year:
- BEST AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENT FILMMAKERS
- Grand Prize – Britt Williams (AFI Class of 2023), BEHOLD A LADY
- Jury Award – Kira Powell (AFI Class of 2024), BEST EYES
- BEST ASIAN AMERICAN STUDENT FILMMAKERS:
- Jury Award – Grace Hanna (AFI Class of 2023), LOLA
- BEST LATINO STUDENT FILMMAKERS
- Jury Award – Kimberly Caicedo (AFI Class of 2024), FRANCIS
- BEST WOMEN STUDENT FILMMAKERS
- Jury Award – MC Plaschke (AFI Class of 2023), WE MET AT CAMP
The Producers Guild of American announced this year’s PGA Awards, recognizing the following AFI Alumni projects:
- Darryl F. Zanuck Award for Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures: THE BRUTALIST – Aaron E. Himmel, AFI Class of 2011, Executive Producer
- Norman Felton Award for Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television – Drama: SHOGUN – Mako Kamitsuna (DWW Class of 2011), Consulting Producer
- David L. Wolper Award for Outstanding Producer of Limited or Anthology Series Television: THE PENGUIN – Shaye Ogbonna (AFI Class of 2011), Co-Producer/Writer
- Award for Outstanding Producer of Televised or Streamed Motion Pictures: THE GREATEST NIGHT IN POP – Joyce Liu-Countryman (AFI Class of 2018), Associate Producer
- The Award for Outstanding Producer of Documentary Motion Pictures: MOUNTAIN QUEEN: THE SUMMITS OF LHAKPA SHERPA – Jo Henriquez (AFI Class of 2014), Executive Producer
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) released their nominees for the annual WGA Awards. Congratulations to Lindsay Golder (AFI Class of 2014) for being recognized among the writing staff of NOBODY WANTS THIS, which was nominated for New Series, and Shaye Ogbonna (AFI Class of 2011) who was honored among the writing staff of THE PENGUIN for Limited Series.
The National Board of Review Awards recognized several AFI Alumni projects. Among the Top 10 Films, was JUROR #2, featuring set design by Christopher Carlson (AFI Class of 1980). In the Top 5 International Films category, I’M STILL HERE, edited by Affonso Gonçalves (AFI Class of 1993), earned a well-deserved spot. The Top 10 Independent Films also included BIRD, written/directed by Andrea Arnold (AFI Class of 1991), and HARD TRUTHS, starring Marianne Jean-Baptiste (AFI DWW Class of 2008). Additionally, HIS THREE DAUGHTERS, written, directed, produced, and edited by Azazel Jacobs (AFI Class of 2001), and MY OLD ASS, with Bronte Payne (AFI Class of 2017) as executive producer and Kristen Correll (AFI Class of 2016) as cinematographer, were also recognized.
WGA East has announced that it will bestow the Ian McLellan Hunter Award for Career Achievement on AFI Alum Scott Frank (AFI Class of 1984) at the Writers Guild Awards in February.
The Television Academy Foundation named the short film LOLA as the recipient of its $10,000 Loreen Arbus Focus on Disability Scholarship. The film was brought to life by three AFI Alumni – director Grace Hanna, writer Duke Yang and producer Uloaku Anyiam-Osigme (all AFI Class of 2023).
The New York Film Critics Circle announced their selections for the year’s best films, including THE BRUTALIST, executive produced by Aaron Himmel (AFI Class of 2011), which won Best Film, and HARD TRUTHS, starring Marianne Jean-Baptiste (AFI DWW Class of 2008) who won Best Actress.
The Television Academy revealed their nominations for the 44th College Television Awards, including the AFI thesis film THE HICKS HAPPY HOUR, which earned a nod for Best Comedy Series. The following AFI Alumni helped bring the project to life: director/co-writer Kate McCarthy, co-writer Michael Kefeyalew, producer Cameron Wen, editor Jin-hyuk Suk and production designer Yun Gu.
SFFILM has announced the 2024 Rainin Grant Recipients, which include producer George Rush (AFI TVW Class of 1991) for his project “Fonzel and Gloria” and writer Eileen Cabiling (AFI Class of 2003) for her project “Love Visa.”
OUT OF MY MIND, directed by AFI DWW Alum Amber Sealey (AFI DWW Class of 2019) and centered on Melody, a nonverbal wheelchair user with cerebral palsy, was one of the movies honored with the Ruderman Seal of Authentic Representation by the Ruderman Family Foundation for the film’s “groundbreaking commitment to disability inclusion in Hollywood.”
Film Independent announced this year’s Spirit Award nominations, including director/co-writer Malcolm Washington (AFI Class of 2016), nominated for Best First Feature for his film THE PIANO LESSON, and director/writer/producer Shuchi Talati (AFI Class of 2011), nominated for the John Cassavetes Award for her film GIRLS WILL BE GIRLS.
COMPETITIONS
The Black List has revealed this year’s lineup of the best unproduced screenplays, spotlighting outstanding work from AFI Alumni. Josh Corbin (AFI Class of 2010) earned recognition for “Mildred,” Matisse Haddad (AFI Class of 2023) was honored for “Skin,” and Lou Howe (AFI Class of 2010) received accolades for “Tony.”
“Northern Lights,” written by AFI Alum Bert Pigg (AFI Class of 2008) was named a Semi-Finalist at the 2024 Santa Barbara International Screenplay Awards as well as the 2024 Palm Springs International Screenplay Awards. Meanwhile, his screenplay for “The Assassin’s Shadow” has earned widespread recognition, including:
- Official Selection – 2024 Hollywood International Indie Screenplay Awards
- Semi-Finalist, Genre Division – 2024 Page Turner Screenplay Competition
- Semi-Finalist – 2024 Creative Screenwriting Unique Voices Screenplay Competition
- Honorable Mention – 2024 Big Apple Film Festival
His script “Some Desperate Glory” has also garnered acclaim, with accolades including:
- Finalist, Best Feature Screenplay – 2024 European Cinema & Screenplay Festival
- Official Selection – 2025 U.K. Film Festival
- Official Selection – 2024 Oxford Script Awards
- Official Selection – 2024 Richmond International Screenwriting and Film Festival
- Official Selection – 2024 Best Script Awards, London
- Quarterfinalist – 2024 Page Turner True Story Screenplay Competition
- Honorable Mention – 2024 Hollywood International Indie Screenplay Awards
- Honorable Mention – 2024 Big Apple Film Festival
The feature script, “The Settlement,” written by AFI Conservatory Alum Eric Schabla (AFI Class of 2024), made it in on Coverfly’s RED LIST, a leaderboard of the top projects on Coverfly each month.
NEW HIRES AND PROJECTS IN DEVELOPMENT/PRODUCTION
Actors Emilia Clarke, Edgar Ramirez and Jack Farthing have signed on to star in NEXT LIFE, written, directed and produced by AFI Alum Drake Doremus (AFI Class of 2005).
Patty Jenkins (AFI Class of 2000) has joined the short film TEA, starring Michael Gandolfini, as an executive producer.
ABC is developing a one-hour military procedural titled DEVIL’S RANCH, from writer Rebecca Murga (AFI DWW Class of 2015). “The drama follows a group of ex-military personnel who operate a ranch on the Texas-Mexico border by day and conduct various missions across the globe by night.”
Sydney Sweeney is in talks to star in THE MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH, which will be directed by AFI Alum Charlie Polinger (AFI Class of 2017) and executive produced by AFI Alum Lucy McKendrick (AFI Class of 2016).
FILM INITIATIVES
Mentorship Matters, a year-long program designed by showrunners to enhance opportunities for emerging diverse writers, has chosen 19 participants for its 2024-2025 cohort. Among them is AFI Conservatory Alum Miida Chu (Class of 2020). Notably, one of the program’s founding mentors is fellow AFI Alum Raelle Tucker (DWW Class of 2003).
Hillman Grad Productions announced the filmmakers selected for the Rising Voices Season 5, including AFI Alumni Oanh-Nhi Nguyen (AFI Class of 2024), Jahmil Eady (AFI DWW+ Class of 2025) and Jasmine Johnson (AFI DWW+ Class of 2025).
Film Independent announced their 31 New Project Involve Fellows, including AFI Alumni Erin G. Wesley (AFI Class of 2019), Peiqi Peng (AFI Class of 2022) and Jazmin Jamias (AFI Class of 2023).
TRAILERS
A24 released the first trailer for DEATH OF A UNICORN, starring Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd. Executive produced by AFI Alum Ari Aster (AFI Class of 2010), the film is set to be released in the spring of 2025.
Check out the first trailer for the short film EDGE OF SPACE, which has been lauded by acclaimed filmmakers including Ron Howard and Roland Emmerich. The film, produced by Emmy® winner Nicolas Emiliani (AFI Class of 2007) and executive produced by Oscar® winner Kim Magnusson (AFI Class of 1991), is “set in 1961 during the height of the US-Soviet space race and depicts the journey of a determined USAF test pilot, who is recruited by NASA.”
BOB TREVINO LIKES IT, which premiered at last year’s SXSW Film Festival and won both the Grand Jury Prize and an Audience Award, has revealed its first trailer. Producer Edgar Rosa (AFI Class of 2014), editor Anisha Acharya (AFI Class of 2014) and Post Production Supervisor Rich Song (AFI Class of 2012) helped bring the film to life.
NEW RELEASES
AFI Conservatory Alum Paul Davids’ (AFI Class of 1969) AI-driven comedy series, “The Naughty Adventures of Scarlett May Blossom,” is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Billed as the world’s first TV series with all-AI characters and comedy actor voices, this satirical adventure was showcased at the Sedona International Film Festival in the fall.
TriStar released ONE OF THEM DAYS, produced by AFI Alum Deniese Davis (AFI Class of 2012) and starring Keke Palmer and SZA.
Gia Coppola’s new film THE LAST SHOWGIRL, starring Pamela Anderson and featuring the cinematography of AFI Conservatory Alum Autumn Durald Arkapaw (AFI Class of 2009), was selected as a New York Times’ Critic’s Pick. The film was recently released in theaters nationwide.
Deadline explored the new documentary ONE PERSON, ONE VOTE?, produced by AFI Conservatory Alum Daresha Kyi (AFI Class of 1991), which does a deep dive into the electoral college. The film from Independent Lens is now streaming on PBS.
Editing Alum Garret Price (AFI Class of 2005) appeared on MORNING JOE to talk about his upcoming film YACHT ROCK: A DOCKUMENTARY, which he directed, edited and produced.
DISTRIBUTION
Neon has acquired the rights to BRIDES, directed by AFI Conservatory Alum Chloe Okuno (AFI Class of 2014) and starring Maika Monroe.
DEALS
Screenwriter and AFI Alum Brad Ingelsby (AFI Class of 2005) has extended his overall deal with HBO for a further three years.
FILM FESTIVALS
At the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, IndieWire hosted a panel called Shaping the Future – Voices of Next-Gen Filmmakers, spotlighting filmmakers supported by the Adobe Film & TV Fund. Among the panelists was AFI Conservatory Alum Mario Fierro (AFI Class of 2020), editor of SWEET TALKIN’ GUY which premiered at Sundance this year.
I’M STILL HERE, edited by Affonso Gonçalves (AFI Class of 1993), took home the FIPRESCI Prize for Best International Feature Film at this year’s Palm Springs International Film Festival.
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival has unveiled its programming lineup for its 40th edition, taking place February 4–15. Among the featured films is WALK WITH ME, written, directed and produced by AFI Alum Heidi Levitt (AFI Class of 1987). The deeply personal documentary, which premiered at AFI FEST earlier this fall, chronicles her and her husband Charlie Hess’ experience with Alzheimer’s disease.
WITNESS, a short film directed and produced by Radha Mehta (AFI Class of 2023), was officially selected to screen at the Slamdance Film Festival this year.
The documentary short, MY FATHER’S NAME, which AFI Alum Susanna Styron (AFI Class of 1983) directed, produced and edited, won Best Documentary Award in the NYWIFT Online Shorts Festival and will next screen in the Oscar®-qualifying Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival.
IN OTHER NEWS
THE MIRACLE WORKER, starring DWW Alum Anne Bancroft (AFI DWW Class of 1975), was officially inducted into the National Film Registry.
The Wrap explored the work being done in terms of disability representation in Hollywood since CODA, written/directed by AFI DWW Alum Sian Heder (AFI DWW Class of 2005) and shot by cinematographer Paula Huidobro (AFI Class of 2006), was released – referencing filmmaker, AFI DWW Alum and disability advocate Ashley Eakin (AFI DWW Class of 2020).
Priscilla J. “Sally” Mattison (AFI Class of 1986), of Counsel to Bernard M. Resnick, Esq., P.C., gave a presentation entitled “Protect Your Music: Copyright Law & the Impact of AI on Intellectual Property” at Lebanon Valley College’s 2024 VALE Media Industries Conference.
AFI Conservatory Alum Sam Shafaghi (AFI Class of 2018) was hired as Creative Executive in film at Esmail Corp, the production banner of fellow AFI Alum Sam Esmail (AFI Class of 2004).
AFI Conservatory Alum Greer Sinclair (AFI Class of 2024) wrote a Vanity Fair article about Classic Hollywood actress Thelma Todd, whose restaurant in the Pacific Palisades – an architectural landmark – survived the wildfires in LA.