News
AFI Alumni Projects Spotlighted At 25th Tribeca Film Festival
The 2026 Tribeca Film Festival, which runs from June 4–15, 2026, 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 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.
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
Mitchell Greenberg’s (AFI Class of 2025) CONDITIONS OF RELEASE has been shortlisted in the Fiction category at the upcoming Sony Future Filmmaker Awards, taking place in June 2026.
Square Peg, the production banner founded by Lars Knudsen and Ari Aster (AFI Class of 2010), is bringing back its filmmaker mentorship initiative, Square Peg Social. The second edition will take place in Austin from September 17–21.
FORGE opens in Los Angeles today, led by writer, director and producer Jing Ai Ng (AFI Class of 2019). The thriller also features the work of producers Gabrielle Cordero and Liz Daering-Glass, cinematographer Leo Purman and editor Briana Chmielewski, all from the AFI Class of 2019, as well as production designer Arielle Paula Ness-Cohn (AFI Class of 2016).
Amy Madigan, Steve Buscemi, and Ben Foster have been cast in Ryan Coogler’s upcoming THE X-FILES reboot for Hulu. Oscar®-winning cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw (AFI Class of 2009) is reuniting with Coogler on this project.
Arielle Ness-Cohn (AFI Class of 2016) also served as production designer on MAGIC HOUR, a drama exploring grief, memory, and relationship strain. The film opens in a limited theatrical release today. Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqAcyB34iMg
Vertical has acquired North American distribution rights to the horror film PENDULUM, produced by Darren Aronofsky (AFI Class of 1992). The film is slated for a theatrical release on January 1, 2027.
Haley Hope Bartels (AFI Class of 2019) has written the screenplay for PUMPING BLACK, a psychological thriller set in the competitive world of professional cycling. The film is set to star Jonathan Bailey and Natalie Portman.
SLEEPING DOG, a documentary about UFO researcher Jeremy Corbell, features the work of AFI Class of 2021 Alumni, including director and producer Michael Lazovsky, producer Rebecca Baruch, executive producer Joseph King, and cinematographer Steven Jared Mangurten. The film opens in theaters today. Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kx_anJdFlL4
Writer/director Kira Powell’s (AFI Class of 2024) feature project, THE SECOND CHILD, has been selected for Cine Qua Non Lab’s 2026 Storylines Lab, an international development program supporting narrative feature filmmakers.
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!