News
TheWrap Names AFI Among The Nation’s Top Film Schools
In its annual rankings, TheWrap has once again named AFI among the nation’s top film schools, referring to the Conservatory as “the OG film conservatory.”
In the same issue, TheWrap interviewed Beth de Araújo (AFI Class of 2013; AFI DWW Class of 2018) about her film JOSEPHINE and her experience at the Conservatory. Reflecting on her time at AFI, she shared, “I think once I got there, the world busted open for me.”
AFI Conservatory Applications Now Open
Good news to share with filmmakers! Applications are now open for AFI Conservatory’s MFA programs in Cinematography, Directing, Editing, Producing, Production Design and Screenwriting for the 2027–28 academic year. If you know talented storytellers in your network who are ready to take the next step in their filmmaking journey, please encourage them to apply!
AFI Alum Jordan Betine’s Sketch Show Comes to Los Angeles
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.
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
TheWrap interviewed Beth de Araújo (AFI Class of 2013; AFI DWW Class of 2018) about her film JOSEPHINE. About her time at AFI, she said, “I think once I got there, the world busted open for me.”
Paul Schrader (AFI Class of 1969) will receive the inaugural Storyteller Award at the Ojai Film Festival. The filmmaker will accept the award on November 7 following a screening of his film TAXI DRIVER.
Caleb Deschanel (AFI Class of 1969) and other WILDWOOD filmmakers discuss what it took to bring this animated film 16 years in the making to life: https://thenerdsofcolor.org/2026/10/25/how-laikas-artists-brought-wildwoods-vision-to-life/
Christopher Greenslate’s (AFI Class of 2016) graphic novel, titled “Biscuit Power,” is now available exclusively through Sumerian and will be available in stores and through major online retailers in March 2027.
The cast for writer/director Kim Caicedo’s (AFI Class of 2024) NIGHT AT THE OASIS has been revealed. The film features work by cinematographer Jessica Arzate (AFI Class of 2024) and production designer Camila Pons del Toro (AFI Class of 2024).
Two-time Academy Award-winning producer Kim Magnusson (AFI Class of 1991) serves on the pitch jury for this year’s Evolution Mallorca. The festival’s 15th edition is currently underway.
Janusz Kamiński (AFI Class of 1987) is the cinematographer on rock band Deafheaven’s new short film HUNTER.
Watch an exclusive clip from HEN, executive-produced by Ari Aster (AFI Class of 2010), which opens in theaters on November 6.
STILL OHIO, the first feature by writer/director Kaylin Allshouse (AFI Class of 2026), will have its Los Angeles premiere at Dynasty Typewriter on November 18, followed by a Q&A with the cast and crew.
Joyce Liu-Countryman (AFI Class of 2018) has been named to the board of NewFilmmakers Los Angeles.
ADMISSION POSSIBLE, co-directed by Matthew Syrett (AFI Class of 2024), won the Documentary Feature Audience Award at the Virginia Film Festival.