Film Competition
Storytelling is at the core of filmmaking
ABOUT US
Known as the “Writers Festival” since its inception in 1993, Austin Film Festival recognizes the importance of narrative at the core of filmmaking. Without a good story, movies might just be sound and fury.
By celebrating the work of storytellers; those committed to crafting intricate worlds, fully-formed characters, and diverse perspectives, AFF bolsters its reputation as a champion for the creator.
The AFF Film Competition is here to bring independent filmmakers and their films into the spotlight. Whether your dream is to sign a contract, land an agent, learn from an industry icon, or take home the coveted Bronze Typewriter Award, it’s simple: you can’t win if you don’t enter.
2020 Competition Deadlines
Early Bird Deadline: March 27 ($50)
Regular Deadline: May 22 ($60)
Late Deadline: June 26 ($75)
Extended Deadline: July 6 ($85)
The Best Around
The Best AroundAustin Film Festival bridges the gap between independent filmmakers and the bustling industry of film and television. But don’t take our word for it!
Moviemaker Magazine once again named AFF one of the 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee, and named Austin one of the best cities to live and work as a Moviemaker.
AFF’s Film Competition is here to ensure that compelling stories rise above and are given the recognition they deserve.
Most importantly, AFF’s Narrative, Documentary, and Animated Short categories officially qualify for an Academy Award®!
“Austin Film Festival is a rare gem. As series creators in competition, we were swooped up and spoiled rotten with epic workshops and panels, piles of Texas barbecue, and honored as filmmakers in every way. We plan to go again and again. We left with a new bag of tricks and some great new friends. Get your badge now.”
Tess Sweet, 2017 Produced Digital Series Jury Award Winner for Cleaner Daze and 2018 Screenwriter to Watch
OUR PROCESS
When we receive a submission, we are not just watching a movie – we are watching the result of intense collaboration, planning, and work.
So, we want to see the result of your hard work! If you have a feature, a short, a digital series, that exemplifies story and narrative, then we want to see it.
Austin Film Festival considers every entry submitted to the Festival with a careful eye. Our Selection Committee is recruited, trained, and supervised by our Programming staff in order to best judge and fairly weigh all entries. Multiple screeners view each film and their notes are sent forward and considered by the Programmers before a final decision is reached. Our screening process is important to us. Just like your work.
NOTE: No feedback is given on selection decisions. The necessary infrastructure for constructive feedback on all film entries is currently not feasible.
Selection decisions will be announced in mid to late September. AFF goes the extra mile to send both hand-signed decision letters and e-mail notifications to ensure everyone knows their placement in the competition.
Film Categories
Narrative Feature
Entry Requirements:
- Films must be feature-length narratives, 41 minutes or longer.
- Texas Premieres strongly preferred, though World/North American/US Premieres are ideal
- Open to anyone who wishes to enter.
Narrative Short
Entry Requirements:
- Films must be short narratives of 40 minutes or less.
- Films must be Austin Premieres. We highly prefer the short to be at least a Texas Premiere.
- Open to anyone who wishes to enter.
Narrative Student Short
Entry Requirements:
- Films must be short narratives of 40 minutes or less.
- Films must be Austin Premieres. We highly prefer the short be at least a Texas Premiere.
- The film’s writer or director must have been enrolled in an accredited college or university during production in order to qualify for this category.
- Entrants must provide proof of enrollment from accredited university or college in the form of an official transcript or signed letter from faculty on official letterhead. Students can send proof of enrollment to programming@austinfilmfestival.com.
Animated Short
Entry Requirements:
- Films must be animated short narratives of 40 minutes or less. Please note: Animated films over 40 minutes should be entered in the Narrative Feature category.
- Open to any form of animation. Animated Shorts must be narrative works only, no experimental pieces.
- Films must be Austin Premieres. We highly prefer the short to be at least a Texas Premiere.
- Open to anyone who wishes to enter.
Documentary Feature
Entry Requirements:
- Films should document a solid narrative structure and relay a fully-formed and impactful story.
- Films must be documentaries, 41 minutes or longer.
- Texas Premieres strongly preferred, though World/North American/US Premieres are ideal
- Open to anyone who wishes to enter.
Documentary Short
Entry Requirements:
- Films must be short documentaries, 40 minutes or less.
- Films must be Austin Premieres. We highly prefer the short to be at least a Texas Premiere.
- Open to anyone who wishes to enter.
Dark Matters Feature
Entry Requirements
- Must be stories that are easily identified as belonging to the horror, thriller and embody dark themes, unconventional subject matter, or suspenseful sensibilities.
- Films must be feature-length narratives, 41 minutes or longer.
Texas Premieres strongly preferred, though World/North American/US Premieres are ideal - Open to anyone who wishes to enter.
Comedy Vanguard Feature
Entry Requirements
- Must be original narrative films that encompass all forms of the comedy genre, where the only thing that outweighs the humor is the story.
- Films must be feature-length narratives, 41 minutes or longer.
- Texas Premieres strongly preferred, though World/North American/US Premieres are ideal.
- Open to anyone who wishes to enter.
Produced Digital Series
Entry Requirements
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- Any narrative serial content designed for digital platforms.
- Submission packages must total less than 30 minutes and can consist of the first one to three episodes of the first season.
- Entrants that advance to the Semifinalist level will be asked to provide a treatment of their vision for the series and how subsequent episodes will unfold.
- Have a web series? Submit on our Digital Series Competition page!
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Please Note: Austin Film Festival does not waive entry fees. AFF believes waiving entry fees hurts the integrity of the competition. The same rules and entry fees should apply to all applicants so no one film is favored over another. In a similar respect, AFF does not invite films to be in competition. Only films that are submitted will be considered for competition.
Questions?
For general questions our FAQ can be read here and our Rules can be viewed here.
Still in need of assistance? The AFF Film Department is happy to help! Email at programming@austinfilmfestival.com or call at 512-478-4795.
YOU’LL GET BACK WAY MORE THAN YOU BARGAINED FOR
The value for filmmakers at Austin Film Festival doesn’t stop with our competitions. Accepted filmmakers also get access to AFF’s Writers Conference, which boasts over 175 panels, roundtables, pitch sessions, and workshops, covering every nook and cranny of the art, craft, and business of storytelling through film, television, and digital platforms.
“Austin Film Fest was one of the most well organized, informative, and fun festivals I have had the pleasure of attending and I look forward to returning to Austin in the years to come.”
Brittany Tomkin, 2018 Myrtle & Willoughby
No velvet ropes, no VIP areas. In the words of Ed Solomon “there is no us and them” at AFF. Join AFF in demystifying the festival experience and instead participating in a one of a kind, world class event.
All entrants receive registration discounts regardless of programming status and we urge you to join us in Austin for this year’s Austin Film Festival!
“I felt a sense of community at the Austin Film Festival that I haven’t at any other. There’s a collaborative spirit from every corner of the industry, and a welcome familiarity to seeing many of the same faces at the screenings and events. It feels like a shared experience.”
Tony Piantedosi, Director of Acquisitions – Gravitas Ventures, 2018