Austin Film Festival is proud to partner with Armadillo World Headquarters to create a unique opportunity for an emerging, Texas-affiliated filmmaker to gain professional experience through development of a short documentary film. Over the course of six months, the fellowship will provide a $25,000 budget, creative support, and a producing mentor for one-on-one creative guidance.

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.

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.

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.

Rules & Terms

General Eligibility

1. Filmmaker must have been born & raised or be a current resident of Texas

2. Filmmaker ideally will be in the early-mid stages of their career

3. Preference towards filmmakers with previous experience in directing documentary film or media.

4. Filmmaker will submit a previously completed short or feature film(s) made within the last five years (2020-2024)

5. Submitters must complete the following materials in full:

a. Writing sample consisting of 5 short form responses in English

b. Recent CV highlighting film credits, education, selected festivals, work experience, other relevant experience

c. Two professional references

6. The fellowship is not open to currently enrolled undergraduate students, regardless of area of study. Graduate students are welcome to apply.

7. Please indicate if you are applying as part of a directing team. No more than two co-directors per application.

Additional Information

1. 5-7 finalists will receive notification of advancement in mid to late February

a. Finalists will be provided research materials and asked to come back with a formal pitch for the Jim Franklin film.

2. The selected filmmaker will be responsible for overseeing completion of the short film from inception through post-production.

a. Filmmaker is not required to be adept in every role (i.e. cinematography or post-production), but must understand the filmmaking process enough to manage team and workflow

b. Filmmaker must understand the critical nature of the timeline and work with their team to ensure deadlines are adhered to

c. Filmmaker must agree to follow a schedule that includes review and implementation of feedback.

d. Approval of the final cut will be determined by Passion Point Collective on behalf of Armadillo World Headquarters

3. Armadillo World LLC will own the copyright of the final film and control all usage. The filmmaker will be granted a gratis license, allowing them ability to post and screen the film at other festivals/events, subject to approval from Armadillo World.

4. Filmmaker will receive a TBD portion of any net profits resulting from distribution and exploitation of the film.

5. AFF is not responsible for any part of the documentary production.

SELECTED ENTRIES AND WINNERS

1. AFF has no obligation (other than as stated in these rules or on our website) to disclose any of the following information: i) identities of screeners or judges; ii) notes, feedback, or information relating to the submitted project; and/or iii) details regarding the submission review or selection process.

2. AFF explicitly disclaims any liability or responsibility for any comments, notes, or opinions expressed about a submission, whether by AFF or by its volunteers.

3. In an effort to create a more accessible environment for our audience, AFF reserves the right to require programmed filmmakers to provide Closed-Caption and/or Subtitle files with their films. All accepted filmmakers will be notified in a timely manner.