The American Film Institute’s AFI DWW+ Directing Workshop Opens Call for Applicants

The American Film Institute is now accepting applicants for its storied AFI DWW+ programme for nan people of 2026-2027, arsenic IndieWire exclusively shares.

The tuition-free, year-long directing shop turns 51 this twelvemonth and will again shepherd underrepresented and emerging filmmakers done nan accumulation rhythm of a short film. Since launching, nan program, which takes spot successful Los Angeles connected nan AFI campus, has trained much than 350 filmmakers and artists.

Alumni see “CODA” Best Picture victor Siân Heder, Ellen Burstyn, Dyan Cannon, Directors Guild of America president Lesli Linka Glatter, Lee Grant, Margot Kidder, “Wednesday” and “Agatha All Along” head Gandja Monteiro, Cicely Tyson, Anne Bancroft, “A Black Lady Sketch Show” head and executive shaper Dime Davi. Check retired nan astir caller people of 2026 here.

The programme accepts up to 8 filmmakers pinch “a passion for ocular storytelling, nan tenacity to prosecute a directorial career, and a willingness to study and grow,” per nan AFI. AFI DWW+ is taught by movie and TV professionals presently moving successful nan industry, and nan short films will premiere astatine an industry-facing DWW+ Showcase successful 2027.

The exertion play opens today, Monday, July 14, and closes Wednesday, September 3, 2025. More accusation astir nan exertion process and eligibility requirements tin beryllium recovered connected https://conservatory.afi.com/dww-how-to-apply/.

Supporters of this year’s AFI DWW+ programme see nan Golden Globes Foundation, Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, The Walt Disney Company, Paramount Pictures, Semi Foundation, and Valhalla Motion Pictures.