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!
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" plaque is awarded to the Judges' Choice 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 Overall Screenplay (Short)
Best Narrative Screenplay (Short)
Best Comedy Screenplay (Short)
Best Horror Screenplay (Short)
Best Overall Screenplay (Feature)
Best Narrative Screenplay (Feature)
Best Comedy Screenplay (Feature)
Best Horror Screenplay (Feature)
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)

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

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.

54 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • David Tucker

    Thank you for selecting my screenplay for your festival. I will be back with more. You seem like such nice people.

    November 2020
    Helpful
  • Sean Ryan

    Great festival that cares, very informative, and great selection of work! Keep this going!!

    November 2020
    Helpful
  • Dean Harakas

    Amazing festival! Ali and the team are extremely personable, accessible and professional. Communication was proactive, clear and concise before/after the festival, which was tremendously helpful during these times. The added individual project promotion on social media was an amazing bonus and much appreciated. I will submit my latest screenplay to AUTS 2021.

    November 2020
    Helpful
  • ERIN ELIZABETH KEEFER

    I was sad not to be able to attend in person! I thought the staff did and excellent job of communicating from the point of submission all the way through and even after the awards were announced. I am grateful to have been included and will definitely submit again in the future!

    November 2020
    Helpful
  • gary bigelow

    First, the entire staff have done a fantastic job this year with considering the pandemic. It is an honor to have my screenplay selected. Again, many thanks to the festival staff. Good health and blessings to all.

    November 2020
    Helpful