American Film Institute
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The American Film Institute (AFI) is an independent non-profit organization created by the National Endowment for the Arts, which was established in 1967 when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act.
George Stevens, Jr., was the first CEO and director. In 1980 Jean Picker Firstenberg became Director and CEO, a position she still holds.
In 1973, the AFI established a Life Achievement Award.
Their own film festival, AFI Fest , was launched in 1987 and has been held every year. AFI Fest is the first film festival in the United States to carry FIAPF accreditation.
In 1998, the 100th anniversary of American film, AFI began its 100 Years... series, celebrating and promoting interest in film history. Their 100 years series has drawn extensive criticism for its consistency: certain movies are listed repeatedly in multiple categories with seemingly little regard for the views of critics, fans, and sometimes the genres of the movies themselves. The AFI is also preserving old film, which is subject to degradation of its film stock.
The AFI re-opened the AFI Silver theatre in Silver Spring, Maryland, near Washington, D.C., in April 2003.
The AFI Conservatory focuses on training through hands-on experience with established figures.
AFI also produces film education and appreciation materials for middle and high school students. In spite of its name, AFI does not focus exclusively on film, but also on television and video.
[edit] See also
- AFI 100 Years... series
- AFI Awards 2006
- AFI Awards 2005
- AFI Awards 2004
- AFI Awards 2003
- AFI Awards 2002
- AFI Awards 2001
- American Film Institute's 50 Greatest Screen Legends
- British Film Institute
- Finnish Film Foundation
- Swedish Film Institute
