AFF History

Austin Film Festival furthers the art and craft of filmmaking by inspiring and championing the work of screenwriters, filmmakers and all artists who use the language of film to tell a story.

What AFF is probably best known for around the world is its annual October Austin Film Festival & Conference.

The Film Festival & Conference was the first event of its kind to take the lead in bringing professional and amateur screenwriters (and now filmmakers) together to celebrate the role of the screenplay in filmmaking and discuss the considerable creative possibilities of writing for film and television. Equally important, the Conference brought producers, agents and screenwriters together to foster the sale of screenplays and launch long-term successful careers.

Hundreds of writers’ groups, services and festivals have followed the Conference’s model over the past ten years, reinforcing the value of its continuing mission to recognize the art of screenwriting.

Past participants of the Festival & Conference include Sydney Pollack, Wes Anderson, James L. Brooks, Joel & Ethan Coen, Russell Crowe, Barry Levinson, Robert Altman, Darren Star, Robert Duvall, Buck Henry, Dennis Hopper, Lawrence Kasdan, John Landis, Claire Danes, Garry Shandling, Susannah Grant, Bryan Singer, Oliver Stone, Sandra Bullock, Jason Schwartzman, Harold Ramis and Owen Wilson, to name just a few.

Known as the “Writers Festival,” AFF recognizes the writer as the core of the creative process in filmmaking. Diligently seeking strong examples of written and visual storytelling, AFF screens the highest caliber narrative, documentary and animated films.

With over 150 regional, national and world premieres each year, AFF features everything from highly anticipated Hollywood fare to breakthrough independent filmmaking. Set against the vibrant and creative backdrop of Austin, AFF brings together cultured audiences, artists and award-winning films.