For the film lover: the Lone Star badge is ONLY $125 and will grant your priority access to all 8 days of film screenings – awards seasons contenders, short film program blocks, and indie standouts! You’ll also be able to take advantage of Saturday Writers Conference panels.
Last year’s Lone Star badges had the opportunity to attend:
- Special early screenings of award-contenders such as Hamnet, Sentimental Value, and Train Dreams
- A Conversation with Chris McQuarrie, the mind behind The Usual Suspects, Top Gun: Maverick, and the Mission Impossible movies
- Reinventing the Classic Whodunnit: A Conversation with Rian Johnson, the filmmaker who brought us the Knives Out films
- On Sorry, Baby: A Conversation with Eva Victor, the breakout star who exploded onto the indie film scene with a film she wrote, directed, and starred in
- On The Naked Gun: a look inside the year’s biggest comedy hit
- Script to Screen: Materialists with Celine Song, who screened clips of her film and broke down the creative process that brought them to life
- And much more!
For the storyteller: the Weekend badge is ONLY $250 and grants you access to the Writers Conference on Saturday and Sunday, our peak programming days, in addition to priority access to all films.
In 2025, Weekend badgeholders had access to all of the above, in addition to:
- A deep dive into the writer producer relationship with Christine Vachon and Celine Song
- A look inside the SNL writers room with a legendary comedy writer
- A Conversation with Michael Arndt, the Oscar winning screenwriter who brought us Little Miss Sunshine, Toy Story 3, and Catching Fire
- Navigating the Industry: Talent Driven Production Companies, which demystified how companies source and hire writers, navigate complex deals with studios, and how a writer at the highest level can create their own creative ecosystem
- Indie Film Track: Budget Breakthroughs, outlining how to accomplish high quality filmmaking on a scrappy budget
- And much more!
Beyond the programming, AFF offers a vibrant creative community. Connect with fellow attendees at networking events throughout the weekend, such as the Pitch Competition Party on Saturday night, where emerging writers present rapid-fire 90-second elevator pitches to a panel of industry judges and a lively audience.
Make your plans today, while flights are inexpensive and discounted hotels are available! Now is the best time to plan your weekend in Austin! Discounted rooms at our partner hotels are limited and fill up fast. Booking early guarantees the most options for locations and pricing that best fits your ideal ATX weekend.
Hotel space is allotted on a first-come, first-served basis, and you must have a Badge to book with AFF’s discounted rates. To book your room or for any questions, please contact our office at 512-478-4795.
Starting midnight Thursday, 4/15, through Monday, April 20 at 11:59 PM CDT, Weekend Badges will be $40 off and Lone Star Badges will be $25 off. Don’t miss your chance to save!