June 2025 News
AFI Tribute to Francis Ford Coppola on TNT and TCM
Get ready for an unforgettable tribute! The televised special, THE AFI LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: A TRIBUTE TO FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA, will air June 18 on TNT and July 31 on Turner Classic Movies (TCM). Don’t miss this star-studded salute to a cinematic legend, with heartfelt tributes from the likes of Robert De Niro, Adam Driver, Harrison Ford, Morgan Freeman, Ron Howard, Diane Lane, Spike Lee, Al Pacino and more.
78th Cannes Film Festival Showcases New Films by AFI Alumni
AFI Conservatory Alumni made a powerful impact at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, presenting groundbreaking films on the global stage. Among the official selections were EDDINGTON by writer/director/producer Ari Aster and executive producer Alejandro De Leon (both AFI Class of 2010) as well as HIGHEST 2 LOWEST, shot by cinematographer Matthew Libatique (AFI Class of 1992). The festival also debuted THE PLAGUE, the first feature from writer/director Charlie Polinger (AFI Class of 2017), which was produced by Lucy McKendrick (AFI Class of 2016) with cinematography by Steven Breckon (AFI Class of 2017). AFI congratulates these visionary Alumni whose innovative work premiered at the prestigious festival this year.
AFI Alumni Projects Spotlighted at 24th Tribeca Film Festival
The 2025 Tribeca Film Festival, which runs from June 4–15, 2025, has unveiled its official lineup, and AFI graduates are once again in the spotlight. Join us in celebrating the bold new work from AFI storytellers at this year’s festival that reflects the creativity, range and vision of AFI Conservatory Alumni.
AFI Alumni Inspire at AAPI Heritage Month Lunch & Learn
Last month, AFI’s Office of Fellow Affairs and the Lawrence Herbert Alumni Center proudly hosted a special AAPI Heritage Month Lunch & Learn, featuring acclaimed AFI Alumni Amy Wang (AFI Class of 2017) and Byron Wu (AFI Class of 2019). Amy recently premiered SLANTED at SXSW, where it won the Grand Jury Prize, and is the screenwriter behind the upcoming CRAZY RICH ASIANS 2 while Byron co-created and served as a writer on THE BROTHERS SUN, a TV series centered on all-Asian characters and crafted by an entirely Asian writers’ room. We extend our sincere thanks to Amy and Byron for returning to the AFI Campus to lead such an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation, and to the Fellows and Alumni who joined us at this special event.
Framing the Future: AI Takes the Spotlight at AFI
In May, the AFI Conservatory hosted a groundbreaking workshop focused on the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in cinema. Through hands-on tools, emerging technologies and vital conversations, panelists explored how to preserve artistic integrity in the age of AI. Speakers included Yelena Rachitsky (Head of Emerging Formats at Meta), Moran Cerf (Neuroscientist and Alfred P. Sloane Professor at the AFI Conservatory), Rebecca Barkin (Co-Founder and CEO, Lamina1), Rob Bredow (Senior Vice President, LucasFilm) and Prem Akkaraju (CEO, Stability AI), who each offered insights into the creative possibilities and ethical questions shaping the future of filmmaking.
Bridge to the Future Hosts Renowned Filmmakers on Campus
We’re excited to share highlights from recent conversations with a diverse and dynamic group of storytellers who visited the AFI Conservatory. ADOLESCENCE co-creators Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne discussed the making of their powerful new series, while SEW TORN director Freddy Macdonald (AFI Class of 2021) reflected on his debut feature, inspired by the short film he submitted to AFI. Plus, NOBODY WANTS THIS creator/showrunner Erin Foster offered a candid look at her hit series, and producer Kurt Ravenwood shared behind-the-scenes insights into his indie comedy HUNDREDS OF BEAVERS.
AFI DWW+ Intensive Welcomes Acclaimed Filmmakers Back to AFI Campus
AFI recently hosted the DWW+ Intensive, an inspiring week of creative collaboration led by Guest Artistic Director Marie Jamora (DWW Class of 2020) and a distinguished lineup of filmmakers and Alumni. These accomplished storytellers returned to mentor and guide the current class, sharing insights and experiences from their own journeys. Special thanks to returning Alumni Melina Matsoukas (AFI Class of 2005), Shaz Bennett (DWW Class of 2012), Tarin Anderson (AFI Class of 2004), Ashley Eakin (DWW Class of 2020), Marissa High (DWW Class of 2024), Lily Mariye (DWW Class of 1999), Jennifer Phang (AFI Class of 1999), Amber Sealey (DWW Class of 2019), and Valerie Weiss (DWW Class of 2005). This transformative experience brought together a dynamic group of industry leaders to inspire and empower the next generation of filmmakers.
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!
In Other AFI News…
AWARDS, GRANTS, FELLOWSHIPS AND OTHER HONORS
NOTHING WRONG (RIEN DE MAL), shot by cinematographer and AFI Fellow Nyssa Glück (AFI Class of 2025), had its international premiere at the Julien Dubuque Film Festival where it was awarded the JDIFF Honorable Mention for feature films, as well as the FIPRESCI Award as the International Federation of Film Critics marked their 100th anniversary.
Director Amber Sealey (AFI DWW Class of 2019, OUT OF MY MIND), executive producer Jo Henriquez (AFI Class of 2014, MOUNTAIN QUEEN: THE SUMMITS OF LHAKPA SHERPA), cinematographer Robert Elswit, ASC (AFI Class of 1977, RIPLEY), director Charlotte Eva Brändström (AFI Class of 1982, SHŌGUN) and consulting producer Mako Kamitsuna (DWW Class of 2011, SHŌGUN) on being honored at this year’s Peabody Awards.
Ari Aster (AFI Class of 2010) will be honored with the Edge Award at 2025 Provincetown International Film Festival, which will take place from June 11 to 15 in Provincetown, MA.
SeriesFest revealed the winners of its Pilot Competition, with Jasmine J. Johnson (AFI DWW+ Class of 2025) earning Best Director in the comedy category for her DWW+ project CUMING OUT.
NEW PROJECTS IN DEVELOPMENT/PRODUCTION
New Line has acquired CUT OUTS, an original sci-fi thriller spec by AFI Conservatory Alum Isaac Louis García (AFI Class of 2021).
AFI Life Achievement Award recipient Robert De Niro and actress Jenna Ortega are set to join David O. Russell’s pool hustler drama SHUTOUT, produced by AFI Conservatory Alum Jeff Kirschenbaum (AFI Class of 1999).
AFI Alum Lucy McKendrick (Class of 2016) will make her directorial debut with FANGS, a thrilling black comedy which will be produced by Charlie Polinger (Class of 2017). Starring Joel Edgerton and Toni Collette, the film delves into privilege, power, and dangerous fantasies.
Ari Aster (AFI Class of 2010) will produce ENEMIES, a new film acquired by A24 and set to star Austin Butler and Jeremy Allen White.
Richard Stern (AFI Class of 1977) and Navid McIlhargey, the Four Daughters duo, will produce THE MATCH, alongside Julie R. Snyder. The screenplay is being adapted by Liz Maccie, with Venus and Serena Williams joining as executive producers.
Darren Aronofsky (AFI Class of 1992) and his AI-driven studio Primordial Soup have partnered with Google DeepMind. Their first project, ANCESTRA by Eliza McNitt, blends generative AI with live-action performance and will premiere at the Tribeca Festival.
AFI Alum Mark Gordon (AFI Class of 1989) is producing Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of THE MAGICIAN’S NEPHEW for Netflix, which will star Carey Mulligan and receive a two-week theatrical IMAX run ahead of its late 2026 release.
NEW TRAILERS
A24 released the first teaser trailer for HIGHEST 2 LOWEST, Spike Lee’s reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s HIGH AND LOW. Starring AFI Life Achievement Award honoree Denzel Washington and shot by cinematographer Matthew Libatique (AFI Class of 1992), the film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival last month before hitting theaters in August.
Official trailer debuts for crime thriller CAUGHT STEALING from AFI Class of 1992 Alums Darren Aronofsky and Matthew Libatique, starring Austin Butler and Zoë Kravitz.
NEW RELEASES AND OTHER PROJECTS
Max revealed the first trailer for DUSTER, a highly anticipated new TV show which LaToya Morgan (AFI Class of 2005) co-created with J.J. Abrams. Morgan also served as a writer and executive producer on the series which premiered on May 15 at 9 p.m. ET, with new episodes dropping weekly through July 3.
The documentary COME SEE ME IN THE GOOD LIGHT, edited by Berenice Chavez (AFI Class 2016) and which won Sundance’s 2025 Festival Favorite Award, will premiere on Apple TV+ this fall.
Created by Brad Ingelsby (AFI Class of 2005), TASK is set to premiere this September on HBO. Starring Mark Ruffalo and Tom Pelphrey, the series follows a string of drug-house robberies led by an unsuspecting family man.
Edited by AFI Faculty and alum Varun Viswanath (Class of 2012), BAD THOUGHTS, a new series from comedian Tom Segura, is now streaming on Netflix.
DISTRIBUTION
Nicholas Erickson (AFI Class of 2015) will serve as executive producer on WE BURY THE DEAD, a post-apocalyptic thriller starring Daisy Ridley, for which Vertical has secured domestic distribution rights.
FESTIVALS AND FILM MARKETS
Ari Aster (AFI Class of 2010) premiered his highly anticipated new film EDDINGTON at the Cannes Film Festival to widespread acclaim. Featuring a powerhouse cast—Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, and Austin Butler—the film hits theaters July 18.
David Lynch (AFI Class of 1970) was honored at the Cannes Film Festival with an emotional tribute featuring son, Riley Lynch, and the world premiere of Stéphane Ghez’s new documentary, WELCOME TO LYNCHLAND.
The Bentonville Film Festival returns for its eleventh year, featuring new films including the world premiere of STREET SMART: LESSONS FROM A TV ICON, a feature documentary celebrating the life and legacy of Sonia Manzano, produced by Maor Azran (AFI Class of 2018).
OTHER NEWS
AFI Directing Alum Adam Finberg (Class of 2004) will premiere his directorial debut, STAR PEOPLE, at the Dances With Films Festival on Saturday, June 28 at 7:15 p.m. at the TCL Chinese Theatres. Tickets available here: danceswithfilms.com/star-people.
Diana Romero (AFI Class of 2017) has written and is performing in a solo show, ME, MYSELF AND OTHER, at the Hollywood Fringe Festival. For showtimes and details, visit: hollywoodfringe.org/projects/11701. AFI Staff, Fellows, and Alumni use code WELOVEAFI for $5 off tickets.