2016 event opened with world premiere of Rules Don’t Apply directed by and starring ill-fated Oscar best picture presenter Warren Beatty.

AFI FEST

The 31st annual AFI Fest will take place in Hollywood from November 9-16.

The festival has become a key awards season platform in recent years and is an Oscar-qualifying event for the live-action and animated short film categories.

Last year’s AFI FEST highlights included Pablo Larraín’s Jackie starring Oscar-nominated Natalie Portman, best director Oscar winner Damien Chazelle’s La La Land, and a conversation with director Barry Jenkins and the cast of Moonlight – the eventual winner of the best picture Oscar last weekend.

AFI FEST has issued three submission deadlines for feature, documentary, experimental and short films: the early deadline on March 31, the official deadline on May 5, and the final deadline on July 14.