Austin's first 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, drinks, socializing, and 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 the best indie films compete!
Proceeds go towards "Autism Speaks" & "Autism Society of Texas".

Awards & Prizes

"Star Under the Stars" plaque is awarded to the best reviewed film of the festival!
"Wonder Woman" plaque is awarded to the outstanding female filmmaker of the night!
Awards are presented to the top-rated films following the screening. Stick around for a the Filmmaker Q&A – a perfect opportunity to talk about upcoming projects & broaden your network!
Awards will be presented to the following categories:
Best Feature
Best Narrative
Best Comedy
Best Horror
Best Music Video
Best Animation
Best Documentary
Best Student Feature
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)
Star Under the Stars (Best Film)

Each filmmaker has the opportunity to win:
$50 gift card & 4 free passes to iPic theaters ($200 value)
$100 in gift cards to Yard House
$100 in gift cards Dogwood Rock Rose
$25 gift card to Shake Shack

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 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.

10 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Elias A. Hinojosa

    Amazing festival experience! A really special venue, great films & all going toward a good cause! 10/10 will submit again! Can’t wait for next year

    April 2018
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  • Ruth Maramis

    Austin Under the Stars is such a well-run festival in a great location in Austin. The festival organizer Ali Alkhafaji and his team are friendly and very communicative. Even when they had to move the festival indoor due to weather, things still ran smoothly. I wasn't able to stay the whole night but I won an award and Ali was kind enough to meet me the next day to hand me the award. Keep up the great work, Ali & team, hope I'll be back one day!

    April 2018
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  • Gary Gannaway

    We feel privileged to have screened at this really cool festival and honored to have our trailer for Virgin Cheerleaders in Chains win an award for Most Original Concept.

    Ali and his team in this one evening showcased some truly outstanding filmmaking talent. I expect audiences will be seeing some of the names on the big screen in the not too distant future. Mine included, I hope. :)

    April 2018
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  • Cynthia Bergen

    Thank You for Selecting The Weeping Woman an which Won! Best Micro Short. Had a wonderful time great organization. Keep up the good work supporting Indie Filmmakers. All stars⭐🌟🌟🌟🌟Cynthia Bergen #nosleepfilms

    April 2018
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  • Diego Tucci

    An extraordinary experience
    Very recommendable

    April 2018
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