With prior screen appearances in films such as POETIC JUSTICE and with screenwriting credits that included an adaptation of her own "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,"  DOWN IN THE DELTA (1998) marked the first and only feature directorial effort for celebrated poet and activist Maya Angelou. An Alum of AFI’s DWW program, she also...

A story of female friendship that marked Forest Whitaker’s feature directorial debut, WAITING TO EXHALE (1995) stars Whitney Houston, Lela Rochon, Loretta Devine and AFI Honorary Degree recipient Angela Bassett – and was shot by AFI Conservatory Alum Toyomichi Kurita. Learn more about WAITING TO EXHALE in the AFI Catalog. HOW TO WATCH Where to stream...

A story of female friendship starring Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Lela Rochon and Loretta Devine, WAITING TO EXHALE (1995) was shot by AFI Conservatory Alum Toyomichi Kurita. HOW TO WATCH Where to stream WAITING TO EXHALE WAITING TO EXHALE - Reelgood LEARN MORE ABOUT AFI MOVIE CLUB AFI has created a global, virtual gathering of those...

Celebrating the career of an iconic screen legend – and the first African American woman ever nominated for an Academy Award® in a lead role – INTRODUCING DOROTHY DANDRIDGE is directed by Martha Coolidge and stars AFI Trustee Halle Berry in an award-winning performance. The 1999 HBO film was written by AFI Trustee Shonda Rhimes...

Director of DOWN IN THE DELTA Maya Angelou was an alum of AFI’s Directing Workshop for Women – and star Alfre Woodard is a recipient of an Honorary Degree from the AFI Conservatory.  HOW TO WATCH Where to stream DOWN IN THE DELTA DOWN IN THE DELTA - Reelgood LEARN MORE ABOUT AFI MOVIE CLUB AFI has created...