The American Film Institute (AFI) has announced the six filmmakers selected for its 2026-2027 Canva Fellowship, showcasing emerging talents in cinema.
The American Film Institute (AFI) has disclosed the recipients of its prestigious 2026-2027 Canva Fellowship at the AFI Conservatory. This year’s selected fellows include Divli Bhat (producing), Elizaveta Kurilova (screenwriting), Lauren Moreno (directing), Zoey Punteney (production design), Colin Pham (cinematography), and Auberin Strickland (editing). The announcement was reported by Variety.
Each of the six selected fellows began their Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees at the AFI Conservatory in August 2026. As part of the fellowship, each recipient will receive a scholarship valued at $40,000, assisting their education and providing resources throughout the two-year program.
In a statement from Susan Ruskin, Dean of the AFI Conservatory, she emphasized the program's mission to empower fellows to lead creative departments throughout the filmmaking process. The partnership with Canva, now in its fourth year, aims to enhance diversity in storytelling and amplify the voices of the next generation of filmmakers.
A film production student from San Jose State University, Bhat has gained experience in various roles including unit production manager and production coordinator. She has worked on award-winning short films, showcasing her skills as both a producer and a special effects makeup artist.
Based in Los Angeles, Kurilova is a writer and director with an academic background in art history from University College London. She has honed her skills through multiple short films, including "Come Swim With Me" and "Sheep and Ants and Sugar."
Moreno, a third-generation Mexican American filmmaker, focuses on authentic Latino narratives. Her impressive debut film, "Palmdale," has garnered several accolades, reflecting her commitment to representation in cinema.
Punteney's role in the fellowship centers around the visual aspects of filmmaking. Her contribution to production design is crucial for developing the aesthetic elements of future projects.
With a background in radio-television-film from the University of Texas at Austin, Pham has acquired practical experience through various projects, ensuring a strong foundation in storytelling through cinematography.
Strickland, originally from Alaska, brings multilingual skills and a diverse narrative approach to editing. He oversees Crooked Footprint Productions, working collaboratively with various filmmakers.
The announcement of these fellows highlights the AFI's ongoing commitment to diversity within the film industry. As the global landscape of cinema continues to evolve, initiatives like the Canva Fellowship are critical for fostering new talent and varied narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. Attention to emerging filmmakers not only enriches the artistic community but also serves as a vital step toward inclusivity in storytelling.
The 2026-2027 Canva Fellowship at AFI represents a meaningful investment in the careers of upcoming filmmakers. With a focus on nurturing talent from diverse backgrounds, the fellowship program is set to foster a new wave of creativity in the film industry. An emphasis on education and hands-on experience is likely to have a lasting impact on each recipient's career trajectory, ultimately influencing the cinematic landscape for years to come.
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