News
AFI Announces 2026-2027 Canva Fellowship Recipients
Earlier this week, AFI announced the recipients of the 2026–2027 Canva Fellowship at the AFI Conservatory, who include Divli Bhat (Producing), Elizaveta Kurilova (Screenwriting), Lauren Moreno (Directing), Zoey Punteney (Production Design), Colin Pham (Cinematography) and Auberin Strickland (Editing). This marks the fourth year of Canva’s partnership with AFI to further its shared mission of educating and inspiring the next generation of filmmakers.
Applications Are Now Open For The AFI DWW+ Class Of 2028
Applications are now open for the AFI DWW+ Class of 2028. For more than 50 years, the tuition-free, year-long workshop has supported emerging directors with mentorship from industry professionals and the opportunity to develop and produce an original short film.
If you know an aspiring director, please help spread the word by sharing this opportunity. Applicants are also invited to attend one of our upcoming Virtual Office Hours sessions to learn more about the application process, workshop timeline and participant experience.
Applications close Wednesday, September 9 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
Afi Conservatory Named One Of The Top Film Schools In The Nation
MovieMaker Magazine has named AFI Conservatory one of the top film schools in the U.S. and Canada. Beth de Araújo (AFI Class of 2013 & DWW Class of 2018) is featured on the cover of the issue, which highlights the Conservatory’s impact on the next generation of filmmakers. Her acclaimed film JOSEPHINE won both the U.S. Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic and the Audience Award: U.S. Dramatic at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. De Araújo says AFI shaped her fundamental approach to filmmaking — and three of her key JOSEPHINE collaborators, including producer Marina Stabile (AFI Class of 2009), editor Anisha Acharya (AFI Class of 2014), and reshoot cinematographer Ava Berkofsky (AFI Class of 2013), are AFI alumni as well.
AFI Alumni Attend 2026 Telluride Film Festival Filmlab
AFI is the educational partner to the Telluride Film Festival, which took place this Labor Day weekend. Eight AFI Conservatory graduates from the Class of 2026, including April Yang, Tommy McCafferty, Michelle Kahn Shwartz, Cherice Amour, Alejandro Maytorena Martinez, Jana Landon, Mateo Ferrada Rovira and S. S. Ayers, took part in the AFI Conservatory’s annual FilmLab, a program featuring screenings and conversations with master filmmakers and artists.
The AFI presence at Telluride extended beyond the FilmLab, with Alumni also showcasing their work throughout the festival. See the full list of Alumni projects at the four-day fest below.
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
Rachel Morrison (AFI Class of 2006) directed LOVE OF YOUR LIFE, starring Margaret Qualley as a young woman who finds love after loss. The film opens in select theaters October 7 before streaming globally on Prime Video October 14. Check out the first trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzGx48E64Xg
Ellen Burstyn (AFI DWW+ Class of 1974) received the prestigious Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Film Festival. Maggie Gyllenhaal delivered a message on Burstyn’s behalf before the 93-year-old acting legend took the stage to accept the honor.
Saba Zerehi (AFI Class of 2014), producer, and Marina Perez Ramirez (AFI Class of 2021), production designer, are part of the team behind IF I GO, THEY WILL MISS ME, which premieres in theaters today. Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aej2y_BBBFs
The late Steve Golin (AFI Class of 1981), founder of Anonymous Content, is remembered as the company enters a new chapter under CEO Darren Walker. The production and management company, known for films and series including SPOTLIGHT, THE REVENANT and MR. ROBOT, is heading into the fall festival season with a strong slate of new projects.
Thayer Juergens (AFI Class of 2019) produced the new action-comedy RUNNER, starring Alan Ritchson and Owen Wilson, which arrives in theaters today. Check out the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8JUmBgHejI
Mikkel Bondesen (AFI Class of 1998) executive produces Netflix’s FAMOUS LAST WORDS, which is streaming a final interview with Gloria Steinem, recorded in February 2025 with series creator and executive producer Brad Falchuk.
Thorsten Schumacher (AFI Class of 2001) serves as executive producer on THE FIX, a new action thriller starring Liam Neeson and Zachary Levi opening in theaters today.
Michael Dinner (AFI Class of 1979) discusses his work as a producer and director on Season 2 of Apple TV+’s SILO with IndieWire, detailing the challenges of navigating the series’ complex mythology and thousands of visual effects shots.
Lars Sylvest (AFI Class of 1999) produced THE UPRISING, directed by Paul Greengrass and starring Andrew Garfield. The film arrives in theaters today. Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVkrhHebz1Q
Duke Johnson (AFI Class of 2006) is directing LINCOLN IN THE BARDO, a stop-motion animation and live-action film from Starburns Industries featuring an all-star voice cast including Meryl Streep, Colman Domingo, Bill Hader, Tom Waits, Tom Hanks and Willem Dafoe.
Christos N. Gage and Ruth Fletcher Gage (both AFI Class of 1994) were among the writers of GROW, which won the 2026 Humanitas Prize for Family Feature. ‘Shrinking,’ ‘Paradise,’ ‘Washington Black’ Lead Humanitas Prize Winners List