We are extraordinarily proud to feature the latest projects of AFI Conservatory graduates at AFI FEST 2023, which takes place October 25-29 in Los Angeles. In addition to recent graduates sharing their innovative thesis films at the AFI Conservatory Showcase presented by AMC Networks, this year’s festival exemplifies the breadth and depth of Alumni work. Every single section from Red Carpet Premieres and Luminaries, to Discovery and Documentary, to Special Screenings and the Shorts Competition highlights work created by AFI Alumni. Check out our Alumni projects below and to learn more about the full festival lineup, browse the program by section in our AFI FEST Film Guide.
Red Carpet Premieres
LEAVE THE WORLD BEHIND
–Sam Esmail (AFI Class of 2004), Writer/Director/Producer
MAESTRO
–Matthew Libatique (AFI Class of 1992), Cinematographer
Special Screenings
ALL OF US STRANGERS
–Jonathan Alberts (AFI Class of 2001), Editor
FINGERNAILS
–Jerome Duboz (AFI Class of 1999), Executive Producer
LEE
–Liz Hannah (AFI Class of 2009), Writer/Executive Producer
–Thorsten Schumacher (AFI Class of 2001), Executive Producer
Discovery
THE FEELING THAT THE TIME FOR DOING SOMETHING HAS PASSED
–Shuchi Talati (AFI Class of 2011), Actor
MOUNTAINS
–Rhianon Jones (AFI Class of 2007), Executive Producer
SHAYDA
–Elika Rezaee (AFI Class of 2015), Editor
Documentary
SLY
–Justin Kane (AFI Class of 2013), Cinematographer
Luminaries
LA CHIMERA
–Christos Dervenis (AFI Class of 2000), Line producer: Switzerland
World Cinema
THE PEASANTS
–Zofia Sablinska (AFI Class of 2023), Production Assistant
Short Film Competition
ALPHA KINGS
–Stefan Weinberger (AFI Class of 2012), Consulting Producer
GO FOR GRANDMA
–Sabrina Doyle (AFI Class of 2012), Director
–Dawn Green (AFI Class of 2010), Producer
–Maximilian Schmige (AFI Class of 2010), Cinematographer
–Clarisa Garcia-Fresco (AFI Class of 2016), Production Designer
–P.J. Germain (AFI Class of 2013), Assistant Editor
–Stephen Paar (AFI Class of 2012), Associate Producer
HONOLULU
–Shuchi Talati (AFI Class of 2011), Producer
–Jih-E Peng (AFI Class of 2012), Cinematographer
SKIN
–Leo Behrens (AFI Class of 2023), Director/Writer/Cinematographer
–Ilayda Cetinkaya (AFI Class of 2023), Producer
–Mojo Wen (AFI Class of 2023), Production Designer
–Alejandra Armijo Cruz (AFI Class of 2023), Editor
Guest Artistic Director Selections
WINGS OF DESIRE (1987)
–Martin Kukula (AFI Class of 1988), Additional Camera Operator
Now in its 37th year, AFI FEST is a world-class event, showcasing the best films from across the globe. With an innovative slate of programming, the five-day festival presents screenings, panels and conversations, featuring both master filmmakers and new cinematic voices. AFI FEST includes high-profile films with Q&As featuring the films’ cast and crew and a robust lineup of fiction and nonfiction features and shorts, providing a one-of-a-kind experience for movie fans. Additional information about AFI FEST is available FEST.AFI.com.