Guillermo del Toro confirmed as Guest Artistic Director for AFI FEST 2025

Legendary filmmaker Guillermo del Toro has been named as the Guest Artistic Director of AFI FEST 2025. 

The American Film Institute announced that the Academy Award winner will take on the role, which has previously been held by the likes of Pedro Almodóvar, Greta Gerwig and David Lynch, for the 39th edition of the Institute’s annual film festival.

Bob Gazzale, AFI president and CEO, said: “Guillermo del Toro is one of the great champions of the art form–a visionary filmmaker, a passionate cinephile, and a tireless advocate for bold, original storytelling.

“As Guest Artistic Director of AFI FEST, he brings a singular perspective that will inspire audiences of all generations.”

The festival will take place on 22–26 October at the TCL Chinese Theatres in the heart of Hollywood, and will feature a curated selection of red carpet premieres, special screenings, world cinema, documentaries and short films.

The full festival lineup will be unveiled on 30 September, but Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere, starring Jeremy Allen White and directed by Scott Cooper, has been announced as the opening film. 

Before the festival kicks off, Guillermo del Toro will release Frankenstein, his definitive take on the Mary Shelley classic, in select theatres from 17 October–with the film arriving globally on Netflix from 7 November.