Through its commitment to hands-on filmmaking, personal attention and professional mentorship, the AFI Conservatory has nurtured some of the most talented and diverse artists in filmmaking since 1969.

Features, documentaries and shorts are among the many films by AFI alumni being featured at AFI FEST 2006 presented by Audi.

They range from David Lynch's (D'69) INLAND EMPIRE and Ed Zwick's (D '75) BLOOD DIAMOND to a short film by members of the class of 2006, APPARENT HORIZON.

Inspiring, supporting and guiding artists in six disciplines - Cinematography, Directing, Editing, Producing, Production Design and Screenwriting - the AFI Conservatory offers an advanced creative experience within a 60-plus credit hour Master of Fine Arts degree program.

This intensive graduate program parallels the challenges and expectations of the contemporary film, television and digital media professions. Some of its distinctive features are:

Professional Filmmakers as Faculty: Dedicated, accomplished professionals act as mentors and guides to Fellows. All classes and workshops are small in size to maximize the mentor relationships.

Narrative Story Telling: The Conservatory experience is centered on narrative, fictional storytelling as the essential foundation on which moving image artists build and shape their professional voices.

Hands-on Creative Collaboration: Unlike more traditional graduate programs, the AFI Conservatory emphasizes hands-on collaboration as its primary teaching tool, providing an experience close to the real-world filmmaking environment.

Access to Technology: In each of the disciplines, training in the most advanced digital technology provides the contemporary tools for visual storytelling.

AFI Conservatory Showcases: Selected Thesis productions by AFI graduates premiere for the professional community several nights each year at respected Hollywood venues. Production Design and Screenwriting Fellows also showcase their work to representatives from the film community including top agencies, management companies and production companies.

Professional Internship Programs: The Conservatory arranges internships for Fellows to help them gain valuable experience and professional relationships. Recent internship hosts have included DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, Lion's Gate, HBO Films, Focus Films, Fox Television Studios, Universal Studios, Sundance Institute and the American Film Marketing Association.

Distribution of Thesis Productions: AFI has a professional distributor that licenses Thesis films domestically and internationally to all outlets including broadcast and cable television, broadband channels, video-on-demand/pay-per-view services, hotels, airlines and institutions.

Applications may be obtained by calling the Admissions Office at 323.856.762 or by visiting www.AFI.com. Deadline for applications and all supporting materials must be postmarked December 1, 2006, for consideration for the next academic year.