The AFI Conservatory MFA film program gives Directing Fellows the crucial time, space and resources to craft their own distinct voice, while guaranteeing them the opportunity to direct over the course of two years. In a graduate-level program that emphasizes visual language and collaboration, Fellows team with other disciplines to shoot three narrative films and produce a thesis film in their final year to create a polished directing portfolio. 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 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 Directing Alumni
BEAU IS AFRAID – Ari Aster (AFI Class of 2010)
HALLELUJAH – Victor Gabriel (AFI Class of 2020)
LIFE UPSIDE DOWN – Cecilia Miniucchi (AFI Class of 1984)
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RING OF POWER – Charlotte Brändström (AFI Class of 1982)
MASTER GARDENER – Paul Schrader (AFI Class of 1969).
RAYMOND & RAY – Rodrigo García (AFI Class of 1986)
TÁR – Todd Field (AFI Class of 1992)
THE WHALE – Darren Aronofsky (AFI Class of 1992)
WATCHER – Chloe Okuno (AFI Class of 2014)
WE WERE MEANT TO – Tari Wariebi (AFI Class of 2020)
“The MFA in Directing at The AFI Conservatory is one of the most impactful film programs in the country.”
“I’m so grateful for my years at AFI. I deeply believe they helped me find my voice and defining principles of story and craft that inform me to this day.”
Patty Jenkins,
AFI Directing Class of 2000
MONSTER | WONDER WOMAN