Writers famously don’t get much respect from Hollywood, but not so at AFF, the long-running film festival and writers conference where the art, craft, and business of storytelling is the star attraction. The conference is a lively mix of practical advice, dishy stories from the trenches, and legit opportunities for normies to mingle with professionals, while the festival reliably provides a first look at Oscar contenders and first exposure to future A-list talent. This year’s honorees include Brad Bird (The Incredibles), Andrew Haigh (All of Us Strangers), and Aleshea Harris (Is God Is). – Kimberley Jones
