Jan Schuette appointed dean of AFI Conservatory

Director, producer and academic Jan Schuette has been appointed the new dean of the AFI Conservatory, the film school announced Tuesday.

Schuette comes from the German Film and Television Academy in Berlin and succeeds Robert Mandel, who is stepping down after nine years.

Schuette has taught at Harvard University, Dartmouth College and Filmakademie Baden-Wurttemberg, and his work as a filmmaker spans three decades. His films have premiered in Cannes, Venice, Locarno, San Sebastian and Toronto.

Schuette has also served on festival juries and is a member of the Akademie der Kunste Berlin Brandenburg and the European Film Academy.

“We searched the world for an academic leader who has also made movies — who has lived it,” AFI President and Chief Executive Bob Gazzale said in a statement. “We are proud to say we found that person in Jan Schuette and look forward to his tenure beginning in the fall.”

Mandel, whose departure was previously announced, is returning to directing and will continue to be involved with the conservatory as a member of the directing discipline staff.

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