AFI Catalog Spotlight: SHAFT

July 1, 2021

AFI Catalog Spotlight: SHAFT

Celebrating its 50th anniversary release this month, SHAFT (1971) tells the story of the eponymous John Shaft, performed by Richard Roundtree in his first major film role. The film – based on a novel by white journalist and screenwriter Ernest Tidyman – introduces Shaft as a suave, two-fisted Black private eye who was hired to…

July 1, 2021

AFI Movie Club: THE BLACK STALLION

Marking the feature film directorial debut of Carroll Ballard, THE BLACK STALLION was shot by AFI Conservatory alum Caleb Deschanel (AFI Class of 1969). Close Close Close HOW TO WATCH Where to stream BLACK STALLION BLACK STALLION - Reelgood GET THE LATEST FROM AFI MOVIE CLUB AFI Movie Club is a global, virtual gathering of film fans...

June 30, 2021

AFI Movie Club: STIR CRAZY

STIR CRAZY was directed by AFI Life Achievement Award honoree and former co-chairman of the AFI Board of Trustees Sidney Poitier, who broke new ground with this picture by helming the first movie by a Black director to gross over $100 million. STIR CRAZY was also the first film directed by Poitier in which he did not play a starring role,...

June 29, 2021

“Now Playing”: Projects by AFI Filmmakers Available to Watch Online in July 2021

Looking for a new film or TV series to watch online? Support AFI alumni by checking out our Now Playing section, which we update regularly each month. Whether it’s a theatrical release now premiering on VOD or a scheduled digital launch, we want to get the word out. New Projects for July 2021 …

June 29, 2021

AFI Movie Club: EL MARIACHI

Written, directed, shot, produced and edited by Robert Rodriguez on a shoestring budget when he was just 23 years old, EL MARIACHI launched his career and became the first installment of his iconic “Mexico Trilogy.” Subsequent chapters would include DESPERADO (1995) and ONCE UPON A TIME IN MEXICO (2003). Close Close Close HOW TO WATCH Where to stream EL MARIACHI EL MARIACHI - Reelgood GET THE LATEST FROM AFI...

June 28, 2021

AFI DOCS Announces 2021 Award Winners

Congratulations to the AFI DOCS 2021 Award Winners. The 19th edition of AFI DOCS presented a diverse slate of 78 films from 23 countries, shedding light on overlooked stories from the past, honoring champions of change and giving us glimpses into the everyday lives of subjects close to home and around the world. The festival’s...

June 28, 2021

AFI Movie Club: Celebrating Mel Brooks’ 95th Birthday and THE PRODUCERS

“It’s good to be the king.” Happy birthday to Mel Brooks! A recipient of the AFI Life Achievement Award in 2013, comedian and filmmaker Mel Brooks had the previous year received an honorary degree at AFI commencement – presented to him by director and AFI alum David Lynch, whose film ELEPHANT MAN he produced. Three of Brooks’ comedy classics appear on the AFI’s...

June 27, 2021

AFI Movie Club: CUSP

SCREENING TONIGHT AT 8 p.m. EDT at AFI DOCS : LEARN MORE Like in much of America, in one small Texas town there’s not much for teenagers to do, especially during another hot summer. Three teenage girls – Autumn, Brittney and Aaloni – have lazy day hangouts, bonfire parties in fields riddled with beer and blunts or casual...