Karen Schwartzman

Schwartzman is an accomplished leader with 20+ years of experience in film, media, entertainment, education and brand sectors. In her role at AFI, she is evolving the new Innovative Programs department. Through a range of learning opportunities – including the landmark AFI DWW+ program, Young Women in Film (YWIF) and the AFI Cinematography Intensive for Women, Innovative Programs embraces a diverse community of aspiring visual storytellers. Previously, Schwartzman served as the Director of Development at Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film and Television, SVP Partnerships, Telluride Film Festival, and consulted through her company Creative Axis International, providing strategic development, planning, and programming services for organizations like Producers Guild of America, Museum of Moving Image among others, as well as her past role as Managing Director, Strategic Marketing & Special Issues, Variety. Schwartzman earned a MA in Cinema Studies from San Francisco State University and a BFA in Photography from University of San Francisco. She sits on the Esteemed Council of Advisors for Telluride Film Festival and is a BAFTA member.