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AFI Ranked #1 Film School

Michelle Yeoh and Lawrence Herbert Receive Honorary Degrees at AFI Class of 2022 Commencement

AFI DWW+ Class of 2023-2024 Applications Now Open

AFI Alumni at the 2022 Venice Film Festival

Emmy Contenders 2022: AFI Alumni Nominations

AFI Spotlight on Emmy®-Nominated Producer Diane Becker

Film School in Los Angeles CA, Best Film School Hollywood, AFI Conservatory

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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Film School in Los Angeles CA, Best Film School Hollywood, AFI Conservatory

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®

12
Nominations

3
Wins

Emmy Awards®

98
Nominations
14
Wins

Major Festivals

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

Updated as of Mar. 28, 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 277 Year 1 and Year 2 Fellows currently enrolled at the AFI Conservatory in Los Angeles:

52%are women
49%are American filmmakers of color
37%are international

Updated as of Feb. 3, 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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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   🎥 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
 
🎥 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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Aug 5

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Instagram post 17924254703341567 Excited to announce that next week’s AFI Commencement will also celebrate two inspirational trailblazers. @michelleyeoh_official #lawrenceherbert @pantone #aficonservatory #honorarydegree #afi #commencement

Excited to announce that next week’s AFI Commencement will also celebrate two inspirational trailblazers. @michelleyeoh_official #lawrenceherbert @pantone #aficonservatory #honorarydegree #afi #commencement ...

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Aug 4

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Instagram post 17871831863741301 Director Ron Howard stopped by the #AFIConservatory last week and shed some light on how those dramatic diving scenes were filmed in #ThirteenLives. The film is out in theaters now, and available to stream on @Primevideo starting tomorrow. #AFI #seminar #filmschool #ronhoward @amazonstudios

Director Ron Howard stopped by the #AFIConservatory last week and shed some light on how those dramatic diving scenes were filmed in #ThirteenLives. The film is out in theaters now, and available to stream on @Primevideo starting tomorrow. #AFI #seminar #filmschool #ronhoward @amazonstudios ...

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Aug 4

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Instagram post 18241247125137352 Top of the class! AFI Conservatory ranked #1 film school in the country by The @HollywoodReporter. 👏👏👏 #aficonservatory #bestfilmschool #filmmakerlife #hollywood #afi #filmschool

Top of the class! AFI Conservatory ranked #1 film school in the country by The @HollywoodReporter. 👏👏👏 #aficonservatory #bestfilmschool #filmmakerlife #hollywood #afi #filmschool ...

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Aug 3

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Instagram post 18019735690407046 AFI Conservatory alum @oranzegman (Class of 2018) has directed her very first feature film and the reviews are glowing. We’ll be streaming #HonorSociety on @paramountplus tonight. #afialumni #directing #aficonservatory #paramountplus

AFI Conservatory alum @oranzegman (Class of 2018) has directed her very first feature film and the reviews are glowing. We’ll be streaming #HonorSociety on @paramountplus tonight. #afialumni #directing #aficonservatory #paramountplus ...

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Jul 28

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Instagram post 17982323842568281 Thank you @moviemakermag for including the #AFIConservatory on your list of the best film schools! We couldn’t agree more. #filmschool #afi #thebest #filmmaking #film

Thank you @moviemakermag for including the #AFIConservatory on your list of the best film schools! We couldn’t agree more. #filmschool #afi #thebest #filmmaking #film ...

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Jul 22

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Instagram post 17903660957627889 Going to see #NopeMovie this weekend? Then you’ll want to say yes to watching @JordanPeele talk about creating terror and suspense in horror films. #aficonservatory #afiseminar #nope #jordanpeele @nopemovie

Going to see #NopeMovie this weekend? Then you’ll want to say yes to watching @JordanPeele talk about creating terror and suspense in horror films. #aficonservatory #afiseminar #nope #jordanpeele @nopemovie ...

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Jul 13

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Instagram post 17981884192508807 These AFI Editing alums made the cut and are now official 2022 Emmy nominees. Congratulations! 🎉🎉🎉 #emmys #emmys2022 #emmynomiated #afialumni #aficonservatory Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing For A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie ⭐️Anna Hauger (AFI Class of 2009) ⭐️Yoni Reiss (AFI Class of 2009) 🎥 @station11onmax Outstanding Picture Editing For Variety Programming ⭐️Taylor Joy Mason (AFI Class of 2012) ⭐️S. Robyn Wilson (AFI Class of 2012) 🎥 @ablackladysketchshow

These AFI Editing alums made the cut and are now official 2022 Emmy nominees. Congratulations! 🎉🎉🎉 #emmys #emmys2022 #emmynomiated #afialumni #aficonservatory

Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing For A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie

⭐️Anna Hauger (AFI Class of 2009)
⭐️Yoni Reiss (AFI Class of 2009)
🎥 @station11onmax

Outstanding Picture Editing For Variety Programming
⭐️Taylor Joy Mason (AFI Class of 2012)
⭐️S. Robyn Wilson (AFI Class of 2012)
🎥 @ablackladysketchshow ...

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Jul 1

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Instagram post 17954545345791881 Talent attracts talent! Congrats to AFI Alum @randy.mckinnon who created the new podcast #TheProphecyxAudible starring @kerrywashington, Laurence Fishburne, @davidoyelowo, @danieldaekim, @asabopp and @stevepasquale. Be sure to check it out July 28th. #AFIConservatory #Podcasts @SimpsonStreet @audible @qcodemedia

Talent attracts talent! Congrats to AFI Alum @randy.mckinnon who created the new podcast #TheProphecyxAudible starring @kerrywashington, Laurence Fishburne, @davidoyelowo, @danieldaekim, @asabopp and @stevepasquale. Be sure to check it out July 28th. #AFIConservatory #Podcasts @SimpsonStreet @audible @qcodemedia ...

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Jun 13

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Instagram post 17944473001911832 Congratulations to Julia Corcoran, the 2022 recipient of the Screen Australia-AAA-Onbass Fellowship. We’re thankful to have such great partners in @ScreenAustralia, the Onbass Family Trust and the @_AAAUSA who continue to provide pathways for gifted filmmakers from around the world to study at the #AFIConservatory. Julia, we’ll see you this fall!

Congratulations to Julia Corcoran, the 2022 recipient of the Screen Australia-AAA-Onbass Fellowship. We’re thankful to have such great partners in @ScreenAustralia, the Onbass Family Trust and the @_AAAUSA who continue to provide pathways for gifted filmmakers from around the world to study at the #AFIConservatory. Julia, we’ll see you this fall! ...

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Jun 13

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Instagram post 17967374860654316 We couldn’t be prouder of directors on the rise @jalmercaceres (AFI Class of 2020) and @cara.inwonderland (AFI Class of 2017) who are premiering their new films at @Tribeca as part of the #RisingVoices Initiative! And congrats to all the AFI Alums who brought the program’s 10 films to life. #TribecaFilmFestival #AFIConservatory ⭐️ @constanzacastro (AFI Class of 2015), IRV Mentor and Executive Producer ⭐️ Salvador Pérez García (AFI Class of 2015), Supervising Editor ⭐️ @sophie_8793, (AFI Class of 2021), Producer ⭐️ @pinchunliu (AFI Class of 2013), Producer ⭐️ @astoldbygem (AFI Class of 2021), Producer ⭐️ @veronica.bouza (AFI Class of 2020), Cinematographer ⭐️ @robertlhunter (AFI Class of 2020), Cinematographer ⭐️ @oli_segarra (AFI Class of 2020), Cinematographer ⭐️ @azariahbjorvig (AFI Class of 2020), Cinematographer ⭐️ @benjidelldp (AFI Class of 2015), Cinematographer ⭐️ @salma_rina (AFI Class of 2021), Production Designer ⭐️ @lily_judge (AFI Class of 2020), Editor ⭐️ Guangping "Ben" Niu (AFI Class of 2021), Editor ⭐️ @mengyaomiazhang (AFI Class of 2020), Editor ⭐️ David Kabisch (AFI Class of 2017), Editor ⭐️ @marioandrewfierro (AFI Class of 2020), Editor ⭐️ @yhkcw (AFI Class of 2020), Editor ⭐️ @maozekun (AFI Class of 2017), Editor ⭐️ @aashishdmello (AFI Class of 2017), Editor ⭐️ @luodaweixiao (AFI Class of 2020), Assistant Editor ⭐️ @yuchuan_xing (AFI Class of 2021), Producer

We couldn’t be prouder of directors on the rise @jalmercaceres (AFI Class of 2020) and @cara.inwonderland (AFI Class of 2017) who are premiering their new films at @Tribeca as part of the #RisingVoices Initiative!

And congrats to all the AFI Alums who brought the program’s 10 films to life. #TribecaFilmFestival #AFIConservatory

⭐️ @constanzacastro (AFI Class of 2015), IRV Mentor and Executive Producer
⭐️ Salvador Pérez García (AFI Class of 2015), Supervising Editor
⭐️ @sophie_8793, (AFI Class of 2021), Producer
⭐️ @pinchunliu (AFI Class of 2013), Producer
⭐️ @astoldbygem (AFI Class of 2021), Producer
⭐️ @veronica.bouza (AFI Class of 2020), Cinematographer
⭐️ @robertlhunter (AFI Class of 2020), Cinematographer
⭐️ @oli_segarra (AFI Class of 2020), Cinematographer
⭐️ @azariahbjorvig (AFI Class of 2020), Cinematographer
⭐️ @benjidelldp (AFI Class of 2015), Cinematographer
⭐️ @salma_rina (AFI Class of 2021), Production Designer
⭐️ @lily_judge (AFI Class of 2020), Editor
⭐️ Guangping "Ben" Niu (AFI Class of 2021), Editor
⭐️ @mengyaomiazhang (AFI Class of 2020), Editor
⭐️ David Kabisch (AFI Class of 2017), Editor
⭐️ @marioandrewfierro (AFI Class of 2020), Editor
⭐️ @yhkcw (AFI Class of 2020), Editor
⭐️ @maozekun (AFI Class of 2017), Editor
⭐️ @aashishdmello (AFI Class of 2017), Editor
⭐️ @luodaweixiao (AFI Class of 2020), Assistant Editor
⭐️ @yuchuan_xing (AFI Class of 2021), Producer ...

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Jun 12

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Instagram post 17937127562313089 Yesterday, the AFI community celebrated the newly built AFI Conservatory Lawrence Herbert Alumni Center, a dedicated space on the AFI Campus for Alumni to gather for networking and career enrichment events and meetings. AFI President and CEO Bob Gazzale & AFI Conservatory Dean & AFI EVP Susan Ruskin welcomed guest of honor and AFI Trustee Emeritus Lawrence Herbert, and the attendees, which included AFI Alumni Council Chair Marshall Herskovitz (AFI Class of 1975) and AFI Alumni Council Founding Members Deniese Davis (AFI Class of 2012), Unjoo Moon (AFI Class of 1998), and Alessandro Uzielli (AFI Class of 1989). When the Center opens this fall, its programs will provide career development resources for AFI Alumni, engage AFI’s powerful network of mentors to support AFI Alumni and champion the global accomplishments of Alumni. #aficonservatory #afialumni

Yesterday, the AFI community celebrated the newly built AFI Conservatory Lawrence Herbert Alumni Center, a dedicated space on the AFI Campus for Alumni to gather for networking and career enrichment events and meetings. AFI President and CEO Bob Gazzale & AFI Conservatory Dean & AFI EVP Susan Ruskin welcomed guest of honor and AFI Trustee Emeritus Lawrence Herbert, and the attendees, which included AFI Alumni Council Chair Marshall Herskovitz (AFI Class of 1975) and AFI Alumni Council Founding Members Deniese Davis (AFI Class of 2012), Unjoo Moon (AFI Class of 1998), and Alessandro Uzielli (AFI Class of 1989).

When the Center opens this fall, its programs will provide career development resources for AFI Alumni, engage AFI’s powerful network of mentors to support AFI Alumni and champion the global accomplishments of Alumni. #aficonservatory #afialumni ...

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Jun 6

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Instagram post 18300418204050240 All eyes were on #Watcher writer/director #ChloeOkuno’s feature debut this weekend, but we’ve been watching her career since she made her 2014 AFI thesis film #Slut. Chloe made the short with her Watcher collaborators Benjamin Kirk Nielsen and editor Michael Block – while they were all at AFI. View the short film for free right now at link in bio. #aficonservatory #afialumni #watchermovie

All eyes were on #Watcher writer/director #ChloeOkuno’s feature debut this weekend, but we’ve been watching her career since she made her 2014 AFI thesis film #Slut. Chloe made the short with her Watcher collaborators Benjamin Kirk Nielsen and editor Michael Block – while they were all at AFI. View the short film for free right now at link in bio. #aficonservatory #afialumni #watchermovie ...

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