Becoming AFI

For over fifty years, the American Film Institute has flourished as one of Americas great cultural entities. Its graduates, faculty, supporters, and trustees have included such acclaimed individuals as Steven Spielberg, Maya Angelou, Gregory Peck, Meryl Streep, Les Moonves, Patty Jenkins, David Lynch, Jane Fonda, Edward James Olmos, Shonda Rhimes, James L. Brooks, Michael Nesmith, Sir Howard Stringer, and many other respected leaders in the worlds of film, television, digital media, and philanthropy. Written in a unique memoir style, Becoming AFI: 50 Years Inside the American Film Institute offers a candid look at how this remarkable organization has brought together aspiring filmmakers, outstanding educators, and visionary artists. The book details AFIs journey to becoming the foremost national champion for moving images as a vibrant art form and a critical component of Americas cultural history. AFIs story is chronicled through in-depth essays written by those who have been involved in its adventures, growth, and successes: from its early years under George Stevens Jr.s direction at the legendary Greystone mansion and the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC; through its period of incredible growth, under Jean Picker Firstenbergs guidance, as an influential cultural institution at its landmark Hollywood campus; to its continued years of excellence under Bob Gazzales dynamic leadership. Becoming AFI provides an insightful, behind-the-scenes look at how AFIwith passionate determinationovercame the hurdles of advancing technology, political shifts, and new audience dynamics to turn its aspirations into a substantial and highly successful organization. A tireless advocate of moving images as one of Americas most popular art forms, AFI is maturing into one of the worlds most respected educational and cultural institutions.