AFI FEST emerged in 1987 when the American Film Institute adopted FILMEX. Founded in 1971, FILMEX dramatically expanded the audience for alternative film events in Los Angeles and was, in the mid-1970s, the largest film event in the world.

A program of the American Film Institute, AFI FEST spans 10 days each November, featuring international competitions of brand new films from emerging filmmakers, global showcases of the latest work from the great film masters and nightly red-carpet gala premieres.

AFI presents also the annual AFI European Union Film Showcase, a selection of new films from EU member states including film festival award winners, box office hits and US premieres.