Austin Spotlight Film Festival puts the spotlight on indie filmmakers! ASFF is an international film festival held at the Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, TX. We accept all types of short films, screenplays, features, music videos, & even trailers.

5 years & 16 showcases, ASFF is listed as one of the "TOP 100 BEST REVIEWED FESTIVALS ON FilmFreeway"!
As featured in the Austin Chronicle, "Austin Spotlight is not intended as the antidote to festivals, but to complement them, and provide more immediate, opportunities."

The 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 Southwest Theater Lake Creek, where audience members will vote for the top film to be featured on our website for the following year!
Following the screening, there will be an Award Ceremony - where we acknowledge the incredible efforts with over 30 awards & 2 plaques to give out.

Awards & Prizes

The biggest awards go to the "AUDIENCE CHOICE OF THE YEAR" & "JUDGE'S CHOICE OF THE YEAR" - In addition to personalized plaques, the winners are highlighted on our website & social media all year.
We give several other awards, including:
BEST SCREENPLAY
BEST NARRATIVE (film & screenplay)
BEST COMEDY (film & screenplay)
BEST HORROR (film & screenplay)
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 (film & screenplay)
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.
80 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
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Networking
  • Michael LeBlanc

    Big thanks to the Austin Spotlight Film Festival! Although I wasn't able to attend in person, my friends and family who were, came away with a great overall impression. Ali was very communicative and supportive throughout. I will surely submit again.

    Cheers,
    Michael

    February 2020
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  • Joseph Leone

    It was an honor to have been Officially Selected in the competition. I look forward to submitting additional material in the future.

    December 2019
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  • Sean Baier

    Spotlight was very organized and on time. This was an awesome festival!

    December 2019
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  • Annika K Horne

    What a great festival! I had a great time and was thrilled to win best animation. The screening was quite interesting and enjoyable.

    December 2019
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  • Travis White

    What a fantastic little festival and it's only going to grow bigger and bigger. I'd suggest getting in on this one now than later as the festival directors were kind, accommodating and put a lot of heart into the event and are working hard to make this festival a force to be reckoned with. It was our pleasure to attend and an honor to win both Best Twist and Audience Choice! We'll definitely be submitting next year and will likely attend, even as a fan, if not accepted.

    December 2019
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