Experience the indie filmmaker's paradise at the Austin Spotlight Film Festival (ASFF)! With 7 years of celebration and 16 remarkable showcases, ASFF is the ultimate destination for emerging talent in the world of cinema. Recognized by the Austin Chronicle, "ASFF offers immediate and invaluable opportunities to filmmakers, shining a spotlight on indie artists and providing them with a platform to showcase their work."

Our international judge panel curates a diverse selection of films and screenplays spanning various genres, including captivating narratives, thrilling horror, hilarious comedy, thought-provoking documentaries, mesmerizing features, striking music videos, and even trailers. Selections receive extensive promotion on our website and social media channels.

ASFF stands out through active audience involvement. Every attendee has the power to vote for the top film, which earns the privilege of being featured on our website for the following year. Additionally, we host engaging Q&A sessions with attending filmmakers and screenplay selections after each screening. It's a unique opportunity to delve into the creative minds behind the works, gain insights, and share inspiration. And of course, the festival culminates in the highly anticipated Award Ceremony, where we celebrate the efforts of our talented selections.

Join us at ASFF, where the magic of independent filmmaking takes center stage. Immerse yourself in a vibrant community, connect with fellow artists, and be part of a festival that celebrates and supports the next generation of cinematic visionaries. The possibilities are limitless, and your journey begins at Austin Spotlight.

Awards & Prizes

Trophies are awarded to the Audience Choice, Judge's Choice, Best Short Screenplay, & Best Feature Screenplay!

But that's not all--We also present awards to a variety of categories including:

- BEST SCREENPLAY (FEATURE & SHORT)
- BEST NARRATIVE (FILM & SCREENPLAY)
- BEST COMEDY (FILM & SCREENPLAY)
- BEST HORROR (FILM & SCREENPLAY)
- BEST ANIMATION
- BEST EXPERIMENTAL
- BEST DOCUMENTARY
- BEST MICRO-SHORT
- BEST DIRECTOR
- BEST ENSEMBLE
- BEST ACTOR
- BEST ACTRESS
- MOST ORIGINAL CONCEPT
- And more!

Rules & Terms

NO WAIVERS!
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.
167 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
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Networking
  • Todd Biggerstaff

    This film festival is a blast. It's a short fest with a great opportunity to network and the festival directors are super awesome. Submit to Austin Spotlight and get ready for a great time.

    October 2023
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  • Tiana Stuart

    While I was not personally able to attend, my cast DID get to go and had a great time. Thank you for screening (and nominating) my film, Twinsies.

    October 2023
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  • Jashan Gill

    What an Amazing experience. What a Journey to the Austin Spotlight Film Festival. What a hospitality. Five Stars. I love America. I love Cinema, and I love writing Cinema. The last time I flew out of America, I had this conversation with it, telling it, "I go broke every time I visit you. Enough of this unrequited love. now, I will come back only when you invite me." Well, well well America called me back in just five months. And imagine the state I always loved visiting, "Texas," called me. Thank you, Austin Spotlight Film Festival, for saving me from breaking up with my beloved America. Thanks for inspiring me that I should never give up. Thanks for giving so much respect and love to me and my Screenplay "Zariya." I promise I will be back next year with the FILM because I NEED to have that PINK TROPHY.

    October 2023
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  • Lindsay Heiman

    Can't recommend the Austin Spotlight Film Festival enough! I had two scripts nominated, with one of them winning Best Short Screenplay. It was such an honor to be surrounded by such talented writers and filmmakers. And who doesn't like a pink red carpet?

    October 2023
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  • Hannah Scofield

    Thank you so much for the hospitality you showed to me and my feature screenplay "Daywake!" We will be back!

    October 2023
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