We're ringing in our 12th year! All the stops are being pulled. This will be the BIGGEST one yet. If you've never submitted before, nows the chance.

NAMED: MOVIEMAKER MAGAZINE TOP FILM FESTIVALS WORTH THE ENTRY FEE: 2018
CONSISTENTLY AT THE TOP OF THE BEST REVIEWED FESTIVALS ON FilmFreeway.

Movie Maker Magazine did a write up about us! Check it here: https://buff.ly/2isBESI

Bringing true indie films to Austin! ARFF was founded by filmmakers who saw many festivals only programming films with big stars. In response, they built a true celebration of independent voices in the world capital of indie film, with a brand based on selecting great stories, screening films in the coolest venues, creating excellent networking opportunities and keeping filmmakers – the true stars of the show – front and center throughout the fest.

We work hard to serve our filmmakers!
Awards are given in several categories across several genres, including features, shorts, web series, music videos as well as both feature and short screenplays. Continuing the indie Austin spirit, ARFF’s award trophies are authentic, rodeo style, Texas belt buckles!

The Austin Revolution Film Fest has gained a great reputation with filmmakers and film fans, who return again and again to the show with repeat submissions and sold-out screenings. It has also attracted industry sponsors, including distributor Underdogs.com, screenwriting companies Final Draft and Ink Tip, and the Ambassador Global Group.

In short, we love great stories, we love our filmmakers, and we love connecting audience, filmmaker and film industry representatives in one true celebration of independent film production. Our commitment to filmmakers generates unsolicited testimonials every year, including those below. And we maintain relationships with our submitters throughout the years in a two-way conversation; we’d love for you to join the discussion by emailing us at info@austinrevolution.com with questions.

We created a podcast based purely on promoting our filmmakers. http://www.buzzsprout.com/240740

“Undoubtedly one of the best ‘true’ independent film festivals in the world. The 'CANNES' of Indie Film Festivals” 
- Jason Tostevin, A WAY OUT and Programmer for Nightmares Film Fetival.

"ARFF is a funky jewel of a festival." Skye Borgman, ABDUCTED IN PLAIN SITE

"You guys are different because you really are cultivating a community and caring about independent filmmakers. You are doing something very special with this fest. I am so proud and honored to be included with all these amazing filmmakers!" 
- Meagan Flynn Mesmer, THE ETIQUETTE OF IMPOTENCE

“If you are seriously about making a mark on the indie scene you should definitely enter the Austin Revolution Film Fest” 
- TOMMY FAIRCLOTH, DORCHESTER’S REVENGE & FAMILY POSESSIONS

“One of the most satisfying screening and festival experiences of my career. Peers become colleagues become friends become family. I can not recommend submitting to this any higher.” 
- MIKE DONIS, “PETE WINNING & THE PIRATES”

"Restored by faith in FILM FESTIVALS." Bianca Jamotte LeRoux

SPONSORS 
Final Draft: All writing winners win a download of the best screenwriting program on the planet.

Ink Tip: InkTip helps writers sell their scripts and get representation. Producers have made more than 200 films from scripts and writers they found through InkTip. All screenplay winners win a listing of your script on InkTip so that producers and reps can find you.

We give a variety of awards, including out iconic belt buckle, in all areas of indie filmmaking. See our website for previous winners.

All films must be the original work of the filmmakers and all filmmakers must have the necessary rights.

Films must not have distribution. VOD or your film being readily available to stream may affect your status. Central Texas (Waco, Austin, San Antonio) premiere required. (Music videos and Web Series may be available online.)

The Austin Revolution Film Festival reserves the right to change our programming without notice.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Austin Revolution is an absolute gem of a festival. Great communication from Jim, great film selections, great networking opportunities. Have I said "great" enough? I was honored to have my short film, 'The Clogging,' win Best In Show. This festival is a true celebration of independent film, and I can't recommend it enough. Thanks to Jim and everyone involved for an incredible event!

    March 2024
  • This is absolutely my favorite festival, and by far the most bang for your buck. Jim and the ARFF staff and volunteers bend over backwards to make sure each filmmaker/screenwriter/guest is taken care of. As far as the screenings go, their A/V setup is incredible, as they put a ton of emphasis on giving audiences the best picture and sound quality possible. For me though, the networking opportunities are the best part of this festival. The vibe is so chill, you can't NOT meet people if you put yourself out there. I've organically made tons of contacts and good friends through the relaxed atmosphere that ARFF presents.

    I really can't say enough about the quality and value of this festival. This was our second year and we will definitely be back next year. If you're on the fence about going, just do it. You will not regret it. Your filmmaking family awaits!

    March 2024
  • It was so well organized and the hospitality was amazing! Highly recommend this festival!

    March 2024
  • Michael W. Roth

    What a fantastic festival! Filled with great people, great films, & great times!
    Can't wait to go again next year!
    We were honored with a Win & a Belt Buckle this year!
    What a great time!

    February 2024
  • Jeremey Lavoi

    This is one of my favorite film festivals. It feels like what you want a festival to be. It's a bit like filmmakers summer (winter?) camp. Great festival team, great community, and always a good time.

    February 2024