Austin Spotlight Film Festival (ASFF) is an international film festival held at the Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, TX. We accept all types of short films, features, music videos, trailers, & even kickstarters.

3 years & 12 showcases, ASFF has already been listed as #12 in the "TOP 100 BEST REVIEWED FESTIVALS ON FILMFREEWAY"!
As featured in the Austin Chronicle, "Austin Spotlight is not intended as the antidote to the annual festivals, but to complement them, and provide even more, and more immediate, opportunities."

Our international judge panel selects a wide array of films & screenplays for our annual showcase. All selections are promoted on our website & social media. Those films are also showcased at Alamo Drafthouse Theater, where audience members will decide the top film to be featured on our website for the following year!
Prior to the screening, filmmakers are invited to join for a private cocktail mixer - a perfect opportunity to network, discuss projects, & unwind before showtime.
Following the screening, there will be a Q&A session with all the attending filmmakers. The audience will have the opportunity to learn more about the film & upcoming projects.
The evening ends with an Award Ceremony - where we acknowledge the incredible filmmaking efforts with over 30 awards to give out.

Awards & Prizes

The biggest awards goes to the "AUDIENCE CHOICE OF THE YEAR" - The winner will receive a plaque, an interview highlighted on our website/social media, & $500 value prize as determined by our sponsors.
The next plaque goes to the "JUDGE'S CHOICE OF THE YEAR" - The winner will also receive a plaque & an interview to be highlighted on our social media.
Several other awards include, but are not limited to:
BEST SCREENPLAY
BEST NARRATIVE
BEST COMEDY
BEST HORROR
BEST ANIMATION
BEST DOCUMENTARY
BEST MICRO-SHORT
BEST DIRECTOR
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHER
BEST ENSEMBLE
BEST EDITOR
BEST WRITER
BEST ACTOR
BEST ACTRESS
BEST CHILD ACTOR/ACTRESS
MOST ORIGINAL CONCEPT
BEST SCORE
& MANY MORE...

Rules & Terms

No waivers or discounts!
All films must be in English or have English subtitles at the time submitted.
Films must be original works.
By submitting the material, the applicant hereby agrees to indemnify, hold harmless, and defend the festival & its employees from any liability, claims, and damages in connection with the submission and from any fees and expenses, including but not limited to reasonable attorneys' fees, that any of them may incur in connection therewith.

I/We understand that failure to adhere to the competition rules and regulations will result in disqualification and forfeiture of entry fee.

I/We agree to hold the Austin Spotlight Film Festival harmless from and defend them against all claims, demands, losses, damages, judgments, liabilities, and expenses (including attorney’s fees) arising out of or in connection with any and all claims of third parties, whether or not groundless, based on any film submitted to the Festival.
66 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Lucy Owens

    This is an awesome little festival. Great turnout and fun/unique programming that seemed to highlight a lot of new talent. Highly recommend!

    February 2019
    Helpful
  • Aviv Mano

    Great festival, very communicative and super helpful!! Thank you!

    October 2018
    Helpful
  • Murray Toews

    I couldn't make it- but I'm certain it was fantastic! Thanks again!

    September 2018
    Helpful
  • Tyler Cole

    While I was unable to attend, I was honored to be selected in their micro category! They were awesome with all communication, including send me all the highlights. A+++

    July 2018
    Helpful
  • Kat Albert

    Great little fest...Ali makes everyone feel included and welcome.

    May 2018
    Helpful