AFI DWW+ is a year-long directing program run by the American Film Institute Conservatory for emerging narrative filmmakers. Up to eight participants develop, direct and complete a short film through virtual workshops, in-person training and production in Los Angeles.
The program covers screenplay development, fundraising, directing, production and post-production, ending with an industry showcase. The Class of 2028 application is open through September 9, 2026.
Benefits & funding
- Tuition-free instruction from working film and television professionals and AFI Conservatory faculty.
- Meals are provided on in-person workshop and class days.
- Participants receive AFI alumni benefits and may present an eligible completed film at the DWW+ Showcase for industry professionals.
- Each participant must raise at least $25,000 and may raise up to $50,000 for the production; AFI does not provide housing or transportation.
- The application fee is $100, and participants should expect to be unable to work full-time for about four months from May through August.
- A qualifying film about semiconductors may compete for a separate SEMI Foundation Grant of $10,000 to $20,000.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a valid Permanent Resident Card and must reside and work in the United States or its territories during the workshop.
- At least five years of professional experience in film, television, performing arts or visual arts is required.
- Applicants must have directed a narrative project and be credited as its director.
- Applicants with a professional directing credit on a nationally broadcast or nationally distributed narrative, non-documentary feature film or television program are not eligible.
- Participants must maintain current health insurance, submit a producible short-film script and be willing and able to fundraise for the production.
- AFI states no degree or gender requirement.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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Residence required
USA
Experience required
≥ 5 yrs
Age requirement
≥ 21 yrs
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Application process
- 1Create an application in the AFI SlideRoom portal and pay the $100 application fee.
- 2Submit a director introduction video, a short biography, responses to two narrative questions, a résumé of no more than two pages and one recent recommendation letter.
- 3Provide at least one narrative directing sample, a 10-to-15-page short-film script, a logline, a pitch deck, project and fundraising status statements, and any required rights releases.
- 4Submit the complete application by September 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.
- 5Shortlisted applicants proceed through review and finalist interviews before acceptance notifications in December 2026.
Program timeline
Application portal opened
Jul 13, 2026
Virtual office hours
Aug 18, 2026 and Aug 20, 2026
Application deadline at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time
Sep 9, 2026
Application review
October–November 2026
Finalist interviews and acceptance notifications
December 2026
Virtual and in-person workshop weekends
January–March 2027
Full-time DWW+ Intensive for three to four weeks
April–May 2027
Pre-production begins
June 2027
Production in the Los Angeles area
July 2027
Post-production and industry career event
August–November 2027
Film delivery
December 2027
DWW+ Showcase
March–April 2028