The American Film Institute believes in the power of diverse voices to drive culture forward. As America’s leading filmmaker training program, the AFI Conservatory is committed to establishing equity in education, career advancement and visual storytelling.

Marking the milestone of its 50th anniversary this year, AFI DWW+ was first founded as the AFI Directing Workshop for Women in 1974 – a pioneering, tuition-free program and one of the first of its kind to champion traditionally underrepresented filmmakers.

A call for change

In the early 1970s, led by luminaries including Jane Fonda and Shirley MacLaine, the Women for Equality in Media stormed the gates of the AFI Conservatory’s home at Greystone Mansion to protest the lack of gender diversity among its Fellows – and in the creative community at large.

A golden anniversary

The AFI DWW+ was subsequently launched as the Directing Workshop for Women, one of the first gender impact programs of its kind in the cinematic arts, as well as one of the longest-running and preeminent film and television workshops nationwide.

Among its earliest participants were such imperative creative voices as Maya Angelou, Anne Bancroft, Ellen Burstyn, Lee Grant, Jessie Maple, Cicely Tyson and many more. Since the program’s inception, DWW+ has trained over 350 filmmakers who give voice to historically underrepresented perspectives.

Enduring Impact

The decades since have only continued to prove the program’s importance – with notable industry leaders and luminaries including current DGA President Lesli Linka Glatter, Peabody Award winner Neema Barnette, Emmy Award-nominated director Dime Davis, Academy Award-winning CODA director Siân Heder and many other graduates whose directorial work has entertained global audiences and defined our collective cultural landscape.

Directing the future

Beginning with a celebratory launch at our DWW+ Showcase in April, join us – and many DWW+ Alums – in commemorating this milestone by donating today for tomorrow.