FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE —
AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND FILM TEAM
YEAR-ROUND EVENTS AND SCREENINGS INCLUDE SELECTIONS FROM FAMILY FILM SERIES, MADE IN TEXAS FILMS, AND AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL’S 2013 AUDIENCE AWARD WINNERS
The Festival Continues Programming Expansion in Partnership with
The Writers Guild Foundation In Los Angeles
AUSTIN, TX — March 19, 2014 – In response to the evolution of the Festival, Austin Film Festival (AFF) has realigned its team to best cultivate the growing number of Festival attendees and film submission entries. The Conference and Film departments have been combined in hopes to produce an even stronger platform for storytellers and will fall under supervision of the Festival’s newly appointed Creative Director, Erin Hallagan. Former Conference Director and Film Programmer, Hallagan will work in tandem with Senior Programmer, Elizabeth Mims, and Film Program Coordinator, Harrison Glaser, to plan, promote, and implement the film program. Both Mims and Glaser join the film team as prior Festival employees: Mims as former Young Filmmakers Program Director and Festival alum (Only The Young, 2012); Glaser served as Conference Assistant in 2012 and 2013. AFF Co-Founder and Executive Director Barbara Morgan notes, “We are excited about the new team we have assembled to build our film program as even more committed to the craft of great storytelling. Erin Hallagan has proven herself to be an inspired programmer and leader; positioning her as Creative Director of the Festival is the natural next step”.
The Festival is proud to present their ongoing year-round programming and events, including newly added Conversations in Film presented by On Story®, a continued partnership with the Writers Guild Foundation in Los Angeles, and film selections from its Made in Texas, Family Films, Audience Award Winners, and Austin Premieres series.
Highlights from the 2014 spring and summer year-round events programming include:
On Story®: Conversations in Film:
On Story®: MAKING YOUR SHORT FILM
SUNDAY, MARCH 30 | 2pm
Harry Ransom Center
Kat Candler (Hellion), David Lowery (Ain’t Them Bodies Saints), and Miguel Alvarez (Mnemosyne Rising) will discuss the various elements of pre-production through post, along with how to overcome the hurdles that accompany getting your short film off the page and onto the screen.
On Story® Conversation Series
Additional On Story® speakers include acclaimed actor Robert Walden for a conversation on an actor’s role in the industry, how to establish and maintain successful relationships, and a deeper look at dissecting a script for beats and subtext; Austin-based screenwriter Justin Marks will take part in a conversation on how to break into the industry, manage a writing career, juggle multiple projects at once, and navigating the development process.
Look to www.austinfilmfestival.com for event dates and details.
Film Screenings & Special Events:
An Evening of Award Winning Shorts
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9 | 7pm
Alamo Drafthouse Village
A collection of award Jury and Audience Award winning films from the 2013 Austin Film Festival. Films include: Cootie Contagion, MIA, A Cautionary Tale, Mr. Invisible, Pistachio Milk, Fool’s Day
Audience Awards Series AFF 2013 Category: Shorts (Narrative, Student, Animated)
From First Draft to Feature with The Writers Guild Foundation
SATURDAY, APRIL 12 | 10:00am to 6:00pm
The Writers Guild Theatre | Beverly Hills, CA
Austin Film Festival and The Writers Guild Foundation are teaming up to co-present “From First Draft to Feature,” a day-long craft symposium for screenwriters. AFF’s panels will include “Launching Your Writing Career: Competitions” and “Launching Your Writing Career: The Writer’s Producer
On Story® Season 4 Release Party and LIVE Taping with Ed Solomon*
TUESDAY, APRIL 16 | 6pm
KLRU Studio 6A
On Story® presented by Austin Film Festival is back for its 4th season on April 19, 2014. Join us Tuesday, April 16th for complimentary bites, beverages, and a live taping of” A Conversation with Ed Solomon”, writer of Men in Black, Now You See Me, and Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure.
*This party is invitation only, however, is open to all Austin Film Festival Members.
The Faculty
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23 | 7pm
Texas Spirit Theater
Bizarre occurrences at Herrington High School lead students to wonder if their teachers are aliens.
Made in Texas Series
For Serious
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30 | 7pm
Galaxy Highland 10
Pete Pierson, a recently unemployed attorney, just started production on his first movie. With help from his flaky best friend, dead beat brother, and a rival director, Pete’s movie can’t miss…. assuming he ever figures out what it’s about.
In attendance: director John Sheehan and members of the cast
Austin Premieres Series – World Premiere
The Golden Scallop
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14 | 7pm
Alamo Drafthouse Village
Three fried-fish restaurants’ struggles, passions, and eccentricities are documented at the ultimate short order cooking contest, The Golden Scallop Championship. A food truck, a novelty eatery, and old favorite all vie for victory.
Audience Awards Series AFF 2013 Category: Comedy Vanguard
Futureworld
WEDNESDAY, MAY 21 | 7pm
Reporters Tray and Charlie travel to “futureworld” after a fellow reporter is killed after discovering its secrets.
Made in Texas Series
Speak Now
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11 | 7pm
Alamo Drafthouse Village
Speak Now is a romantic dramedy about a group of high school friends reuniting for a wedding – one that will challenge the beliefs and change the lives of all in attendance forever. This feature film was shot in three days with all the dialogue improvised by the actors.
Audience Awards Series AFF 2013 Category: Write/Rec
The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18 | 7pm
Texas Spirit Theater
Pete Perkins looks to fulfill his promise to bury his best friend in his hometown in Mexico.
Made in Texas Series
Homeward Bound
SUNDAY, JULY 6 | 3pm
Texas Spirit Theater
Three loyal pets escape from a California ranch to be reunited with their ownersIn Attendance: Screenwriter Caroline Thompson.
Family Film Series: Free and open to the public
Logan’s Run
WEDNESDAY, JULY 23 | 7pm
Texas Spirit Theater
An idyllic sci-fi future has one major drawback: life must end at 30.
Made in Texas Series
Hook
SUNDAY, AUGUST 3 | 3pm
Texas Spirit Theater
Adult Peter Pan returns to Neverland to rescue his kidnapped children from his old enemy Captain Hook, and reclaim his youthful spirit. In attendance: Screenwriter James V. Hart and actor Dante Basco (Rufio)
Family Film Series: Free and open to the public.
Henry, Portrait of a Serial Killer
Wednesday, August 20 | 7pm
Texas Spirit Theater
Centered around the random crime spree of a serial killer who seemingly operates with impunity.
Made in Texas Series
On Story® Conversation in Film Series
On Story® Conversations in Film Series are recorded and produced for the PBS affiliated show, On Story®, and feature local & visiting screenwriters and filmmakers discussing the art and craft of storytelling. On Story® is a half-hour TV series that takes a look at the creative process of filmmaking through the eyes of some of the entertainment industry’s most prolific writers, directors and producers. For more information visit: onstory.tv.
Season 4 of On Story® Premieres April 19th on KLRU and KLRUQ.
FAMILY FILM SERIES
AFF’s Family Film Series is free and open to the public in conjunction with the Bullock Texas State History Museum’s Free First Sundays, where attendees enjoy free admission to the Bullock Texas State History Museum as well as free admission to family friendly film programming by Austin Film Festival. Screenings take place in the Texas Spirit Theater.
AUDIENCE AWARDS SERIES
Presented by Capital One Bank, the Audience Awards Series revisits some of the most popular films of last year’s festival, as voted by the audiences themselves at screenings. Offering comedy, horror, drama, and a collection of award winning shorts, this year’s selections will match great films with great food in the Alamo Drafthouse Village.
MADE IN TEXAS SERIES
The Made In Texas Series focuses on films made in Texas or made by Texans, or both. This year’s program will bring together five distinct visions of the future, some frightening, some hilarious, some mind-altering. Great local and visiting guests will lend their thoughts on the films they helped to create in a classic Texas venue, the Texas Spirit Theater at the Bullock Texas History museum.
TICKET INFORMATION
All event ticketing information can be found at austinfilmfestival.com. Tickets for From First Draft to Feature with The Writers Guild Foundation can be found at The Writers Guild Foundation website. Become an AFF Member to receive free admission to certain screening series, discounted On Story® Conversation tickets, and access to the On Story® Season 4 Launch Party and Live Taping. Ticket prices vary per event and can be purchased online at austinfilmfestival.com, over the phone at 512-478-4795, toll free at 1-800-310-FEST, or at the event, space permitting. Call for discounted group rates and partnership information.
ABOUT AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL
Austin Film Festival (AFF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to furthering the art, craft, and business of filmmakers and screenwriters. In addition to a robust list of year-round events, AFF is producing its 21st Annual Film Festival & Conference in 2014. AFF is known as a uniquely pro-artist and interactive idea exchange. Its uncommonly loyal following is due to the fact that the organization has spotlighted the minds and imaginations behind projects for two decades—a trend now picking up steam in the industry. As director and producer Ron Howard said, Austin Film Festival “is really about creativity, about trying to help people find their voice. You sense it. There’s a spirit of camaraderie that’s palpable.” AFF is a greenhouse for projects and a clubhouse for legendary and emerging artists.
Moviemaker Magazine named Austin the #1 city in which to be a moviemaker in 2013, as well as selecting AFF as one of the 25 Coolest Film Festivals around. In addition, AFF consistently receives accolades as Moviemaker’s Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee.
Austin Film Festival is funded and supported in part by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts, City of Austin Economic Growth & Redevelopment Services Office/Cultural Arts Division believing an investment in the Arts is an investment in Austin’s future.
For inquiries, contact Kristen O’Brien
kristengobrien@gmail.com
512-660-8850