June 1, 2026
Mel Brooks and THE ELEPHANT MAN – AFI Catalog Spotlight
June 1, 2026 Mel Brooks and THE ELEPHANT MAN – AFI Catalog Spotlight In celebration of Mel Brooks’ 100th birthday on June 28, the AFI Catalog and AFI Archive spotlight a lesser-known but essential chapter in his career – his uncredited role as a producer and champion of independent filmmakers. Though best known as a...
May 22, 2026
BLUE VELVET (1986) – AFI Movie Club
Appearing on the American Film Institute’s lists of cinema’s greatest thrills and greatest villains, the strange and nightmarish narrative of BLUE VELVET (1986) was brought to the screen by director David Lynch and cinematographer Frederick Elmes – both alumni of the AFI Conservatory (Class of 1970 and 1972, respectively). Lynch has said that the creative...
March 22, 2026
DUNE (1984) – AFI Movie Club
The first ambitious adaptation of the sprawling sci-fi epic from author Frank Herbert, DUNE (1984) was directed by AFI Alum David Lynch (AFI Class of 1970). Visit the AFI Catalog to learn more about DUNE. Where to stream DUNE DUNE - Reelgood
June 6, 2025
THE ELEPHANT MAN (1980) – AFI Movie Club
Starring John Hurt, Anthony Hopkins and AFI Directing Workshop for Women alumna Anne Bancroft, THE ELEPHANT MAN (1980) tells the remarkable and tragic true story John Merrick – behind whose unusual appearance was a soul defined by intelligence and kindness. Financed by AFI Life Achievement Award honoree Mel Brooks’ production company and directed by AFI...
May 14, 2024
LOST HIGHWAY (1997) – AFI Movie Club
A neo-noir with the surreal and sinister imagery that is the director’s signature, LOST HIGHWAY (1997) comes from singular mind of AFI Alum David Lynch (AFI Class of 1970) – with cinematography by AFI Alum Peter Deming (AFI Class of 1980). Visit the AFI Catalog to learn more about LOST HIGHWAY. Have Get The Picture...
December 28, 2022
TWIN PEAKS: FIRE WALK WITH ME (1992) – AFI Movie Club
Chronicling the final days of Laura Palmer and the chain of events that launched the series, TWIN PEAKS: FIRE WALK WITH ME (1992) was co-written and directed by AFI Conservatory Alum David Lynch (Class of 1970). Visit the AFI Catalog to learn more about TWIN PEAKS: FIRE WALK WITH ME. HOW TO WATCH Where to...
June 25, 2022
ERASERHEAD (1977) – AFI Movie Club
The first feature from writer, producer, director, editor and composer David Lynch, ERASERHEAD (1977) was produced by the AFI Center for Advanced Studies (now known as the AFI Conservatory) – of which Lynch was a Fellow during production of the film. Lynch and cinematographer Frederick Elmes – also an AFI Conservatory Alum – have both...
October 19, 2021
AFI Movie Club: MULHOLLAND DRIVE
Naomi Watts, Laura Harring and Justin Theroux star in MULHOLLAND DR. – a surrealist neo-noir from the mind of writer/director David Lynch (AFI Class of 1970). Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, film earned an AFI AWARD when it was released, recognizing it as one of the year’s most outstanding motion pictures. The official rationale said that, “MULHOLLAND DR. is a classic example of the poetry...
April 22, 2021
AFI Movie Club: BLUE VELVET
Appearing on the American Film Institute’s lists of cinema’s greatest thrills and greatest villains, the strange and nightmarish narrative of BLUE VELVET was brought to the screen by writer/director David Lynch and cinematographer Frederick Elmes – both alumni of the AFI Conservatory. HOW TO WATCH Where to stream BLUE VELVET BLUE VELVET - Reelgood GET...
October 29, 2019
AFI Alumnus David Lynch Receives Honorary Oscar
On October 27, the Academy of Arts and Sciences awarded David Lynch (AFI Class of 1970) with an honorary Oscar® at the Governors Awards. The award was presented by his long-time collaborators Kyle MacLachlan, Laura Dern and Isabella Rossellini, and the star-studded audience gave Lynch a standing ovation. Lynch has been previously recognized by the…
June 3, 2019
Congratulations to AFI Alumnus David Lynch on His Honorary Oscar
Visionary director and AFI Conservatory alumnus David Lynch (Class of 1970) will receive an Honorary Award by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which will be presented at the 11th annual Governors Awards on Sunday, October 27. A four-time nominee for MULHOLLAND DR. (2001), BLUE VELVET (1986) and THE ELEPHANT MAN (1980), this…
April 25, 2017
AFI Honors Cinematographer Frederick Elmes
Celebrated cinematographer Frederick Elmes (AFI Class of 1972) will receive the 2017 Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal. This honor recognizes the extraordinary creative talents of an AFI alumnus or alumna who embodies the qualities of filmmaker Franklin J. Schaffner: talent, taste, dedication and commitment to quality storytelling in film and television.
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