Festival season has taken movie lovers around the world — from the French Riviera to New York City, from Venice to Toronto and back to the U.S. — and one of the final festivals of the year caps it all off in the heart of Hollywood, with AFI Fest.
Since its founding in 1965 by a presidential mandate from Lyndon B. Johnson, the American Film Institute has dedicated itself to preserving the legacy of film heritage. Initially focused on American film, and then expanding to world cinema in later years, AFI is known for its best-of lists, its film school, and — of course — its annual festival.
Over one week, this year's AFI Fest will screen more than 100 films, including a number of premieres and curated screenings. Read on for everything you need to know about this year’s AFI Fest.
When and where is this year's festival?
The 2022 AFI Fest runs from November 2nd to 6th, with screenings held at the historic TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood.
What is screening at AFI Fest?
The festival will open with the world premiere of Selena Gomez: My Mind and Me, while Steven Spielberg's The Fabelmans will close the fest, marking the movie's U.S. premiere. This year's slate also includes red carpet premieres for Bardo (False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths), Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio, Living, She Said, and The Son.
Special screenings will also spotlight festival favorites including Bones and All, Is That Black Enough For You?!?, Nanny, Women Talking, and Sr.
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This year's lineup boasts 125 titles in total, including films from 31 countries, the short film competition, and the AFI Conservatory Showcase, spotlighting works by recent graduates of the AFI Conservatory.
Who is this year's Guest Artistic Director?
Ava DuVernay, the director and producer behind films like Selma and the Oscar-nominated 13th, was chosen to serve as AFI's Guest Artistic Director. DuVernay has selected three independent films that will screen during the festival, "amplifying the voices and vision of women directors."
"With this programming, I want to wave a flag for what can happen when women have the opportunity and support that is consistent with our male counterparts," she said. "Beautiful things blossom. My thanks to AFI Fest for agreeing with and amplifying that notion."
The films are director Kat Chandler's Hellion (2014), Aurora Guerrero's Mosquita Y Mari (2012), and Victoria Mahoney's Yelling to the Sky (2011). In addition to the screenings, Duvernay will moderate a panel featuring the filmmakers, who were also part of her historic all-woman director roster for the series Queen Sugar.
How can I get tickets?
Festival passes can be purchased for $100 (or $80 for AFI members) and are available now at fest.afi.com, where you can also buy individual tickets for screenings and red carpet premieres.
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