BRIEF HISTORY OF AMERICA`S FILM INSTITUTE (AFI)

The American Film Institute is an independent nonprofit 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. The organization describes itself as "a national institute providing leadership in screen education and the recognition and celebration of excellence in the art of film, television and digital media.


The American Film Institute preserves film and video through it`s NATIONAL CENTER FOR FILM AND VIDEO PRESERVATION. The (AFI) focuses on training through hands-on experience with established figures. AFI also produces film education and appreciation materials for middle and high school students.

History Of AFI

The American Film Institute was founded in 1967 as a national arts organization to preserve the legacy of America’s film heritage, educate the next generation of filmmakers and honor the artists and their work. The National Endowment for the Arts and Humanities recommended creating AFI “to enrich and nurture the art of film in America” with initial funding from the NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS ,the FORD FOUNDATION, and  the MOTION PICTURE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA .


The original 22-member Board of Trustees included Chair Gregory Peck and Vice Chair Sidney PoitierFrancis Ford Coppola, Arthur Schlesinge. Jr,as well as Jack Valenti  and other representatives from the arts and academia.
Goerge Stevens Jr, was the founding director.Jack Picker Firstenberg   was President and CEO from 1980 to 2007. Bob Gazzale was named President and CEO in 2007. As a national nonprofit organization, the institute funds its efforts through contributions and sponsorships from large corporations and small companies, donations from individuals and its AFI membership program.