Austin Film Festival was the first organization of its kind to focus on the writer’s creative contribution to film. Now entering its 33rd year, AFF still hinges on its original mission: to further the art and craft of storytelling. We love being able to do that with the next generation, which is why we have a FREE film competition for young filmmakers ages 13-18. At the Young Filmmakers Showcase, selected animated, documentary, and narrative short films from all around the world will play on the big screen in front of a supportive Festival audience!
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RULES & GUIDELINES
RULES & GUIDELINES
POSTMARK DEADLINE: August 28, 2026
This competition is open to all filmmakers ages 13 – 18. Filmmakers must also be in middle school or high school during the time of production to be eligible. Proof of enrollment required. Graduating high school before the start of Austin Film Festival does not disqualify any filmmaker.
Shorts can be submitted in the following categories: Narrative, Documentary, or Animation.
Films must be submitted digitally via the online submission form. Exhibition files must be encoded as h.264 in .mp4 or .mov container.
Films should be 12 minutes or less.
Films must have been completed after April 1, 2025. Films must be available for screening during the Austin Film Festival, October 29 – November 5, 2026.
Films will be judged based on narrative strength, strong characters, and filmmaking skills.
AFF’s appointed jury will award one film the Young Filmmakers Program Jury Award. Only one (1) award will be given. The winner will be notified prior to the Festival.
Selected films will play in the Young Filmmakers Showcase as part of the 32nd annual Austin Film Festival and Writers Conference. Selection for screening will be determined no later than one month prior to the Festival.
Selected filmmakers will receive two (2) Badges* to the 2026 Austin Film Festival and Writers Conference. For more information on the festival, which runs from October 29- November 5, please visit austinfilmfestival.com.
AFF’s appointed jury will award one (1) film the Young Filmmakers Program Jury Award. Only one (1) award will be given.**
The winning filmmaker will receive up to $500 in travel reimbursement to attend the 2026 Austin Film Festival, along with a two-night stay at an AFF partner hotel.
*These badges are intended for an accredited writer of the film and his/her legal guardian.
** The winning filmmaker will be notified prior to the festival.
There is no entry limit for the Young Filmmakers Competition
Questions about the competition? Please call 512.478.4795 or email yfpdirector@austinfilmfestival.com
ONLINE SUBMISSION FORM
CLICK HERE TO ENTER. Please fill out form fully.
SUBMIT VIA FILMFREEWAY
Click here to submit via FilmFreeway.
Looking to improve your screenwriting, filmmaking or editing skills?
Join us for AFF’s Teen Filmmaking Workshops this summer! We have both in-person classes designed for those young filmmakers, ages 13 – 18, who are ready to take their storytelling skills to the next level.
QUESTIONS?
For more information regarding the Young Filmmakers Program, please reach out to Young Filmmakers Program Director at yfpdirector@austinfilmfestival.com or call 512-478-4795.