AFI Conservatory

10/13/2026

🎬 What happens when your film doesn’t find a traditional distributor? On October 20 at 5:00 p.m. PT, join AFI Producing Faculty Member Annalisa Shoemaker for a free virtual workshop exploring independent distribution strategies and practical ways to get your film in front of audiences. Learn 10 actionable tips for taking control of your film’s release and reaching viewers on your own terms.

RSVP today 👉 https://conservatory.afi.com/taking-control-independent-distribution-strategies-for-your-film/

10/12/2026

Step into the world of motion picture film and explore the artistry and technology behind the cinematic image. Led by AFI Cinematography Faculty Lead Valentina Martinico, AIC, this session introduces prospective Fellows to film stocks and formats, examining the differences between negative, print, a...

10/06/2026

10/03/2026

🎬 On Thursday, October 8 at 5:00 p.m. PT, join AFI Associate Dean of Production Sage Scroope for a free virtual workshop exploring the practical special effects and creative problem-solving behind the scenes. RSVP today here 👉 https://conservatory.afi.com/movie-magic-real-world-skills-behind-the-scenes-of-afi-production/.

09/25/2026

🎬 AFI Conservatory Fellows took center stage at the annual AFI Thesis Pitch, presenting their Thesis films to a room of generous donors. Together, the teams were awarded more than $130,000 to bring their stories to life, with every team receiving support!

A special thank you to event co-chairs filmmaker James Costa, AFI Trustee Wylie Aitken and AFI Dean and Executive Vice President Susan Ruskin, and to special guest Emily Deschanel. Congratulations to all the AFI filmmakers!

Support the next generation of filmmakers at AFI.com/donate.

09/18/2026

What began as an AFI Conservatory short is now a feature film, opening in theaters today! Congratulations to the eleven AFI Alumni who helped bring brought THE MUSICAL to the big screen:

🎥 Giselle Bonilla (AFI Class of 2023), Director
🎥 Alexander Heller (AFI Class of 2023), Screenwriter and Producer
🎥 Jordan Backhus (AFI Class of 2020), Producer
🎥 Findlay Brown (AFI Class of 2023), Producer
🎥 Jonathan Levine (AFI Class of 2004), Executive Producer
🎥 Tu Do (AFI Class of 2023), Cinematographer
🎥 Al-e McWhorter (AFI Class of 2023), Art Director
🎥 Devin Dulany (AFI Class of 2023), Editor
🎥 Gus Murray (AFI Class of 2023), Second Assistant Director
🎥 Kate McCarthy (AFI Class of 2024), Second Assistant Director
🎥 Roxanne Griffith (AFI Class of 2020), Unit Production Manager

Ready to be an AFI filmmaker? Applications to the AFI Conservatory are now open. Apply at AFI.edu.

09/10/2026

What an inspiring weekend at the Telluride Film Festival!

The AFI FilmLab brought eight recent AFI graduates to Telluride for an immersive educational experience.

During their time at the festival, the group had the opportunity to meet amazing talents, including Sofia Coppola, Steve Buscemi, Kenneth Branagh, Javier Ambrossi, Rebecca Hall, AFI Alum Caleb Deschanel and Telluride Film Festival Executive Director Julie Huntsinger. Learning opportunities like this are part of what makes the AFI Conservatory experience so unique.

Want to be part of the next generation of filmmakers? Apply to the AFI Conservatory today at AFI.edu.

09/08/2026

“The key is to be true to yourself.”

🎬 At AFI, you learn from the masters. What an inspiring conversation between Paul Greengrass and AFI Conservatory Fellows following an exclusive screening of the filmmaker’s new film THE UPRISING. Look for video from the seminar later this week.

Applications to the AFI Conservatory are now open. Apply today at AFI.edu.

09/08/2026

🎬 Thank you, Canva, for supporting the next generation of filmmakers through the AFI Conservatory Canva Fellowships.

Applications to the AFI Conservatory are now open! Learn more at AFI.edu.