This month, AFI was named as the top film school by TheWrap, adding to the Conservatory’s accolades this year which also includes being ranked the #1 film school by The Hollywood Reporter. TheWrap highlighted AFI’s focus on diversity and emphasis on hands-on learning and collaboration, noting that the working relationships forged at AFI continue far after graduation, like the partnership between director Chloe Okuno, cinematographer Benjamin Nielsen and editor Michael Block — all class of 2014 — who broke IFC box office records this year with their indie hit WATCHER.

Other Alumni partnerships formed at AFI include Academy Award® winner Siân Heder (AFI DWW Class of 2005) and cinematographer Paula Huidobro (AFI Class of 2004), whose film CODA won this year’s Best Picture Oscar®; PALM SPRINGS director Max Barbakow and writer Andy Siara (both AFI Class of 2015); Darren Aronofsky and Matthew Libatique (both AFI Class of 1992), who started working together on a short film and went on to create films like PI, BLACK SWAN and MOTHER!; and MIDSOMMAR director Ari Aster and cinematographer Pawel Pogorzelski (both AFI Class of 2010).

Applications to attend AFI in Fall 2023 close December 1, 2022. Apply now.