News
Autumn Durald Arkapaw To Receive Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal
Autumn Durald Arkapaw, ASC (AFI Class of 2009) will receive AFI’s 32nd annual Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal, joining a distinguished group of cinematographers previously honored with the award, including Matthew Libatique, Caleb Deschanel, Melina Matsoukas, Wally Pfister, Frederick Elmes, Janusz Kamiński and Rachel Morrison. The Medal recognizes AFI Conservatory Alumni whose work reflects the talent and commitment to storytelling exemplified by filmmaker Franklin J. Schaffner. Durald Arkapaw recently received an Academy Award® nomination for Best Cinematography for SINNERS (2025). The Medal will be presented at the AFI Life Achievement Award Tribute to Eddie Murphy on April 18, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
AFI Alumni Win Big At Sundance 2026
AFI Alumni were once again front and center at the Sundance Film Festival, which wrapped this past Sunday. This year’s features, episodic series and short films highlighted the exceptional talent and fresh perspectives of AFI Conservatory graduates who continue to shape the industry.
Congratulations to the AFI Alumni whose projects were honored with awards including JOSEPHINE (U.S. Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic and Audience Award: U.S. Dramatic), TAKE ME HOME (Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award: U.S. Dramatic) and BEDFORD PARK (U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Debut Feature).
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
Actor, filmmaker and AFI Conservatory Alum Bill Duke (AFI Class of 1978) received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing his enduring contributions to motion pictures. The ceremony coincided with his 83rd birthday during Black History Month.
Autumn Durald Arkapaw (AFI Class of 2009) will receive the Lumière Award at the 8th Annual Kodak Film Awards in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the art of cinematography.
Autumn Durald Arkapaw discusses her work on SINNERS in The Business Podcast with Kim Masters, sharing how it evolved from a 16mm concept into a full-scale IMAX production.
Michael Bauman (AFI Class of 1992) and Paul Thomas Anderson break down four key scenes from their film ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER: https://www.screendaily.com/features/paul-thomas-anderson-dop-michael-bauman-break-down-four-key-scenes-from-one-battle-after-another-i-knew-people-would-have-a-good-reaction/5213914.article
Director and co-writer P. David Ebersole (AFI Class of 1991) has completed photography on the new feature film FLOWERS PARA LOS MUERTOS. The Spanish- and English-language thriller also features the work of cinematographer Mark Putnam (AFI Class of 1991).
Simone Kirlew (AFI Class of 2023) and Gus Murray (AFI Class of 2022) produced PURGATORY, Lindsay Lanzillotta’s coming-of-age comedy/drama and feature directorial debut, which has wrapped production in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
Oscar®-nominated filmmaker Duke Johnson (AFI Class of 2006) will direct and produce Starburns Industries’ live-action/stop-motion hybrid film LINCOLN IN THE BARDO, starring Tom Hanks.
Sam Esmail (AFI Class of 2004) and Esmail Corp are teaming with AfterShock Media on ASTRONAUT DOWN, a feature adaptation of the 2023 sci-fi thriller from AfterShock Comics, with F. Scott Frazier writing for Netflix.
Jonathan Levine (AFI Class of 2004) will direct Searchlight Pictures’ adaptation of Grady Hendrix’s 2014 horror-comedy novel “Horrorstör,” having also penned the latest draft of the script.
Arthur Springer (AFI Class of 1994) and Carol Springer’s DARK ALIEN VISIONS will premiere March 7 at the Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival, where it also won the Best Sci-Fi Feature Film Award.
Gia-Rayne Harris (AFI Class of 2021) directed episode 405, “Yes or No,” of BRIDGERTON Season 4, Part 2, now streaming on Netflix.