afi 2026

  1. Pryde Pierce

    Admitted but Not Attending (After Interview) AFI MFA Editing - Fall 2026

    Well enough. It mainly only consisted of me deciding what two editing examples I wanted to send for consideration and making a narrative statement specifically focused on my editing background. Since I have already applied for Directing and Screenwriting they just used my recommendations...
  2. gimmeamin

    Denied (w/o Interview) AFI Directing 2026

    I thought the five-minute short film I submitted was fairly strong. Overall, I felt that my written materials were solid as well, but I wasn’t satisfied with my self-introduction video since I had to prepare it in a rush. As a student, I also felt that I might not yet have enough practical...
  3. mgm0286

    Declined Admission (Off Waitlist After Interview) AFI - Producing 2026

    Second time applying, but initially applied for Cinematography last year. I interviewed with Sandy Stern and Nikit Doshi. Sad I was waitlisted, but I think I would be a lot more upset if I hadn't already been admitted to Columbia. Thankful for the opportunity!
  4. B

    Admitted (After Interview) AFI Screenwriting - 2026

    Application process was pretty chill. I was already applying to other MFA programs and was grateful AFI wanted three pages of personal statement instead of one or two because it was more comfortable to articulate my story, my influences, and what I wanted out of the program. I was lucky enough...
  5. 26Ces

    Denied (w/o Interview) AFI first time applying

    Applied, but felt really rushed in the process. Definitely wanted to put more clarity and work into this application, but overall, I feel like it was strong. I haven't been called for an interview, so I understand that I most likely won't be included at this point. But they watched one of my...
  6. egg

    Odds of still hearing from NYU grad film and AFI directing

    I know we’re all in the same position and trying to piece together whatever information we can, but I’m hoping to sanity-check timelines. If I haven’t received an interview notification yet from AFI Directing (MFA) or NYU Grad Film (MFA), is it reasonable to assume it’s unlikely at this point...
  7. A

    Attending (Admitted After Interview) AFI - Directing - 2026

    I love AFI's application. It's deceptively simple, but it forces you to be creative in both how you write your essay and in the film(s) you make. Overall, this process went well for me. It helped that I applied the year before, so I had 9 months (after getting the rejection the first time...
  8. jonathanjlee

    Attending (Admitted After Interview) AFI Cinematography - Fall 2026

    Application process was difficult but rewarding. As this was my second time applying, I had learned from the first attempt and tried to level up the quality of the submissions, taking special care writing the essay, crafting the Ten-Sixty assignment and selecting photos for the portfolio...
  9. P

    Admitted (After Interview) AFI Cinematography - Fall 2026

    Graduated from Northwestern University last year with a Radio/Television/Film degree and decided to apply to AFI because I don't think I got the technical knowledge or rigorous instruction I need to become the DP/gaffer I dream of being. The interview went well from my perspective; they mostly...
  10. T

    Applied AFI Producing

    I had a blast doing the application. I took each part and really thought outside the box. It may have looked different than others, but that’s the nature of who I am.

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