Overview

The American Film Institute (AFI) is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the heritage of American motion pictures and advancing the art of the moving image. Founded with the support of the National Endowment for the Arts, AFI carries out education, archival, restoration and public programming while maintaining connections to both the film industry and the wider viewing public. For general institutional information see official resources.

Origins and leadership

AFI was established in the late 1960s as part of a broader federal effort to support cultural institutions; the enabling legislation was signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson. George Stevens Jr. served as the institute's first director and helped shape its early mission. In 1980 Jean Picker Firstenberg became AFI's chief executive and guided its expansion and public profile for many years.

Core programs and activities

AFI operates multiple interlocking programs that promote education, scholarship and artistic excellence. These include a conservatory-style graduate film school, public screenings and festivals, professional workshops, and curated retrospectives. AFI also issues annual honors and lists that recognize achievement and invite public engagement.

  • AFI Conservatory: a hands-on filmmaking school that emphasizes mentorship and practical training; experienced practitioners work closely with emerging directors, writers and cinematographers.
  • Awards and recognition: the AFI Life Achievement Award, created in 1973, is among its best-known honors for career contributions to the screen arts.
  • Public initiatives: screenings, symposia and educational outreach that introduce audiences to film history and craft.

Preservation and collections

Preserving aging and deteriorating film and related materials is a central AFI responsibility. The institute supports restoration projects, archival storage, and scholarly cataloguing so that theatrical films, television programs and other moving-image works remain accessible for study and exhibition. AFI’s preservation work spans traditional film preservation as well as television and digital forms—acknowledging that the moving image is expressed across film, television and video.

Public venues and notable projects

To reach wider audiences, AFI operates or partners with theaters and festivals. One prominent venue is the AFI Silver Theatre in Silver Spring, Maryland, which presents classic and contemporary programs for the Washington area, close to Washington, D.C.. In 1998 AFI launched its high-profile "100 Years" series—compilations and lists that highlight landmark films and stimulate public interest in cinema history; this initiative is often cited under the banner AFI's 100 Years series.

Legacy and influence

AFI's combination of education, preservation and public programs has helped shape how American screen history is taught and experienced. Its awards and lists have become reference points for critics, scholars and audiences, and its conservatory continues to train filmmakers who move into industry and independent work. By balancing archival work with contemporary exhibition and instruction, AFI aims to keep the history and craft of American moving images visible and relevant.