The American Film Institute (AFI) hierarchy announced on December 17 a $500,000 grant from the Time Warner Foundation to create five scholarships to the AFI Conservatory for “applicants from communities traditionally under-represented in film and television.”

The first of five Time Warner Fellowship was issued in the autumn to first-year AFI Directing Fellow Adriana González-Vega.

“Diversity is often the essential spark that catalyses the creative process,” said AFI president and CEO Bob Gazzale.

“We are honoured that Time Warner has chosen the AFI Conservatory as the place to illustrate their global commitment to ensuring new voices in America’s art form.”