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

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 in our annual Screen-Off.
Each month, the top-rated film is also given the Spotlight on our website & social media platforms.

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 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.
65 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Aviv Mano

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

    October 2018
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  • Murray Toews

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

    September 2018
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  • 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
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  • 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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