AFI was founded in 1967 by Lyndon B. Johnson. It is a non-profit,national institute dedicated to advancing and preserving the art of film.

The world renowned AFI Conservatory is an educational institution headed by a dedicated group of working professionals who serve as mentors in a production based environment nurturing the talents of many young filmmakers.

The school is recognized for the talent that it produces and the paramount level of education its students receive. Since its inception in 1969, more than 3,000 filmmakers have mastered their craft at the AFI Conservatory – going on to shape and reshape the film industry from all fronts.

The Conservatory awards its Master of Fine Arts in Cinematography, Directing, Editing, Producing, Production Design and Screenwriting.

AFI thesis productions have received numerous awards including Oscar for Best Narrative Short, the Student Oscar, Director's Guild of America (DGA) Awards, American Cinematographers (ASC) Awards, and American Cinema Editors (ACE) Awards. They have been viewed at film festivals around the world including Cannes, Sundance, and Toronto.

For more information about the American Film Institute, see AFI’s Official Website.