The ATX Short Film Showcase is Austin's monthly film festival. Every month, we curate 6-7 local short films, followed by a Q&A session with the filmmakers.

Our event also provides terrific networking opportunities for local filmmakers before, during, and after the show. We're a great way to discover other talented artists (both in front of and behind the camera) to collaborate with on future projects!

The ATX Short Film Showcase is dedicated to spotlighting the best filmmakers in the Lone Star State - artists with passion and grit, who don't need a big budget to tell a story worthy of the silver screen.

We typically screen narrative shorts, but documentary shorts, music videos, and webisodes are also accepted. Occasionally, we'll program according to a specific theme such as our Horror showcase around Halloween.

Our goal is to provide a platform for Texas filmmakers to screen their work in front of a live audience, receive valuable feedback, and network with their peers.

Awards & Prizes

Every accepted short will be featured on our social media pages. If your short is selected, two filmmaker badges will be awarded to you when you arrive at our event - good for free entry.

At the end of each showcase, the audience will vote for their top 3 favorite films of the night and a best of show will be named.

Winners of the audience choice award each month will be eligible to screen at our annual "Best of the Year" showcase in August to compete for a $500 prize and recognition as "The Best Short Film in Texas."

Rules & Terms

Submission Guidelines:

-Films do not have to have been shot in Texas, but they MUST involve a local filmmaker who can attend the event.

-Films may not exceed 20 minutes in length, though exceptions can be made in extraordinary circumstances.

-Filmmakers whose work is accepted must have someone integral to the film's production attend the event and participate in a Q&A.

-Films older than 5 years (made prior to January 2017) are not eligible.

-All films must be in English or have English subtitles.

-​We typically screen narrative shorts, but documentary shorts, music videos, trailers, and webisodes are also accepted as long as they do not exceed our time limit.

-We don't require any kind of premiere status, nor do we restrict films that are already online.​

-Please note that submission does not guarantee acceptance. If your film is not accepted, it unfortunately does not mean just for the upcoming month. It is a hard no. Alternatively, if you have not heard back regarding acceptance for over a month, it could be that we are holding your film for a later month.

-Submission fees are non-refundable. All films will be considered fairly. If a submitter failed to read the guidelines and is disqualified, even if they caught their error before we did, submission fees cannot be refunded because FilmFreeway does not refund their share.

-By submitting your film you acknowledge and agree that you have read, understood and fully comply with all submission eligibility information, Submission Guidelines, Terms and Conditions of Entry and Entry Eligibility requirements. To the best of your knowledge, all of the statements in your submission are true. Your film or video is not subject to any litigation nor is threatened by any litigation. You are duly authorized to submit this film to the festival. You hold ATX Short Film Showcase harmless from any damage to the print(s) or media materials(s) en route or otherwise during the course of the festival’s possession of the film. You hold ATX Short Film Showcase, its owners, management, juries, subsidiaries, agents, sponsors, affiliates, and etc. harmless from any and all claims of liability resulting from your entry. You certify that you have full rights to all aspects, including the use of the music, in the entered work. You understand that submission fee payments are non-refundable. You understand submission fees are for consideration, not acceptance. You give permission for ATX Short Film Showcase to use stills, titles, copy, and/or information from the short for promotional purposes. You give permission for ATX Short Film Showcase to download your submission file for private programming purposes before any status notification. You give permission for ATX Short Film Showcase to screen the film at our monthly event and potentially again for the annual "Best of" event.
49 Reviews
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Value
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Networking
  • Maverick Moore

    Attended both the December 2021 monthly event and the "Best of the Year" event in August 2022, and both were fun times at the movies. I've heard the same is true for every month's showcase as well. The showcase is also a great networking opportunity as many filmmakers, cast, and crew attend. On top of all of that, the festival is communicative, organized, and passionate - it is clear that they care about the filmmakers and the event experience as a whole. I had a great time, and you will too. Filmmakers, submit.

    August 2022
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  • Jack Frink

    The ATX Short Film Showcase was the first film festival which I have attended as a competitor. From first submittal to acceptance messaging to the presentation of the fest, Justin and his team were a model of professionalism and competence. It was a warm and welcoming experience for a first-time competitor; I felt my work was properly handled and appreciated. The experience has encouraged me to continue as a filmmaker.

    September 2022
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  • John Field Brown

    Been going to every screening every month since February 2022. By far my favorite film festival to go to because of its networking opportunities and how it's so welcoming to everyone. I plan on submitting every film I make to this film festival and you should too.

    September 2022
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  • Isaiah Navarro

    The BEST film festival experience I have ever had. Thank you ATX for creating this community and continuing to do so every single month. You all are rockstars!

    September 2022
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  • Echo Nguyen

    We absolutely adore the ATX Short Film Showcase. Our film's team had such a great time watching all of the wonderful shorts. Justin is the best!

    August 2022
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