At Austin Film Festival, our mission is to champion all writers across mediums. Our Playwriting Competition (open to full-length plays) is back for its second year to give playwrights a chance to explore our film and television conference. It will also allow film professionals to discover storytellers who have mastered the art and craft of stage drama.
AFF has always promoted story as the most important element of film and TV. So giving playwrights their own story exposure and a chance of crossover into film and TV only advances our mission. There are many other playwriting competitions out there, but AFF offers playwrights broader access to successful writers and professionals in all the other related fields.
Plays that make the Final Round will have readings during the Conference. Advancing playwrights will have access to exclusive panels, workshops, roundtables, and unique networking opportunities with professionals in theatre, film, and television.
AFF understands the relationship between passion and writing. That’s why we have enormous respect for the many successful playwrights who made the seamless transition to film and TV – playwrights such as Tennessee Williams, Horton Foote, John Patrick Shanley, Tony Kushner and Beau Willimon. And that list grows exponentially with today’s widening viewer market.
So break a leg, ya’ll, and hobble on down to AFF. We promise it will be a standing-room-only kind of experience. But we also promise to find you a seat!
THE ULTIMATE RUNWAY
For over two decades, Austin Film Festival has been catapulting writers into life-changing careers. With one of the most noteworthy competitions among Hollywood tastemakers, AFF consistently yanks newcomers from the isolation of their desks and ushers them into the bustling world of film and television. 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.
You know you want one. But, you can’t win if you don’t enter!
A MESSAGE FROM MATT DY,
COMPETITION DIRECTOR
Regardless, of gender, age, ethnicity, or background, AFF champions all writers and looks for a strong original voice above all. From the indie to the mainstream, we strive to ensure that unique, compelling stories rise to the top and get the recognition they deserve. We are invested in your success and want to help you grow as a writer whether or not you advance in the competition. If you have a story to tell, YOU are important to AFF. Send us your best and let your voice be heard!
Other Competitions
THE DEAL OF THE YEAR, EVERY YEAR
At AFF, when you win, you really win. Not only is there a cash prize and our unmistakable typewriter statuette—five pounds of awesome you can carry around—but you win alongside legendary figures as part of our annual Awards ceremony. Last year, our winning filmmakers received their awards next to Norman Lear, John Singleton, Brian Helgeland, and Chris Cooper. It simply doesn’t get better than that.
But wait, there’s more! Keep in mind that the Jury Award winners of our Narrative, Documentary and Animated Short categories officially qualify for an Academy Award®. Big things happen when you win our bronze typewriter, but you can’t win if you never enter.
Questions?
Having technical difficulties? Feel free to call (1.800.310.3378) or email our Script Competitions Coordinator, Gabbi: gabbi@austinfilmfestival.com
For all other general questions please contact the Director of Script Competitions, Matt Dy: matt@austinfilmfestival.com or by phone at 512-478-4795.
Winning the award in Playwriting was extremely memorable – something I’ll carry with me forever. But I’d have to say the most memorable time I had at AFF was the reading of my play. To hear the play read by capable actors was the greatest joy.
– Michael Bucklin, 2017 Playwriting Winner for Signature Photo
