Austin Spotlight Film Festival (ASFF) is an international monthly film festival. We accept all types of short films, music videos, trailers, & even kickstarters.

Please note: The next live screening will be held November 2018.

Each month, the international judge panel determines the selections. Once selected, the judges & staff host a private screening to determine the top-rated film. That film will go on to compete with all the other top-rated films (12 in total) in our annual Screen-Off.
Each month, the top-rated film is also given the Spotlight on our website & social media platforms.

The next public live screening is the Screen-Off slated for November 2018.

After the Screen-off, there will be a Q&A session with all the filmmakers. The audience will have the opportunity to learn more about the film & upcoming projects.
Following the Q&A, attendees will vote on their favorite film.

Awards & Prizes

Each month, the judges & staff determine their favorite film from the selections. The winner enters the annual Screen-off.
The Screen-off will consist of "The best of the best" - the 12 best-rated films selected from each month.
The winner of the Screen-off will receive a $300 prize & an interview to be highlighted on the website for the entire year!

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.
62 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Kat Albert

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

    May 2018
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  • Pablo Mengin-Lecreulx

    I was so honored that my film "Scandal" was selected at the Austin Spotlight Film Festival. Perfect communication, and very sweet staff. This is a wonderful festival, and I deeply recommend it!

    May 2018
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  • Benjamin Brandon

    This was a great festival and they were super organized and the Theatre was phenomenal. Their award distribution is a popularity contest, so if you do want to win make sure you bring a following. Great experience overall. I would totally submit again.

    April 2018
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  • Pat Caporuscio

    The nicest people I have met so far.

    April 2018
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  • clete donovan

    Ali and the team did a fantastic job, as always. We are beyond grateful for his showing of local and distant films, including Think Flamingo’s “Unconscious Con.” Allowing ample time for networking before and after the screenings was incredibly helpful as well!

    April 2018
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