October 2024 News
AFI FEST Full Lineup Announced!
We’re excited to share that the full lineup for AFI FEST presented by Canva has been unveiled! Passes are on sale now and individual tickets go on sale at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 7. The program also includes the AFI Conservatory Showcase, a collection of short narrative films from the most recent graduates of the Conservatory.
As an AFI Alum, you receive a special 50% discount on all AFI FEST tickets and passes. Select the option below that works best for you and then log in using your email on file with AFI to take advantage of this exclusive offer. Stay tuned for more details from the Alumni Affairs office about how to enter our raffle for a festival pass.
- Wednesday, Oct. 2 – Patron Pass Film Selection
- Thursday, Oct. 3 – Star Pass Film Selection
- Friday, Oct. 4 – 8-Ticket Bundle Sale and Selection
- Monday, Oct. 7 – Individual Ticketing
AFI Fellows Attend Telluride FilmLab
Over Labor Day weekend, AFI Fellows traveled to the prestigious Telluride Film Festival as part of the third annual Telluride FilmLAB program. They had the remarkable opportunity to participate in sessions with acclaimed filmmakers including BIRD writer/director Andrea Arnold (AFI Class of 1991), NICKEL BOYS writer/director RaMell Ross and DON’T LET’S GO TO THE DOGS TONIGHT writer/director Embeth Davidtz. These engaging conversations offered Fellows invaluable insights into the industry, while the entire experience – filled with screenings, events and creative exchanges – was both immersive and enriching.
AFI Graduates Gather at Alumni BBQ
On September 22, 2024, AFI Conservatory graduates came together for a fun-filled Alumni BBQ in the beautiful glade of the AFI Campus. Thank you to Rick Rosenthal (AFI Class of 1973) for sponsoring the event and everyone who attended and helped make it such a special occasion. Your contributions to our community and the enduring connections within our Alumni network are truly appreciated. Check out photos from the event here, and if you missed out on the opportunity to support current Fellows at the Conservatory, consider making a donation today to help empower the next generation of storytellers.
New AFI Thesis Films Now Available to Watch
AFI is thrilled to announce that, following their successful festival runs, new AFI Thesis films from the Class of 2021, are now available to watch on Watch.AFI.com, including Student Academy Award® winner SHEDDING ANGELS! These films represent the outstanding efforts of our recent AFI Conservatory graduates, showcasing a diverse range of genres and perspectives. We encourage you to experience them firsthand and draw inspiration from their powerful narratives.
AFI Thesis Pitch Event Showcases Emerging Talent
Our remarkably talented AFI Conservatory Fellows had the exciting opportunity last month to pitch their thesis films to a group of generous donors. Thanks to their incredible support, more than $70,000 was raised to fund these projects! Congratulations to the NIGHT FEEDS team for taking home the night’s top prize! We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of this event.
Thank You for Attending the Canva Training Workshop
We appreciate everyone who joined us for the Canva training workshop, where participants transformed their pitch decks into standout presentations with the help of AFI Alumni panelists Tarin Anderson (Class of 2004), Todd Cherniawsky (Class of 1993), and Oran Zegman (Class of 2018). A special thanks to Reby Silverman from Canva for sharing insights on Canva’s Visual Suite and offering complimentary Canva Pro subscriptions.
Up next – Pitch Perfect: Crafting Visual Decks That Sell at AFI FEST on Friday, Oct. 25. All attendees will receive a free Canva Pro license while learning how to create compelling, standout pitches for studios, investors or collaborators. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity!
AFI Conservatory Screenwriting Showcase
In September, our talented AFI Screenwriting Fellows presented their projects that they have been developing over the past two years, showcasing their creativity and hard work before an audience of industry insiders. It was an inspiring event that highlighted the incredible talent within our community. We appreciate all who attended and supported our emerging storytellers as they take the next steps in their filmmaking journeys! To learn more about our Fellows and read their loglines, check out the Screenwriting Showcase projects below.
IndieWire’s Future of Filmmaking Summit | Nya West, Hollywood
On November 2, connect with leading industry experts at this dynamic full-day event, designed to unite emerging and seasoned filmmakers to discuss industry trends. Be in the room with our Keynote Speaker, the award-winning auteur Sean Baker, as he shares his experience and thoughts on the future of the film industry. The day will also include insightful discussions on the future of storytelling, technology and new distribution opportunities in an increasingly digital and globalized market. Featuring a premium breakfast, lunch and cocktail reception, this is more than just a day of learning — it’s a chance to form meaningful connections that could shape the future of your next project.
Every attendee will receive a 6-month free trial of Canva Pro—the ultimate design toolkit to create stunning, professional pitch decks that capture the attention of producers. With premium features at your fingertips, you’ll be able to perfect your pitch and bring your next big project to life.
Sign up by October 8 to get a discounted ticket for $125. After this date, the price will increase to $195. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today!
Last Call for Admissions Readers!
This is your final chance to join the Admissions Office as a reviewer or interviewer for Fall 2025 applications. We are especially in need of Alumni in the Cinematography, Directing, Editing, Producing, and Screenwriting disciplines. Reviewers will evaluate applications between December 4, 2024–January 9, 2025, and interviewers will participate from January 21–February 28, 2025. Submit your application by Friday, October 18, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. PST to play a pivotal role in selecting the next class of AFI Fellows! If you have any questions, contact Brian Hostenske, Manager of Admissions, at BHostenske@AFI.edu.
Visit the Lawrence Herbert Alumni Center
Looking to organize a meeting, table read or rehearsal? Just a reminder, that one of the exclusive benefits of being an AFI Conservatory Alumni is that you can book our conference and multi-purpose rooms at the Lawrence Herbert Alumni Center on campus. Reach out to our Alumni Affairs team at alumni@AFI.com for more details and to check availability.
Connect with Fellow AFI Alumni on Backlot
Are you seeking collaborators, creative guidance or the opportunity to mentor fellow AFI Alumni and help them navigate the industry? Interested in receiving weekly updates to stay informed about the latest news happening in the AFI Community? Sign up for AFI Backlot today to engage and enrich our community!
Request an AFI Email
Would you like an AFI email address to facilitate easier communication with other AFI Conservatory Alumni? Or are you a recent graduate who requires assistance with your AFI Alumni Account? If so, please reach out to our Alumni Affairs team today.
In Other AFI News…
AWARDS, GRANTS, FELLOWSHIPS AND OTHER HONORS
The American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) announced this year’s 2024 John Bailey Student Heritage Award nominees, including AFI Alumni from the Class of 2023, Audrey Biche Cais for MIS-ALIGNMENT and Joewi Verhoeven for TAHA.
The 76th Creative Arts Emmys® were revealed last weekend. Congratulations to the following AFI Conservatory Alumni winners: RIPLEY cinematographer Robert Elswit, ASC, (AFI Class of 1977); RIPLEY Visual Effects Producer Maricel Pagulayan (AFI Class of 1991); THE VOICE Supervising Editor John M. Larson, ACE (AFI Class of 2001) and THE VOICE Editor John Homesley (AFI Class of 2000).
AFI Alum Alec Mahon (AFI Class of 2019) received the Sports Emmy Award® for Outstanding Short Feature for his work as a segment producer on NFL 360’s “Heroes.”
AFI Alum Bert Pigg (AFI Class of 2008) is a nominee for Best Screenplay of 2024 at the European Cinema and Screenplay Festival.
At the 34th annual Gotham Awards on December 2 in New York City, THE PIANO LESSON, directed by AFI Alum Malcolm Washington (AFI Class of 2016), will be honored with the 2024 Gotham Awards Ensemble Tribute.
NEW HIRES AND PROJECTS IN DEVELOPMENT/PRODUCTION
Penguin Pictures and Farpoint Films has tapped Lindsay MacKay (AFI Class of 2010) to direct WHAT IF, which will star Lea Thompson, Kevin Pollak and more.
HELLO OUT THERE, starring Chloe Bennet and Phil Dunster, has wrapped production in New Mexico. Producer Thomas Mahoney (AFI Class of 2008), Line Producer Edgar Rosa (AFI Class of 2014), Production Designer Doriane Desfaugeres (AFI Class of 2018), Editor Anisha Acharya (AFI Class of 2014), Assistant Editor Sklyar Zhang (AFI Class of 2019) and Post Production Supervisor Rich Song (AFI Class of 2012) all worked on the indie film.
Latoya Morgan (AFI Class of 2005) is directing a segment of the upcoming anthology film DEEPEST, DARKEST, which has actress Rosario Dawson attached to star in.
FILM INITIATIVES
Congratulations to filmmaking team Sophia Youssef and Céline Bava-Helms (both AFI Class of 2021) who were awarded the grand prize for their short film BLACK SHORE at this year’s Through Her Lens: The Tribeca Chanel Women’s Filmmaker Program.
NEW TRAILERS
Amazon MGM has released the first trailer for BROTHERS, the new action comedy starring Josh Brolin and Peter Dinklage and directed by AFI Alum Max Barbakow (AFI Class of 2015).
Netflix revealed the first trailer for LONELY PLANET, starring Laura Dern and written and directed by AFI Conservatory Alum Susannah Grant (AFI Class of 1991).
NEW RELEASES
Director Charlotte Brändström (AFI Class of 1982) was interviewed by Variety about her recent work on Season 2 of THE LORD OF THE RINGS: RINGS OF POWER.
THE PENGUIN, starring Colin Farrell in the role of the infamous DC Comics villain, premiered this week on HBO. Notably, AFI Conservatory Alum Shaye Ogbonna (AFI Class of 2011) served in the writers’ room, and also coincidentally made a visit to the AFI Campus to talk with Fellows this week.
BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE, shot by AFI Conservatory Alum Haris Zambarloukos (AFI Class of 1994), is aiming to clear $100 million at the box office on its opening weekend.
DISTRIBUTION
THE GRADUATES, which Carolina Costa (AFI Class of 2013) won a Best Cinematography award for at the Tribeca Film Festival, has been picked up by the indie distributor The Future of Film is Female and will be released on November 1.
Hulu has acquired the true crime docuseries LITTLE MISS INNOCENT: PASSION. POISON. PRISON, which was directed by AFI Conservatory Alum Sara Mast (AFI Class of 1999) and premieres today on the streaming channel.
FILM FESTIVALS
The 2024 lineup for WME’s Student Short Film Showcase Futurefest included the following AFI Alumni projects – THE BULLFIGHTER directed by Giselle Bonilla and MIS-ALIGNMENT directed by Pablo Riesgo (both AFI Class of 2023).
Mike Leigh’s new film HARD TRUTHS, which stars AFI DWW Alum Marianne Jean Baptiste (AFI DWW Class of 2008) and recently debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival, will be released for an exclusive qualifying run on December 6 and then released in theaters around the country on January 10. Check out the trailer here.
Writer, director, producer and AFI Alum P. David Ebersole (AFI Class of 1991) has restored his thesis film DEATH IN VENICE, CA, in honor of its 30th anniversary released, and streamed it as part of the Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival, which ran September 20-27.
AFI Alum Rachel Morrison (AFI Class of 2006) spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about her directorial debut THE FIRE INSIDE, including upending sports biopic conventions and training to box for the project. The film, which stars Ryan Destiny as professional boxer Claressa Shields, recently had its World Premiere at the Toronto Film Festival.
At the 60th Chicago Film Festival, director Malcolm Washington (AFI Class of 2016) was presented with the Breakthrough Award while his brother John David Washington earned a Spotlight Award for their work on the new film THE PIANO LESSON.
IN OTHER NEWS
A.J. Devlin (AFI Class of 2004) has published his new book “Bronco Buster,” marking the fourth installment in his award-winning mystery series. This fast-paced, humorous thriller follows former pro wrestler-turned-P.I. “Hammerhead” Jed Ounstead as he investigates a murder at the Colossal Cloverdale Rodeo, encountering danger and chaos over the course of one wild day.
Turner Classic Movies enlisted acclaimed filmmaker Scott Frank (AFI Class of 1984) to give his picks from some of our favorite filmmakers working today including THE BATTLE OF ALGIERS, BAD DAY AT BLACK ROCK, KLUTE and THE TIN DRUM.
I.J. Miller (AFI Class of 1988) recently published his eighth book “Surviving the Storm,” a thrilling whodunit set at a Caribbean resort where three couples grapple with their emotional lives while being suspects in a murder.