AFI ANNOUNCES APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR THE 2025 CINEMATOGRAPHY INTENSIVE WORKSHOP
Program Presented by Panavision
Workshop to Take Place May 29-June 1 on the AFI Campus
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Los Angeles, CA, March 21, 2025 – Today, the American Film Institute (AFI) announced that applications are now open for the 2025 AFI Cinematography Intensive Workshop (CIW). Founded by AFI Conservatory Cinematography Discipline Head Stephen Lighthill, ASC, and part of the Innovative Programs department at the world-renowned AFI Conservatory, the program is a tuition-free, four-day workshop designed for aspiring cinematographers committed to their journey toward a professional career. This year’s edition of the AFI Cinematography Intensive Workshop will take place May 29–June 1 on the AFI Campus in Los Angeles. Applications close Thursday, April 10. For more information about the program and to apply, visit AFI.edu.
“It is a great honor to once again lead this one-of-a-kind experience for cinematographers who are dedicated to improving their craft and taking the next step in their creative journey,” said Lighthill. “Thank you to the talented AFI Cinematography Faculty members and special guests for their continued support of this transformative initiative and their commitment to emerging visual storytellers.”
The CIW filmmaking curriculum is based on the industry-leading AFI Conservatory Cinematography MFA program. Across four days, CIW participants take part in hands-on master classes in the fundamentals of cinematography, analyze specific work crafted by professional cinematographers and gain insight to securing on-set experience in the field. The highly selective program will accept up to 20 candidates who demonstrate a passion for visual storytelling, have on-set experience and are looking for additional training to advance their education, craft and career.
“Panavision is proud to continue our support of the AFI Cinematography Intensive Workshop, empowering aspiring cinematographers,” said Kim Snyder, President and CEO of Panavision. “This workshop is more than just a training program; it cultivates a collaborative environment where talented individuals can connect, exchange knowledge, and refine their skills, enhancing their careers and ultimately contributing to a more diverse and vibrant landscape within the film industry.”
The AFI Cinematography Intensive Workshop is presented by Panavision.
CIW is part of the AFI Conservatory’s Department of Innovative Programs, which also includes AFI DWW+. Through a range of learning opportunities, Innovative Programs serves a diverse community of visual storytellers to cultivate cutting-edge technological and media-making skills, bridge access to professional networks and place participants on an upward career trajectory.
Learn more about AFI’s pioneering filmmaking programs and more at Conservatory.AFI.com/Innovative-Programs/.
About the American Film Institute (AFI)
The American Film Institute (AFI) is a nonprofit organization with a mandate to champion the moving image as an art form. Established in 1967, AFI launched the first comprehensive history of American film and sparked the movement for film preservation in the United States. In 1969, AFI opened the doors of the AFI Conservatory, a graduate-level program to train narrative filmmakers. The Conservatory, which counts Deniese Davis, Affonso Gonçalves, Susannah Grant, Matthew Libatique, David Lynch, Melina Matsoukas and Rachel Morrison as Alumni, is ranked one of the top film schools in America. AFI’s enduring traditions include the AFI Life Achievement Award, which honors the masters for work that has stood the test of time; AFI AWARDS, which celebrates the creative ensembles of the most outstanding screen stories of the year; and scholarly efforts such as the AFI Catalog of Feature Films and the AFI Archive that preserve film history for future generations. AFI exhibition programs include AFI FEST Presented by Canva and year-round exhibition at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Maryland. AFI Movie Club is a destination for movie lovers from around the world to celebrate and engage with the art form every day. Other pioneering programs include workshops aimed at elevating emerging storytellers and technology, including AFI DWW+ and the AFI Cinematography Intensive Workshop. Read about all of these programs and more at AFI.com and follow us on social media at Facebook.com/AmericanFilmInstitute, YouTube.com/AFI, X.com/AmericanFilm, TikTok.com/@americanfilminstitute and Instagram.com/AmericanFilmInstitute.
About the AFI Conservatory
The AFI Conservatory opened its doors in 1969 to an inaugural class that included Terrence Malick, Caleb Deschanel and Paul Schrader. Today, the Conservatory offers a two-year MFA degree in six filmmaking disciplines: Cinematography, Directing, Editing, Producing, Production Design and Screenwriting. In a collaborative production environment, AFI Fellows learn to master the art of storytelling, collectively creating up to 175 films a year. Fellows actively participate in the entire life cycle of a film, from development through production and exhibition.
Alumni of this elite program, ranging from modern masters to bold new voices defining the state of the art form, include Andrea Arnold, Darren Aronofsky, Ari Aster, Deniese Davis, Sam Esmail, Brad Falchuk, Affonso Gonçalves, Susannah Grant, Liz Hannah, Patty Jenkins, Janusz Kamiński, Matthew Libatique, David Lynch, Melina Matsoukas, Polly Morgan, Rachel Morrison and Wally Pfister.
Press contact:
American Film Institute
Shari Mesulam, [email protected]
