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

The American Film Institute is now accepting applicants for its storied AFI DWW+ program for the class of 2028, as IndieWire exclusively shares. As of July 13, applications are now open through September 9.

The diverse and tuition-free, year-long directing workshop enters its 52nd year and will again shepherd underrepresented and emerging filmmakers through the production cycle of a short film. Since launching, the program, which takes place in Los Angeles on the AFI campus, has trained more than 350 filmmakers and artists.

Alumni include “CODA” Best Picture winner Siân Heder, plus Ellen Burstyn, Dyan Cannon, Lesli Linka Glatter, Lee Grant, Margot Kidder, “Wednesday” and “Agatha All Along” director Gandja Monteiro, “Paradise” and “Stark Trek: Picard” director Hanelle M. Culpepper, Cicely Tyson, Anne Bancroft, and “A Black Lady Sketch Show” director/executive producer Dime Davis.

“For over fifty years, AFI DWW+ has existed to meet the moment — and this year is no different,” said Susan Ruskin, dean and executive vice president, American Film Institute. “We invite filmmakers who are ready to be challenged, and to be surrounded by a community as committed to their vision as they are – built to champion the bold storytelling the world needs right now.”

The program will accept up to eight filmmakers who demonstrate “a passion for visual storytelling, the tenacity to pursue a directorial career, and a willingness to learn and grow,” among other program requirements, according to the AFI. DWW+ is taught by working film and television professionals as well as faculty at the AFI Conservatory, the American Film Institute’s graduate school.

At the conclusion of the AFI DWW+ workshop, participants premiere their short films at the annual showcase for a network of industry professionals.

The application period for the Class of 2028 opens today, July 13, and closes Wednesday, September 9, 2026. More information about the application process and eligibility requirements can be found on https://conservatory.afi.com/dww-how-to-apply/.

AFI also announces the SEMI Foundation Grant, awarding between $10,000 and $20,000 to an AFI DWW+ film that “explores the science, technology, innovation, or societal impact of semiconductors,” according to the Institute. “Open to all genres, grant recipients will also be paired with an industry expert from the SEMI Foundation’s global network — from physicists and nanotechnologists to data scientists and AI specialists — to support authenticity in their storytelling. The first-year grant recipient went to director Anika Kan Grevstad for her thought-provoking science fiction film, ‘Copy Cat,’ which will be screened at the AFI DWW+ Showcase in March 2027.”