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A Training Ground for Trailblazers

At the AFI Conservatory we believe in filmmaking first. Filmmakers come to AFI because they are guaranteed to make movies, and to master not only the tools, but also the art of storytelling. AFI isn’t like any other film school in Los Angeles or the nation. Think of us like the most prolific content creators in Hollywood. Fellows collectively create up to 175 films a year across six disciplines: Cinematography, Directing, Editing, Producing, Production Design and Screenwriting.

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Work with the Masters in Los Angeles

Led by Hollywood icon James L. Brooks as Artistic Director, AFI Conservatory faculty are working filmmakers who bring decades of award-winning experience as real-world, professionals and transformative leaders in their field.

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PARASITE director Bong Joon Ho on tone in his films

A Bridge to the Industry

As a top-ranked film school located in Los Angeles, the AFI Conservatory program is more than an academic experience in the art of moviemaking — it’s about connecting you with influential artists in the field, and with key players in the industry, to get your career off the ground right after graduation. Through a carefully curated series of programs and opportunities that happen year-round right in the middle of Hollywood, you will have the best possible launchpad for success.

Scholarship Opportunities

AFI offers scholarships to help incoming and current Fellows pay for their film school education. Scholarships are based on merit and financial need. Several scholarships are available for Fellows from underrepresented communities, specific nationalities and Conservatory disciplines.

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Alumni Recognition

Last Five Years

After their film school training, AFI filmmakers go on to make enormous cultural impact that resonates and endures far beyond the halls of the Conservatory.

Academy Awards®

11
Nominations

3
Wins

Emmy Awards®

96
Nominations
15
Wins

Major Festivals

670
Alumni on
414
Films
AFI DOCS, AFI FEST, Berlin, Cannes, London, New York, Sundance, SXSW, Telluride, Toronto, Tribeca and Venice

Festivals updated as of Mar. 28, 2022

Awards updated as of Sept. 16, 2022

Diversity at a Glance

The AFI Conservatory is committed to nurturing fresh perspectives from diverse voices.

“The AFI experience is transformational. This is a place where ideas of all sorts and all perspectives come to blossom. The relationships and the skills you foster here are the ones that will carry you throughout your entire career.”

–Joyce Liu-Countryman, AFI Producing Class of 2018

Of 301 Year 1 and Year 2 Fellows currently enrolled at the AFI Conservatory in Los Angeles:

60%are women
50%of the domestic Fellows are filmmakers of color
44%are international

Updated as of Aug. 19, 2022

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The American Film Institute believes in the power of diverse voices to drive culture forward.

We strive to cultivate and sustain an inclusive environment at AFI that actively affirms and, is respectful of, the identities of all people, across genders, abilities, ethnicities, sexual orientations, socioeconomic backgrounds and ideological perspectives – and one where self-reflection, honesty and accountability are practiced.

At AFI, we are responsible for the community we build and the stories we tell.

#AFICONSERVATORY

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Sep 24

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Instagram post 17906282561640801 How did @ssrajamouli come up with the international sensation #RRR? The writer/director recently talked about his inspiration for the film with @AFIConservatory Fellows. #aficonservatory #filmschool #guestspeaker

How did @ssrajamouli come up with the international sensation #RRR? The writer/director recently talked about his inspiration for the film with @AFIConservatory Fellows. #aficonservatory #filmschool #guestspeaker ...

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Sep 23

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Instagram post 18185230876214681 And the Student Academy Award goes to…AFI alum Freddy Macdonald and #SheddingAngels! Kudos to all of the talented AFI alumni who worked on this amazing AFI thesis film. ⭐️ @fred.md (AFI Class of 2021), Director, Co-writer ⭐️ @ruiarichika (AFI Class of 2021), Cinematographer ⭐️ @alexoger_ (AFI Class of 2021), Producer ⭐️ @jess_underwater (AFI Class of 2021), Editor ⭐️ Rafael Diez (AFI Class of 2021), Co-writer #studentacademyawards #afialumni #aficonservatory #filmmaking #filmmakers #filmschool #awards

And the Student Academy Award goes to…AFI alum Freddy Macdonald and #SheddingAngels! Kudos to all of the talented AFI alumni who worked on this amazing AFI thesis film.

⭐️ @fred.md (AFI Class of 2021), Director, Co-writer
⭐️ @ruiarichika (AFI Class of 2021), Cinematographer
⭐️ @alexoger_ (AFI Class of 2021), Producer
⭐️ @jess_underwater (AFI Class of 2021), Editor
⭐️ Rafael Diez (AFI Class of 2021), Co-writer

#studentacademyawards #afialumni #aficonservatory #filmmaking #filmmakers #filmschool #awards ...

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Sep 16

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Instagram post 17941221101472345 How many AFI alums does it take to make a great movie? Check out #GodsCountry in theaters starting today and you’ll find out. Thanks to this talented team of filmmakers for making a visit to the #aficonservatory last week and good luck at the boxoffice this weekend. Go see #GodsCountry! #afialumni ⭐️Julian Higgins, Director, Producer, Co-writer ⭐️Shaye Ogbonna, Co-writer ⭐️Halee Bernard, Producer ⭐️Andrew Wheeler, Cinematographer ⭐️Justin LaForge, Editor

How many AFI alums does it take to make a great movie? Check out #GodsCountry in theaters starting today and you’ll find out. Thanks to this talented team of filmmakers for making a visit to the #aficonservatory last week and good luck at the boxoffice this weekend. Go see #GodsCountry! #afialumni

⭐️Julian Higgins, Director, Producer, Co-writer
⭐️Shaye Ogbonna, Co-writer
⭐️Halee Bernard, Producer
⭐️Andrew Wheeler, Cinematographer
⭐️Justin LaForge, Editor ...

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Sep 8

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Instagram post 18044092639363095 It was a weekend of wins! We’re thrilled to celebrate our AFI Alumni who took home #CreativeArtsEmmyAwards this year! 👏👏👏 #AFIConservatory #KillingIt #Emmys Outstanding Picture Editing For Variety Programming @ablackladysketchshow (“Save My Edges, I’m A Donor!”) ⭐️ @taylorjmason (AFI Class of 2012), editor ⭐️ @robyn_shishoka (AFI Class of 2012), editor Outstanding Structured Reality Program @queereye ⭐️ Jennifer Lane (AFI Class of 1994), executive producer Outstanding Television Movie @rescuerangers ⭐️ @philosophy_of_perception (AFI Class of 1992), supervising art director ⭐️ @brittbradforddesign (AFI Class of 2010), assistant art director ⭐️ @katelynnwheelock (AFI Class of 2010), assistant art director ⭐️ John Carner (AFI Class of 2014), assistant editor Outstanding Documentary Or Nonfiction Special #GeorgeCarlinsAmericanDream ⭐️ @t_govoni (AFI Class of 1998), additional cinematography Outstanding Short Form Animated Program @lovedeathandrobots (“Jibaro”) ⭐️ @sonjatsypin (AFI Class of 2018), director of photography: many enterprises

It was a weekend of wins! We’re thrilled to celebrate our AFI Alumni who took home #CreativeArtsEmmyAwards this year! 👏👏👏 #AFIConservatory #KillingIt #Emmys

Outstanding Picture Editing For Variety Programming
@ablackladysketchshow (“Save My Edges, I’m A Donor!”)
⭐️ @taylorjmason (AFI Class of 2012), editor
⭐️ @robyn_shishoka (AFI Class of 2012), editor

Outstanding Structured Reality Program
@queereye
⭐️ Jennifer Lane (AFI Class of 1994), executive producer

Outstanding Television Movie
@rescuerangers
⭐️ @philosophy_of_perception (AFI Class of 1992), supervising art director
⭐️ @brittbradforddesign (AFI Class of 2010), assistant art director
⭐️ @katelynnwheelock (AFI Class of 2010), assistant art director
⭐️ John Carner (AFI Class of 2014), assistant editor

Outstanding Documentary Or Nonfiction Special
#GeorgeCarlinsAmericanDream
⭐️ @t_govoni (AFI Class of 1998), additional cinematography

Outstanding Short Form Animated Program
@lovedeathandrobots (“Jibaro”)
⭐️ @sonjatsypin (AFI Class of 2018), director of photography: many enterprises ...

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Sep 6

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Instagram post 17963660458785639 Always a lion in our eyes, the #VeniceFilmFestival has made it official over the weekend honoring Paul Schrader with the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement. #afialumni #aficonservatory #venicefilmfestival #paulschrader

Always a lion in our eyes, the #VeniceFilmFestival has made it official over the weekend honoring Paul Schrader with the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement. #afialumni #aficonservatory #venicefilmfestival #paulschrader ...

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Sep 2

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Instagram post 17948446775028600 It’s SHOWtime! Eight #AFIConservatory Fellows are now on the ground at Telluride for AFI’s FilmLab partnership with the #TellurideFilmFestival. So great to partner with the fest for this incredible educational experience. See our story for more! #afi #filmschool #telluride #filmmaking

It’s SHOWtime! Eight #AFIConservatory Fellows are now on the ground at Telluride for AFI’s FilmLab partnership with the #TellurideFilmFestival. So great to partner with the fest for this incredible educational experience. See our story for more! #afi #filmschool #telluride #filmmaking ...

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Sep 2

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Instagram post 17962362280789711 The SHOW has begun! We definitely plan to cross these movies off of our Telluride “to watch” list. What are you looking forward to at the festival? #telluridefilmfestival #afialumni #aficonservatory 🎥 BARDO ⭐️Vero Vackova (AFI Class of 2016), First Assistant Editor 🎥 ICARUS: THE AFTERMATH ⭐️@garret_price11 (AFI Class of 2005), Additional Editor 🎥 LIVING ⭐️Thorsten Schumacher (AFI Class of 2001), Executive Producer 🎥 TÁR ⭐️Todd Field (AFI Class of 1992), Writer/Director/Producer ⭐️Ray Harvie (AFI Class of 1992), Storyboard Artist 🎥 OASIS (2002) ⭐️Kil Won Yu (AFI Class of 2010), Art Director

The SHOW has begun! We definitely plan to cross these movies off of our Telluride “to watch” list. What are you looking forward to at the festival? #telluridefilmfestival #afialumni #aficonservatory

🎥 BARDO
⭐️Vero Vackova (AFI Class of 2016), First Assistant Editor

🎥 ICARUS: THE AFTERMATH
⭐️@garret_price11 (AFI Class of 2005), Additional Editor

🎥 LIVING
⭐️Thorsten Schumacher (AFI Class of 2001), Executive Producer

🎥 TÁR
⭐️Todd Field (AFI Class of 1992), Writer/Director/Producer
⭐️Ray Harvie (AFI Class of 1992), Storyboard Artist

🎥 OASIS (2002)
⭐️Kil Won Yu (AFI Class of 2010), Art Director ...

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Sep 2

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Instagram post 17877349886734947 We’re not surprised that the world premiere of Todd Field’s latest had the entire audience on its feet. We can’t wait for the rest of the world to see this film. #afialumni #aficonservatory #tar #venicefilmfestival @labiennale

We’re not surprised that the world premiere of Todd Field’s latest had the entire audience on its feet. We can’t wait for the rest of the world to see this film. #afialumni #aficonservatory #tar #venicefilmfestival @labiennale ...

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Aug 31

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Instagram post 17940871631481318 An A24/Ari Aster collab is always welcome news. Especially when it’s a comedy starring Nicolas Cage. #afialumni #aficonservatory #ariaster #a24

An A24/Ari Aster collab is always welcome news. Especially when it’s a comedy starring Nicolas Cage. #afialumni #aficonservatory #ariaster #a24 ...

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Aug 30

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Instagram post 17953937342064201 It’s no coincidence that @IndieWire’s Must-See films are often made by AFI Alums. Check out these outstanding films coming to a festival near you. #aficonservatory #afialumni #filmfestivals #venice #tiff #venicefilmfestival 🎥 BARDO Vero Vackova (Class of 2016), First Assistant Editor 🎥 BROS Daniel Gabbe (Class of 2000), Editor 🎥 DON’T WORRY DARLING @Libatique (Class of 1992), Cinematographer Affonso Gonçalves (Class of 1993), Editor Allison Jones (Class of 1981), Casting @arg_ya (Class of 2017), Set Designer 🎥 THE FABELMANS @davidlynchfoundation (Class of 1970), Actor Janusz Kamiński (Class of 1987), Cinematographer Sarah Broshar (Class of 2005), Editor Andrew Max Cahn (Class of 1992), Supervising Art Director @katelynnwheelock (Class of 2010), Assistant Art Director 🎥 GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY Hang Dara Zhao (Class of 2018), Concept Artist 🎥 THE GOOD NURSE @darrenaronofsky (Class of 1992), Producer 🎥 THE INSPECTION @eriklouisrobert (Class of 2014), Production Designer @gottahavekunk (Class of 2014), Art Director 🎥 A JAZZMAN’S BLUES Maysie Hoy (DWW Class of 1977), Editor 🎥 LIVING Thorsten Schumacher (Class of 2001), Executive Producer 🎥 PEARL @tomhammockpd (Class of 2004), Production Designer 🎥 THE SON Julie Robinson (DWW Class of 1987), Script Supervisor: NY Unit 🎥 TÁR Todd Field (Class of 1992), Writer/Director/Producer Ray Harvie (Class of 1992), Storyboard Artist 🎥 WENDELL AND WILD Kim Blanchette (Class of 1983), Animator 🎥 THE WHALE @darrenaronofsky (Class of 1992), Director/Producer @Libatique (Class of 1992), Cinematographer 🎥 WHITE NOISE Camellia Cox (Class of 2002), Graphic Designer 🎥 THE WOMAN KING @pollymorgan (Class of 2010), Cinematographer

It’s no coincidence that @IndieWire’s Must-See films are often made by AFI Alums. Check out these outstanding films coming to a festival near you. #aficonservatory #afialumni #filmfestivals #venice #tiff #venicefilmfestival

🎥 BARDO
Vero Vackova (Class of 2016), First Assistant Editor

🎥 BROS
Daniel Gabbe (Class of 2000), Editor

🎥 DON’T WORRY DARLING
@Libatique (Class of 1992), Cinematographer
Affonso Gonçalves (Class of 1993), Editor
Allison Jones (Class of 1981), Casting
@arg_ya (Class of 2017), Set Designer

🎥 THE FABELMANS
@davidlynchfoundation (Class of 1970), Actor
Janusz Kamiński (Class of 1987), Cinematographer
Sarah Broshar (Class of 2005), Editor
Andrew Max Cahn (Class of 1992), Supervising Art Director
@katelynnwheelock (Class of 2010), Assistant Art Director

🎥 GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY
Hang Dara Zhao (Class of 2018), Concept Artist

🎥 THE GOOD NURSE
@darrenaronofsky (Class of 1992), Producer

🎥 THE INSPECTION
@eriklouisrobert (Class of 2014), Production Designer
@gottahavekunk (Class of 2014), Art Director

🎥 A JAZZMAN’S BLUES
Maysie Hoy (DWW Class of 1977), Editor

🎥 LIVING
Thorsten Schumacher (Class of 2001), Executive Producer

🎥 PEARL
@tomhammockpd (Class of 2004), Production Designer

🎥 THE SON
Julie Robinson (DWW Class of 1987), Script Supervisor: NY Unit

🎥 TÁR
Todd Field (Class of 1992), Writer/Director/Producer
Ray Harvie (Class of 1992), Storyboard Artist

🎥 WENDELL AND WILD
Kim Blanchette (Class of 1983), Animator

🎥 THE WHALE
@darrenaronofsky (Class of 1992), Director/Producer
@Libatique (Class of 1992), Cinematographer

🎥 WHITE NOISE
Camellia Cox (Class of 2002), Graphic Designer

🎥 THE WOMAN KING
@pollymorgan (Class of 2010), Cinematographer ...

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Aug 25

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Instagram post 17953615342909328 Such great news for #APlaceInTheField and all of the AFI alums who created this incredible film including, Nicole Mejía who makes her feature directorial debut. We can’t wait to see this one. #afialumni #aficonservatory #yourbestworkstartshere ⭐️ @nikki.mejia (AFI Class of 2021), director ⭐️ @kadrikoop (AFI Class of 2020), cinematographer ⭐️ @cinesirn (AFI Class of 2021), editor ⭐️ @marioandrewfierro (AFI Class of 2020), editor ⭐️ Kato Lawton (AFI Class of 2021), production designer

Such great news for #APlaceInTheField and all of the AFI alums who created this incredible film including, Nicole Mejía who makes her feature directorial debut. We can’t wait to see this one. #afialumni #aficonservatory #yourbestworkstartshere

⭐️ @nikki.mejia (AFI Class of 2021), director
⭐️ @kadrikoop (AFI Class of 2020), cinematographer
⭐️ @cinesirn (AFI Class of 2021), editor
⭐️ @marioandrewfierro (AFI Class of 2020), editor
⭐️ Kato Lawton (AFI Class of 2021), production designer ...

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Aug 17

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Instagram post 17930897207307677 This is what the next generation of filmmakers looks like. 🎥 🎉🎉🎉 #aficlassof2022 #aficonservatory #bestfilmschool

This is what the next generation of filmmakers looks like. 🎥 🎉🎉🎉 #aficlassof2022 #aficonservatory #bestfilmschool ...

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Aug 11

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Instagram post 18047511343346850 The @thenyff just announced their slate and just look at all of the incredible films from AFI alumni screening at the festival starting next month. #NYFF60 #afialumni #aficonservatory #ny #movies #nyff   🎥 WHITE NOISE ⭐️ Camellia Cox (AFI Class of 2002), Graphic Designer   🎥 THE INSPECTION ⭐️ @eriklouisrobert (AFI Class of 2014), Production Designer ⭐️ @gottahavekunk (AFI Class of 2014), Art Director   🎥 CORSAGE ⭐️ Gottlieb Pallendorf (AFI Class of 1994), Line Producer/Production Manager   🎥 DECISION TO LEAVE  ⭐️ Ji-yong Kim (AFI Class of 2003), Cinematographer   🎥 LESSER CHOICES ⭐️ @courtcolt (AFI Class of 2009), Director 🎥 MASTER GARDENER ⭐️ Paul Schrader (AFI Class of 1969), Writer/Director   🎥 TÁR ⭐️ Todd Field (AFI Class of 1992), Writer/Director/Producer ⭐️ Ray Harvie (AFI Class of 1992), Storyboard Artist

The @thenyff just announced their slate and just look at all of the incredible films from AFI alumni screening at the festival starting next month. #NYFF60 #afialumni #aficonservatory #ny #movies #nyff
 
🎥 WHITE NOISE
⭐️ Camellia Cox (AFI Class of 2002), Graphic Designer
 
🎥 THE INSPECTION
⭐️ @eriklouisrobert (AFI Class of 2014), Production Designer
⭐️ @gottahavekunk (AFI Class of 2014), Art Director
 
🎥 CORSAGE
⭐️ Gottlieb Pallendorf (AFI Class of 1994), Line Producer/Production Manager
 
🎥 DECISION TO LEAVE 
⭐️ Ji-yong Kim (AFI Class of 2003), Cinematographer
 
🎥 LESSER CHOICES
⭐️ @courtcolt (AFI Class of 2009), Director

🎥 MASTER GARDENER
⭐️ Paul Schrader (AFI Class of 1969), Writer/Director
 
🎥 TÁR
⭐️ Todd Field (AFI Class of 1992), Writer/Director/Producer
⭐️ Ray Harvie (AFI Class of 1992), Storyboard Artist ...

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