2023 Cinematography Visual Essay Showcase- Watch Now.
Cinematography Fellows in the AFI Conservatory MFA filmmaking program are challenged to become adept at making fast, informed and inspired creative decisions to harness the visceral power of visual storytelling. Shooting on both digital and film, AFI Fellows have the chance to work on 28 films a year and produce a 35mm visual essay – with unprecedented access to lighting workshops and practical seminars taught by acclaimed cinematographers.
Filmmakers come to the AFI Conservatory 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 graduate film school in Los Angeles or the nation. Think of us like the most prolific content creators in Hollywood. View AFI Conservatory Learning Outcomes and Admissions Requirements.
MFA Film School Learn from Icons in the Industry
Ranked the #1 film school in America, the AFI Conservatory MFA filmmaking program brings your favorite master storytellers to our Los Angeles campus to deliver inspiring guest lectures and enlightening seminars where they share their personal experiences and answer your questions about the filmmaking process.
Recent Projects by AFI Conservatory Cinematography Alumni
BARRY – Paula Huidobro (AFI Class of 2004)
BEAU IS AFRAID – Pawel Pogorzelski (AFI Class of 2010)
BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER – Autumn Durald (AFI Class of 2009)
COCAINE BEAR – John Guleserian (AFI Class of 2005), cinematographer and Adam McDaid (AFI Class of 2006), cinematographer: second unit, Georgia unit
EMANCIPATION – Robert Richardson (AFI Class of 1979)
HALLELUJAH – Robert Hunter(AFI Class of 2020)
HIGH SCHOOL – Carolina Costa (AFI Class of 2013)
PLATONIC – John Guleserian (AFI Class of 2005)
THE WOMAN KING – Polly Morgan (AFI Class of 2010)
THE WHALE – Matthew Libatique (AFI Class of 1992)
AFI Conservatory named to 2023 list of the Best Film Schools in the U.S. and Canada.
“It was an incredible experience. I was a decent technician already, but AFI made me a much better technician. The most critical thing it gave me was confidence in my own abilities.”
–Academy Award® Nominee Rachel Morrison, ASC
AFI Cinematography Class of 2006
MUDBOUND | BLACK PANTHER