The American Film Institute is accepting applications for the 2023 Cinematography Intensive for Women presented by Panavision. The four-day program will be held on the AFI Campus in Los Angeles on June 22–25. Designed for aspiring cinematographers, the goal of the program is to provide participants with a toolkit to secure on-set experience in the field and first-hand industry insights demonstrating the path to professional career success.
The Intensive is spearheaded by AFI Conservatory Cinematography Discipline Head Stephen Lighthill, ASC. The AFI Conservatory Cinematography program has propelled women and non-binary cinematographers to great success, including Academy Award nominee Rachel Morrison (Black Panther, Mudbound), the first woman ever nominated for an Oscar for Best Cinematography, as well as Emmy nominee Ava Berkofsky, ASC (Insecure), Carolina Costa (High School, Hala), Autumn Durald Arkapaw, ASC (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever), Paula Huidobro (Academy Award Best Picture winner Coda), Mimi Leder (The Morning Show, as director), two-time Grammy Award winner Melina Matsoukas (Beyoncé’s Formation, Insecure, as director) and Polly Morgan, ASC, BSC (The Woman King), among others.
“The AFI Cinematography Intensive for Women is designed to inspire participants to pursue professional opportunities and to also instill a passion for inclusive approaches to leadership,” said Lighthill. “With recent trends, it is important that we support women and nonbinary cinematographers, and we look forward to welcoming the aspiring cinematographers for this transformative program.”
The hands-on master classes in the fundamentals of cinematography will constitute the core of the program, along with discussions about the current environment of the film industry and what it means to navigate such environments as women, nonbinary and historically underrepresented cinematographers.
The Cinematography Intensive for Women is presented by Panavision.
“We’re thrilled to continue supporting the Cinematography Intensive for Women,” said Panavision president and CEO Kim Snyder. “Panavision and AFI share a commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive industry. This program provides vital experience and inspiration and an invaluable support network for up-and-coming women and nonbinary cinematographers. We’re so excited to meet the participants and support their career journeys.”
The application period closes Monday, April 24. Applicants will be notified of status in early June. The application and eligibility requirements can be found on https://afi.com.