Master in MFA in Directing

The Directing discipline is one of six MFA tracks at the AFI Conservatory. Fellows spend two years developing their directing craft in a hands-on production environment, directing up to three narrative short films in the first year and a thesis project in the second.

First-year coursework combines script and Cycle-film analysis with practical directing exercises: working with actors, blocking and visual storytelling, and developing an original short screenplay through one-on-one mentorship in Director's Prep.

The second year centers on the Director's thesis: Fellows plan, produce and direct a thesis short with a full production team, presenting their creative choices to faculty at each stage from pre-production through the finished cut. Upon completion, Directing Fellows take part in the program's annual Directing Showcase with industry guests.