Hollywood Foreign Press Association

Founded in 1984, American Cinematheque is a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating cinema as an art form. Based in Los Angeles, it presents diverse film programming and hosts live events at historic theaters like the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood and the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica.

One of the most respected film schools in the world, American Film Institute Conservatory (AFI) in Los Angeles offers a stimulating environment and a legacy of success in the filmmaking industry. AFI’s Conservatory offers a Master of Fine Arts degree in which students may focus on Cinematography, Directing, Editing, Production or Screenwriting. Throughout the course of the two-year program, students write, shoot, edit and produce more films than at any other professional film program. Additional programs are offered, such as a course specifically tailored for female directors. AFI’s alumni are some of the most respected leaders in the film industry, many of them having received Academy Awards and Lifetime Achievement Awards. Students have the opportunity to hear these and other industry leaders give talks at such events as the famous AFI Fest. Since the 1970’s AFI has also been responsible for honoring filmmakers and actors with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement award. With its top-notch alumni and instructors, AFI comes with some of the most valuable connections to the film industry. The location, too, being at the center of film and television production, offers its graduates access to more employment opportunities than most other cities. Admissions at AFI are highly competitive, with the school only accepting a small percentage of its large number of applicants yearly. When applying for admission to AFI, you may also file an application for financial aid. The school offers a limited number of school scholarships to those who qualify based on merit and need.