About AFI

AFI is the preeminent organization dedicated to advancing and preserving the art of film, television and other forms of the moving image. AFI trains the next generation of filmmakers at its world-renowned Conservatory, provides film preservation, leadership and explores new digital technologies in movie making.

The AFI Conservatory has served the moving image arts since its founding in 1969. More than 3000 aspiring moving image artists have mastered their craft at the AFI Conservatory.

The Conservatory awards the Master of Fine Arts in Cinematography, Directing, Editing, Producing, Production Design, and Screenwriting. Professional faculty members work closely with the AFI Fellows through the time-honored relationship of master and apprentice.

Notable Alumni:

Directing:
Ed Zwick (Blood Diamond, Glory, Defiance)
David Lynch (Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive)
John McTiernan (Die Hard, Lethan Weapon)

Cinematography
Janusz Kamiński (Saving Private Ryan, Schindler’s List)
Caleb Deschanel (Titanic, Apocalypse Now)
Wally Pfister (Batman Begins, The Dark Night, Memento)

Editing
Steven Rosenblum (X-Men, Braveheart, Glory)
Howard Smith (The Abyss, Blade Trinity)

Producing
Steve Golin (Babel, Being John Malkovich)
Jon Avnet (Risky Business, The Mighty Ducks)

Production Design
Todd Cherniawsky (Splice, Alice in Wonderland)
Keith Cunningham (Ocean’s Eleven, Traffic)

Screenwriting
Jeff Nathanson (Enchanted, Rush Hour)
Paul Schrader (Taxi Driver, Raging Bull)