Cinematography Fellows are challenged to become adept at making fast, informed and inspired creative decisions to harness the visceral power of visual storytelling. Shooting on both digital and film, Fellows have the chance to work on 28 films a year and produce a 35mm visual essay. AFI gives them unprecedented access to lighting workshops and practical seminars taught by master-level cinematographers.
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34 Oscar Nominations
Since the AFI Conservatory began in 1969, AFI alumni have received 34 Best Cinematography Oscar® nominations and seven wins.
1 Every Year, 10 Years Running
An AFI alum from one of our six disciplines has been nominated for an Academy Award® every year for the past decade. Cinematography alumni have been recognized nine times.
Alumni in the News
AFI Alum Frederick Elmes Recieves Lifetime Achievement Award from ASC
The American Society of Cinematographers honored AFI alum and Franklin J. Schaffner Medal recipient Frederick Elmes (ERASERHEAD, BLUE VELVET and THE NIGHT OF) with a Lifetime Achievement Award at their annual awards ceremony. READ MORE
Cinematographer Todd Banhazl Featured in Variety for BLOW THE MAN DOWN
In this in-depth interview, cinematographer Todd Banhazl (AFI Class of 2009) explains how he achieved the gritty look and developed the visual style for BLOW THE MAN DOWN (now streaming on Amazon). READ MORE
Cinematographer Sam Chatterjee's Film Receives Special Jury Recognition prize at SXSW
SINGLE, with cinematography by Sam Chatterjee (AFI Class of 2018), won Special Jury Recognition at the 2020 SXSW Film Festival. The film was directed by Ashley Eakin (AFI DWW Class of 2020), edited by Charlie Carter (AFI Class of 2019) and co-produced by Summer Yang (AFI Class of 2018). READ MORE
Learn from the Masters
AFI also brings your favorite master storytellers to campus to deliver personal, inspiring guest lectures and enlightening seminars. They’ll share their personal experiences and answer your questions about the filmmaking process.
Alumni Cinematographers Include:
Robert Richardson, ASC
- ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD
- THE HATEFUL EIGHT
Wally Pfister, ASC
- INCEPTION
- THE DARK KNIGHT
Rachel Morrison, ASC
- MUDBOUND
- BLACK PANTHER
Robert Elswit, ASC
- NIGHTCRAWLER
- THERE WILL BE BLOOD
Matthew Libatique, ASC
- A STAR IS BORN
- BLACK SWAN
Caleb Deschanel
- THE LION KING
- JACK REACHER
John Guleserian
- TRANSPARENT
- ABOUT TIME
Pawel Pogorzelski
- MIDSOMMAR
- HEREDITARY
Masanobu Takayanagi
- SPOTLIGHT
- SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK
Janusz Kami?ski, ASC
- THE POST
- SAVING PRIVATE RYAN
Chris Manley
- MASTERS OF SEX
- MAD MEN
Antonio Calvache
- QUEEN SUGAR
- IN THE BEDROOM
Michael Grady
- THE LEFTOVERS
- EASY A
Haris Zambarloukos
- CINDERELLA
- THOR
Tim Suhrstedt
- SILICON VALLEY
- LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
Polly Morgan
- LUCY IN THE SKY
- LEGION
“It was an incredible experience. I was a decent technician already, but AFI made me a much better technician. The most critical thing it gave me was confidence in my own abilities.”
–Academy Award® Nominee Rachel Morrison, ASC
AFI Cinematography Class of 2006
MUDBOUND | BLACK PANTHER