July 16, 2026
WHIPLASH (2014) – AFI Movie Club
Directed by and Damien Chazelle and starring Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons, WHIPLASH (2014) was shot by cinematographer Sharone Meir (AFI Class of 1993) and recognized in the year of its release with an AFI AWARD, naming it among the most outstanding motion pictures of year. According to the official rationale, “WHIPLASH drums up a...
September 2, 2025
LA LA LAND (2016) – AFI Movie Club
A musical confection directed by Damien Chazelle and starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, LA LA LAND (2016) was recognized in the year of its release with an AFI AWARD, naming it among the most outstanding motion pictures of year. According to the official rationale, “LA LA LAND reaches for the Hollywood heavens like a...
October 20, 2016
LA LA LAND to Screen at AFI FEST 2016
LA LA LAND will screen as a Centerpiece Gala at AFI FEST 2016 presented by Audi. The film — from Lionsgate’s Summit Entertainment label — is directed by Academy Award® nominee Damien Chazelle and stars Academy Award® nominees Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling. It will screen on Tuesday, November 15, at the TCL Chinese Theatre....
July 11, 2014
The AFI Interview: WHIPLASH Director Damien Chazelle
Damien Chazelle’s WHIPLASH is currently drumming up excitement among audiences nationwide, but its road to the big screen was not an easy one – requiring of its director a dedication that mirrors that of his protagonist, a young musician determined to be one of the jazz greats. In 2012, the screenplay was featured on the…
July 5, 2014
WHIPLASH Director Damien Chazelle Talks about the Creation of the Film
A young, aspiring jazz drummer tries to win over his intense and demanding teacher at all costs. It’s the plot of the critically acclaimed film WHIPLASH, which is also based on writer-director Damien Chazelle’s real-life experiences as a budding musician. At a recent Harold Lloyd Masters Seminar at the AFI Conservatory, Chazelle (seen here with Conservatory Dean...
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