Experience the ultimate destination for indie filmmakers at the Austin Spotlight Film Festival (ASFF)! Now in its 10th year, ASFF is the perfect platform to celebrate creativity, passion, and the power of storytelling.

"ASFF offers immediate and invaluable opportunities to filmmakers, shining a spotlight on indie artists and providing them with a platform to showcase their work." – Austin Chronicle

Our diverse, international judging panel curates an exciting lineup of films and screenplays across genres—gripping narratives, thrilling horror, laugh-out-loud comedies, thought-provoking documentaries, mesmerizing features, music videos, trailers, and more. Every selection receives extensive promotion on our website and social media channels, ensuring your work gets the attention it deserves.

Audience Involvement: Every attendee has a voice in choosing the top film, making ASFF an interactive and engaging experience for both filmmakers and fans. Winning films are featured on our website for the entire following year.

Engaging Q&A Sessions: Dive deep into the creative process as we host Q&A sessions with attending filmmakers and screenplay selections after each screening. It's a chance to connect, learn, and be inspired by the talents behind the screen.

Unforgettable Award Ceremony: The festival culminates with an energetic Award Ceremony, where we honor the achievements of our talented selections across various categories.

Awards & Prizes

Trophy Highlights: Prepare to shine as your work vies for our custom Lightbulb trophies in categories such as:

Audience Choice – The crowd favorite that resonates most with our attendees.
Judge's Choice – Recognized by industry professionals for outstanding creativity and execution.
Best Short Screenplay & Best Feature Screenplay – Celebrating exceptional storytelling and narrative mastery.
Awards Extravaganza: ASFF goes beyond with a dazzling array of awards:

Best Screenplay (Feature & Short)
Best Narrative (Film & Screenplay)
Best Comedy (Film & Screenplay)
Best Horror (Film & Screenplay)
Most Original Concept (Film & Screenplay)
Best Student Short
Best Sci-fi
Best Music Video
Best Animation
Best Arthouse
Best Documentary
Best Micro-Short
Best Trailer
Best Director
Best Ensemble
Best Actor & Best Actress

Rules & Terms

No waivers are offered. All films must be in English or include English subtitles at the time of submission.

Submissions must be original works owned by the applicant. By submitting, the filmmaker or writer agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Austin Spotlight Film Fest, its staff, affiliates, and partners from any claims, liabilities, or damages arising from their participation or submission. This includes, but is not limited to, reasonable attorney’s fees and associated costs.

Failure to follow the festival’s rules and regulations may result in disqualification without refund of the entry fee.

By submitting, you agree to release and defend Austin Spotlight Film Fest against any and all claims, demands, losses, damages, or expenses (including attorney’s fees) related to your submission or participation in the festival.
191 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jude Quintiere

    Festivals like this keep me in great company .

    November 2025
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  • Costantino Ciminiello

    Our team loved ASFF! Hosted at a great venue by great people!

    The program and line-up of the festival were top notch. A fantastic turnout and tons of networking opportunities. Had some amazing conversations and made new friends!

    Highly recommend this fest!

    October 2025
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  • Jane Dafoe

    I was honoured that my screenplay Rewiring Jade was selected as a nominee for this festival. Although I was unable to attend in person, the organizers were extremely responsive and the communication was timely and professional. Congrats to all the nominees and the organizers for a job well done.

    September 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Jane! We were honored to have Rewiring Jade nominated this year and are so glad you felt supported throughout. We strive to make every writer feel valued, whether attending in person or from afar. Wishing you continued success with your work!

  • Robby Robinson

    Can’t say enough about this fest- Ali and the ASFF team put on a top-notch event! Fantastic energy, support, organization and communication from start to finish. And a great venue too. Whether you’re a local or far-flung, ASFF belongs on your submission shortlist!

    September 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Robby, this means a lot, thank you! Your energy and enthusiasm perfectly capture what makes Austin Spotlight special. We’re thrilled you enjoyed the event and appreciate the kind words about the team and venue. Hope to see you back next year!

  • Terry Podnar

    Austin Spotlight is a top-notch, well-organized and an overall tremendous festival to be involved in. It is a great experience and has exceptional communication. I'm thrilled and honored my script, Long Way Home, was a Nominee at the festival. Keep up your fantastic work!

    September 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Terry, we loved having Long Way Home as part of this year’s nominees! Thank you for the wonderful feedback and for recognizing the care our team puts into each season. You helped make this year’s festival shine & we can’t wait to see what’s next for you!