American Film Institute

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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.

The American Film Institute focuses on training through hands-on experience with established figures in the AFI Conservatory, as well as on preserving old film, which is subject to degradation of its film stock. 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.

In 1973, the AFI established a Life Achievement Award.

In 1998, the 100th anniversary of American film, AFI began its 100 Years... series, celebrating and promoting interest in film history.

The AFI recently re-opened the AFI Silver theatre in Silver Spring, Maryland, near Washington, D.C.