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 FILM FREEWAY.

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
  • Luke and Martha Van Garza

    This festival lives up to the hype. Our films were nominated for an astonishing number of awards, and we were pleased to take home Best Texas Genre Short for our sophomore effort, PETE & RE-PETE. This festival is, hands down, a true event for filmmakers.

    May 2023
  • Kaylin Allshouse

    Austin Revolution Film Fest was a blast. We got to meet so many filmmakers because of the emphasis on networking and socializing. This is definitely a perfect festival for those who are outgoing and wanting to meet other people in the industry.

    May 2023
  • Rebecca Scott

    A fantastic fest - everyone should go!

    March 2023
  • Jay Strong

    Friendly, ground level festival. Lots of good creators & films. Fun and great for networking.

    February 2023
  • I've been to several film festivals throughout the state of Texas, and while there are a lot of special ones out there, Austin Revolution brings something so refreshing to the table. The creative energy is incredibly contagious, and if you take the time to network with the community, you'll find just how supportive and kind the people are who find themselves at ARFF. Do yourself a MASSIVE favor and submit to this film festival. LONG LIVE AUSTIN REVOLUTION!!

    February 2023