AFI Applicants 2025

Chris W

The night was sultry...
Staff member
AFI just announced that applications are open 9/6/2024. Who's applying this year?

They have a zoom info session on 9/6 as well at 9:30am PST via zoom for questions about the application process:


In addition to the zoom be sure to not miss our interview with the AFI Admissions Team:

How to Get Into AFI Conservatory: Exclusive Advice From the Admissions Office (Part 1)

How to Get Into AFI Conservatory: Exclusive Advice From the Admissions Office (Part 1)

Ask anyone about where to go to film school, and you’re bound to hear the American Film Institute Conservatory. First established in 1967, AFI is world renowned for producing pioneers and trailblazers in the film industry. In 2024, The Hollywood Reporter ranked AFI the no. 2 film program in the...

For more information also see last year's guide to applying to AFI:

AFI Conservatory: How to Apply for 2025, Acceptance Rate, and What to Expect as an AFI Fellow

AFI Conservatory: How to Apply for 2025, Acceptance Rate, and What to Expect as an AFI Fellow

For more than 50 years, the American Film Institute Conservatory has elevated the art of cinema and helped film students lay the groundwork for lifelong film careers. In 2022, FilmSchool.org named AFI Best West Coast Film School. And in 2024, The Hollywood Reporter ranked AFI no. 2 in its annual...

Thanks to the thousands of applications in our database and hundreds for AFI we have the following admissions statistics for the school. Click the link below for more detailed statistics including waitlist acceptance rate and accepted GPAs. Be sure to log your application as well once you submit so that we can improve the data.



For reviews of the program see this page here:

AFI Conservatory

AFI Conservatory

First established in 1967, the American Film Institute is world renowned for producing pioneers and trailblazers in the film industry. As a not-for-profit, private graduate film school, the AFI Conservatory teaches multimodal pedagogy in hands-on courses led by industry experts. Film students...

Good luck!
 
Last year I got an admission for Editing Discipline, and I couldn't secure US visa as an International student.
My request for F1 visa refused under 214-B.
What do you think based on your experiences? Should I re-apply this year and try my chance?
 
Did they give a reason why? Maybe AFI can help you apply next time? Sorry to hear that your visa got denied.
They said, there is nothing they can do… and unfortunately the officer who refused my visa didn’t say anything about the real reason of his decision…
One of my friends who studying at NYU, told me some universities write a letter and recommend their students to the embassies! Is this correct?
 
They said, there is nothing they can do… and unfortunately the officer who refused my visa didn’t say anything about the real reason of his decision…
One of my friends who studying at NYU, told me some universities write a letter and recommend their students to the embassies! Is this correct?
I'm not sure... Hopefully others can chime in? I know we've had other members from Iran on the site. Perhaps filter the application database by country and try contacting those members? I wish you the best of luck.


Filter is hourglass on mobile or the left panel on desktop.
 
Hello all! Current 1st year screenwriting fellow here. Wanted to make myself available to everyone if they have questions or anything I can help with. Specifically, it’s really hard to find information about bootcamp and the dynamics of 1st year. So, if you have any questions I’m happy to help answer the best I can. Currently entering the final week of bootcamp.
 
Hey everyone,

I’m a USC Stark Program Alum, who was also accepted to Chapman, NYU, AFI and I’ve started a group to help people figure out if film school (whether it’s Stark, AFI, NYU, or any other program) is the right fit for them. I’m inviting the first few members to join for free, for life, as "founding members." If you're interested, join here: www.skool.com/debtless-film-school-6628. The goal of the group is to provide all the information I wish I had before committing to such an expensive program, help people expand their networks, and teach the skills needed to thrive in the industry.

Don’t get me wrong—film school can be a great experience under the right circumstances. However, I’ve seen too many talented people struggle after attending, whether because the program wasn’t the right fit, they couldn’t handle the financial strain, or they didn’t make the most of their time there. I want to help as many of you achieve your goals as possible. This industry is tough enough, and not enough people are being transparent about what film school can or can't do for you.

I’ve started an AMA thread—feel free to ask me anything there! If you want to talk more in-depth about your circumstances, goals, and whether film school is worth it for you, join the group and I’d be happy to help.

Whatever you choose, just know I’m rooting for you! I understand this is a nerve-wracking process, but trust that you'll find the right direction for your future.
 
For the Resume section...does anyone now exactly what they're looking for? Are they looking for a standard resume or more of a creative portfolio type of thing? I reached out to admissions and they were kind of vague, so maybe someone who has gotten into AFI or has a better idea of this can shed some light?
 
For the Resume section...does anyone now exactly what they're looking for? Are they looking for a standard resume or more of a creative portfolio type of thing? I reached out to admissions and they were kind of vague, so maybe someone who has gotten into AFI or has a better idea of this can shed some light?
Just a standard resume or CV. I did a CV since then you can give a more comprehensive list of your work and accomplishments.
 
hey! can i ask if you're submitting the same film as two years ago or something new? i'm conflicted on it
For the Moving Image sample I am submitting the same 10 minutes I did 2 years ago - I have directed other films since then but I still think it's my strongest piece. I am re-writing my Moving Image Sample Essay, however. And then for the directing assignment I directed something fresh.
 
For the Moving Image sample I am submitting the same 10 minutes I did 2 years ago - I have directed other films since then but I still think it's my strongest piece. I am re-writing my Moving Image Sample Essay, however. And then for the directing assignment I directed something fresh.
thank you!! i've been so conflicted about this- been scrambling to shoot something new right before the deadline but i'm honestly still very proud of the film i submitted last time. best of luck!
 
Hi everyone! I'm finishing up my application but am a little torn and curious if anyone can weigh in. I'm applying for directing, and I directed an original film for the directing sample about "urgency". I like the film, but I have a different film I made a couple of years ago that's less than 5 minutes long, also about urgency, that I like A LOT more. It also demonstrates my directing chops a bit better. Will it disqualify me if I submit the older film? Thanks all!
 
Hi everyone! I'm finishing up my application but am a little torn and curious if anyone can weigh in. I'm applying for directing, and I directed an original film for the directing sample about "urgency". I like the film, but I have a different film I made a couple of years ago that's less than 5 minutes long, also about urgency, that I like A LOT more. It also demonstrates my directing chops a bit better. Will it disqualify me if I submit the older film? Thanks all!
No it won’t disqualify you. If you feel it fits the theme as well or better then go for it, but remember to craft your essay for real experiences in making that film.
 
Today is the final day to apply! :)

Today is your final chance to apply to the AFI Conservatory!

The extended application deadline for the Cinematography, Editing, Producing, and Production Design disciplines closes tonight at 8:59 p.m. PST | 11:59 p.m. EST.​

 
Log your film school application with our Application Database so that we can improve our admissions statistics.



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