In partnership with Armadillo World Headquarters, Austin Film Festival is seeking emerging, Texas-affiliated filmmakers for the Jim Franklin “The Armadillo Man” Film Fellowship. The selected filmmaker will direct a short documentary film about legendary Texas artist, Jim Franklin, the man behind the famous Armadillo artwork that has defined Austin culture since the 1970s. With access to Jim Franklin, his creative partners, iconic artwork, and a $25,000 budget, the selected filmmaker will be given this unique chance to develop their storytelling skills and put their own stamp on the culture of Austin, Texas. The film will premiere at the 32nd Annual Austin Film Festival, October 23-30, 2025.
Often referred to as “The Armadillo Man,” Jim Franklin became a cultural icon of Austin’s burgeoning music and counterculture scene. One of the most famous concert poster artists of all time, Jim became the on-stage emcee at the Armadillo World Headquarters, where his antics matched the performances of Willie Nelson, AC/DC, and Bruce Springsteen. Through his poster designs and connections within the music world, Jim Franklin’s armadillo become a mascot and symbol for the counterculture community rising through Austin in the 1970s. Jim Franklin’s career, that extended far beyond AWHQ, was profiled in many major publications including The New Yorker, Rolling Stone, and SPIN Magazine.
Submitters must provide the following materials:
- Previously completed documentary short or feature length work that the submitter has a directing credit on (preference to work completed between 2020-2024)
- Writing sample consisting of 5 short form responses in English
- Recent CV highlighting film credits, education, selected festivals, work experience, other relevant experience
- Two professional references
Awards & Prizes
- Direct a short documentary on Jim Franklin.
- $25,000 budget to be managed by Passion Point Collective.
- Access to Jim Franklin and associates, production resources, artwork and music, professional guidance, and a producing mentor.
- The completed documentary will premiere at the 32nd Austin Film Festival (October 23 – 30, 2025). The film will be screened out of Jury Competition.
The film will be executive produced by Armadillo World Headquarters’ agency, Passion Point Collective, a film production and marketing agency. Armadillo World Headquarters is reinventing the original AWHQ brand, with a mission to bring back the original Armadillo culture and build a community of fans from all walks of life.
