Watch: IT Director Andy Muschietti on Creating the Film’s Monster

This past month, filmmaker Andy Muschietti (MAMA) came to the AFI campus to present and discuss his new film IT with AFI Conservatory Fellows. Based on the Stephen King bestseller, the film follows a ragtag group of misfits determined to take down a manifestation of evil known as Pennywise, an evil clown that feeds on...

“Becoming AFI” Available October 10

On October 10, AFI President Emerita Jean Picker Firstenberg will release her book “Becoming AFI: 50 Years Inside the American Film Institute,” co-authored by former longtime COO of AFI James Hindman. Written in a unique memoir style, “Becoming AFI” offers a candid look at how AFI has brought together aspiring filmmakers, outstanding educators and visionary…

MOTHER! Director Darren Aronofsky, Cinematographer Matthew Libatique and Production Designer Philip Messina At AFI

This past weekend, MOTHER! director/writer Darren Aronosky (AFI Class of 1992), cinematographer Matthew Libatique (AFI Class of 1992) and production designer Philip Messina presented and discussed their provocative film with AFI Conservatory Fellows on campus. The film stars Javier Bardem and Jennifer Lawrence as a couple whose idyllic existence in a sprawling Victorian house —…

AFI FEST to Present Robert Altman Retrospective – Watch Videos

Today AFI has announced an inaugural, annual retrospective to spotlight one filmmaker of global significance, as part of AFI FEST 2017 presented by Audi, running November 9–16, 2017, in Hollywood, CA.

Vote Now in the VIZIO + Dolby Vision Filmmaker Challenge

Established to celebrate excellence in the art of storytelling and advancements in filmmaking, the second annual VIZIO + Dolby Vision™ Filmmaker Challenge inspires rising cinematographers to showcase their filmmaking prowess. The contest invited second-year Fellows from the AFI Conservatory — the American Film Institute’s renowned film training program — to submit their films. From the pool of…

Interview: AFI Conservatory Alumna Mimi Leder on Directing THE LEFTOVERS

As an executive producer and director on HBO’s THE LEFTOVERS, Mimi Leder (AFI Class of 1973, Cinematography) brought her deft storytelling touch to the recent series finale. But her work has extended well beyond the prestige mystery series, with Primetime Emmy wins and nominations for ER, THE WEST WING and CHINA BEACH, and film-directing credits…

The AFI FEST Interview: Wevr’s James Kaelan on Virtual Reality Storytelling

Each year, AFI FEST presented by Audi highlights cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) storytelling with the State of the Art Technology Showcase. AFI spoke with James Kaelan, current Director of Development + Acquisitions at VR creative studio and production company Wevr, about his work in VR and the future of the medium. Formerly Creative Director at Seed&Spark,…

New Film Festival Debuts This November

In a dramatic brand expansion, NBC News’ MEET THE PRESS WITH CHUCK TODD will hit the big screen for the first time this fall, joining forces with AFI for an innovative documentary film festival premiere featuring must-watch untold stories of American politics.

Congrats to AFI’s 2017 Emmy-Nominated Alumni

Thursday morning’s 69th Annual Primetime Emmy® Awards announcement boasted a total of 17 nominations for AFI Conservatory and AFI Directing Workshop for Women alumni. Altogether, 54 AFI alumni worked on 27 of this year’s nominated programs — up from last year.

The AFI FEST Interview: FISH STORY Director Charlie Lyne

Charlie Lyne is an AFI FEST alumnus with his feature film FEAR ITSELF (AFI FEST 2016). AFI spoke to Lyne about his new short film, FISH STORY, which was  just released online and won the Short Film Audience Award at AFI DOCS. The film investigates a mysterious gathering rumored to have taken place in 1980s Wales, at which…

Announcing the AFI DOCS 2017 Audience Award Winners

The AFI DOCS 2017 Audience Award winners have been announced, concluding the five-day festival in Washington, DC, and Silver Spring, MD.

AFI’s Heritage in Washington, DC

Established by President Lyndon Johnson in the White House Rose Garden, the American Film Institute was officially founded in 1967. Gregory Peck was named first chair of the Board of Trustees and George Stevens, Jr., its director and CEO.
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