
May 28, 2019
The AFI DOCS Interview: TONI MORRISON: THE PIECES I AM With Director Timothy Greenfield-Sanders
AFI Alumnus Timothy Greenfield-Sanders’ (Class of 1975, Cinematography) TONI MORRISON: THE PIECES I AM captures the definitive filmed biography of one of America’s iconic writers. In the documentary, Morrison herself talks with singular eloquence, insight and honesty about her life, work and the country that undervalued her for far too long. We spoke to Greenfield-Sanders…

May 28, 2019
AFI Member Spotlight: James Lee
Each month, the American Film Institute profiles one of its members. This May, meet AFI Premiere Circle member James Lee. An AFI member since 2011, James Lee is an aerospace engineer by education, with career beginnings at the Aerospace Corporation. Currently, he serves as President and CEO at HF Group, which he said has a long history working with the Air Force, including SR-71 and U-2 spy planes. He has worked…

May 27, 2019
The AFI DOCS Interview: MAIDEN With Director Alex Holmes
Alex Holmes’ MAIDEN follows Tracy Edwards, a 24-year-old skipper who led the first all-women crew to compete in the Whitbread Round the World Race, shattering records — and glass ceilings — along their 167-day, 32,018-mile voyage. We spoke to director Alex Holmes about the film. MAIDEN plays as part of the Portrait program at AFI DOCS at…

May 23, 2019
Oscar Winner Freida Lee Mock Named 2019 Guggenheim Honoree
Acclaimed filmmaker Freida Lee Mock is this year’s AFI DOCS 2019 Charles Guggenheim Symposium honoree. Mock’s career includes five Academy Award® nominations for her work, and an Academy Award® for her documentary MAYA LIN: A STRONG CLEAR VISION (1994). Each year, the AFI DOCS Charles Guggenheim Symposium honors a master of the nonfiction art form….

May 20, 2019
AFI Life Achievement Award Tribute to Denzel Washington to Gather Film’s Finest
The first wave of guest presenters who will celebrate Denzel Washington at the 47th AFI Life Achievement Award on June 6, 2019, at a Gala Tribute in Los Angeles have just been announced! Chadwick Boseman, Jodie Foster, Jamie Foxx, Morgan Freeman (2011 honoree), Michael B. Jordan, Issa Rae, Julia Roberts and Cicely Tyson will all…

May 17, 2019
AFI Conservatory Names 2019 Writers’ Room Ready Recipients
The AFI Conservatory today announced the recipients and mentors chosen for the fourth edition of the AFI Writers’ Room Ready. Aimed at cultivating the next generation of television scriptwriters, the program gives graduating AFI Conservatory Fellows the unique opportunity to work directly with established artists. AFI Writers’ Room Ready highlights select original scripts from top…

May 16, 2019
AFI DOCS Announces 2019 Impact Lab
AFI DOCS announces the five films selected for the fifth annual AFI DOCS Impact Lab in partnership with Raben Impact Entertainment, a division of The Raben Group. The selections for this distinguished fellowship and training program are four feature documentary films — 17 BLOCKS, BORDER SOUTH, GAY CHORUS DEEP SOUTH and A WOMAN’S WORK: THE…

May 15, 2019
Here’s the Full Slate for AFI DOCS 2019
We’ve revealed the full slate of films for AFI DOCS 2019 which includes 72 films representing 17 countries — including six world premieres, one North American premiere and two U.S. premieres. Year after year, the festival provides a unique opportunity for audiences, filmmakers and policy leaders to engage and connect through the power of story….

May 10, 2019
AFI Cinematography Intensive for Women Sponsored by Panavision and RED Announces Call For Applicants
The American Film Institute (AFI) has announced a call for applicants for the second-annual AFI Cinematography Intensive for Women Sponsored by Panavision and RED. The tuition-free program will delve into the fundamentals of visual storytelling on the AFI Campus in Los Angeles, June 28–July 1, 2019. The Intensive seeks candidates with prior cinematography experience who demonstrate a passion for visual storytelling,...

May 9, 2019
AFI DOCS 2019 Announces Opening and Closing Night, Special Screenings
AFI DOCS, the American Film Institute’s annual documentary celebration in the nation’s capital, has announced the Opening and Closing Night films as well as the Special Screenings for its 17th annual edition. The festival is proud to also announce the return of AT&T as Presenting Sponsor for the sixth consecutive year. AFI DOCS 2019 will…

May 8, 2019
Melina Matsoukas to Receive AFI’s 29th Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal
Multitalented film, television and music video artist Melina Matsoukas (AFI Class of 2005) will receive the 2019 Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal. This honor recognizes the extraordinary creative talents of AFI Conservatory alumni who embody the qualities of filmmaker Franklin J. Schaffner: talent, taste, dedication and commitment to quality storytelling in film and television. The…
May 6, 2019
Remembering AFI Alumnus and Producer Steve Golin
With the passing of Academy Award®-winning film and television producer Steve Golin (AFI Class of 1981) on April 21, Hollywood lost a visionary filmmaker who championed nuanced and deeply human storytelling. Golin served as a beacon of creative risk-taking, innovation and entrepreneurism in the entertainment industry. In 1986, he founded Propaganda Films, a talent management,…

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