Austin's only outdoor film festival! Austin Under the Stars (AUTS) is an international film festival held at Lone Star Court, a retro-inspired boutique hotel. AUTS aims to make film festivals fun again! Enjoy live music, networking, and the best indie films - all nestled in the live music capital of the world.

Arrive early & experience a taste of the local music scene! An Austin-based band will set the tone with a movie-inspired playlist leading up to show time. Grab a cocktail or your favorite Texas beer and wait for the show to begin.
As the sun sets, take a seat under the stars and watch an amazing showcase of films ranging from narrative, comedy, horror, sci-fi, documentary, music videos, & more! Stick around for a the Filmmaker Q&A – a perfect opportunity to talk about upcoming projects & broaden your network. We close the evening with pictures on the red carpet & networking until the sun comes up!
Proceeds towards "Autism Society of Texas".

Accommodations:
Lone Star Court is not only an amazing venue, but also a fantastic hotel to stay if visiting from out of town. Located in the Domain & walking distance to fine dining, shopping, & Rock Rose (one of the best bar districts in Austin).

Awards & Prizes

"Superstar" is awarded to the Judges' Choice best reviewed film of the festival!
"Wonder Woman" is awarded to the outstanding female filmmaker of the night!
Awards are presented to the top-rated films following the screening:
Best Feature
Best Narrative
Best Comedy
Best Horror
Best Music Video
Best Animation
Best Documentary
Best Micro-Short
Best Student Short
Best Director
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Ensemble
Best Writer
Best Score
Best Cinematographer
Best Editor
Most Original Concept
Best Texas Film
Keep Austin Weird
M. Night Shyamalan (Best Twist)
Audience Choice
Wonder Woman (Outstanding Female Filmmaker)
Superstar (Best Film)

Screenplay Awards:
Best Overall Screenplay (Short & Feature)
Best Narrative Screenplay (Short & Feature)
Best Comedy Screenplay (Short & Feature)
Best Horror Screenplay (Short & Feature)

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 Under the Stars 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.

81 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jacob Lazarow

    Had a great experience with the 2021 AUTS Fest with our short script "Overlook." Great communication and a great experience -- I wasn't able to attend but the event looked great!

    April 2022
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  • Andy Volk

    AUTS was a blast. Met so many talented and passionate filmmakers and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. Plus the location wasn't too bad, with a sweet bar and nifty red carpet. Programmers did a great giving everyone a chance to be seen and heard. Thanks again for selecting us for Best Doc!

    January 2022
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  • Catherine Vouvray

    It was a fun festival to attend, and we appreciated the award for Best Comedy!

    November 2021
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  • Travis Patten

    Wonderful event, great atmosphere, everyone working so hard to make the night special. Really great festival!

    November 2021
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  • Derek McDaniel

    Thank you for selecting my script, Cancer Corridor, as best TV Pilot!

    November 2021
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