Get ready for the most spectacular film festival experience in Austin, TX! Austin Under the Stars (AUTS) has been setting the stage for incredible showcases for eight years, and we're just getting started. With a coveted spot in the TOP 100 BEST-REVIEWED FILM FESTIVALS on FilmFreeway, we're here to blow your minds and make film festivals FUN again!

Join us at the iconic AFS Cinema, Richard Linklater's historic theater, known for its intimate atmosphere and rich cinematic heritage. Embrace the power of storytelling, connect with kindred spirits in the world of art, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Step onto the red carpet in style, as we transform your evening into a glamorous celebration. Our professional photographer will capture every unforgettable moment, ensuring you shine as bright as the stars.

Be prepared to be enthralled by an eclectic selection of films spanning various genres, from heartwarming narratives to laugh-out-loud comedies, spine-tingling horrors, mind-bending sci-fi, eye-opening documentaries, and mesmerizing music videos. Each film is handpicked to create an immersive experience that resonates with your soul and sparks conversations that last a lifetime.

Don't miss our exclusive Filmmaker/Screenwriter Q&A sessions. Take center stage, share your creative insights, discuss upcoming projects, and expand your network. Engage with an enthusiastic audience eager to learn from your journey.

And the grand finale? An electrifying award ceremony that celebrates our talented selections with an array of prestigious trophies and awards.

Beyond the cinematic magic, AUTS is dedicated to making a positive impact. We're proud supporters of the Autism Society of Texas. Your participation in AUTS contributes to a meaningful cause and helps create a brighter future for individuals with autism.

Join us at Austin Under the Stars, Where Cinema Meets Stardom in the Heart of Austin!

Awards & Prizes

The coveted "Superstar" trophy is presented to the Judges' Choice for the best-reviewed film of the festival. Exceptional female filmmakers are honored with the esteemed "Wonder Woman" trophy, recognizing their outstanding contributions. The festival's unique spirit is captured by the "Keep Austin Weird" award. Additionally, the Audience Choice Award is given to the film that resonates most with festival attendees. In recognition of outstanding screenwriting, trophies are presented to the Best Short Screenplay and Best Feature Screenplay winners.

Following the screenings, a diverse range of awards is bestowed upon the top-rated films, including (but not limited to):
Best Feature
Best Narrative
Best Comedy
Best Horror
Best Music Video
Best Animation
Best Documentary
Best Micro-Short
Best Student Short
Most Original Concept
Best Texas Film
Keep Austin Weird
Audience Choice Award
M. Night Shyamalan (Best Twist)
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 are granted. All films must be in English or equipped with English subtitles upon submission. Films must be original creations. By submitting their material, applicants agree to indemnify, protect, and defend the festival and its staff against any liability, claims, and damages associated with the submission, including fees and expenses. Failure to comply with the competition rules will lead to disqualification and forfeiture of the entry fee. Applicants commit to holding Austin Under the Stars blameless and defending against any claims, demands, losses, damages, judgments, liabilities, and expenses arising from any submitted film.

Our festival places significant emphasis on upholding ethical and professional standards. Our rules and regulations form the bedrock of this commitment, and it is imperative that all participants adhere to these guidelines to ensure a just and respectful atmosphere for everyone involved.

Failure to Meet Submission Requirements: Submissions must conform to the specified criteria laid out in our rules and regulations, encompassing but not restricted to content, format, submission deadlines, and eligibility prerequisites.

Unethical Conduct: Any unethical behavior, such as plagiarism, dishonesty, or any actions that undermine the festival's integrity, is strictly prohibited.

Lack of Responsiveness: Entrants must maintain open and timely communication with the festival organizers. Neglecting to respond to inquiries or furnish necessary information may result in disqualification.
141 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Martin Richmond

    Great communication, finally a festival that realizes how valuable being kept in the loop is. So many just take your money and take it for granted that if you didn't come first there's no point in letting you know direct from the horses mouth, leaving it to Filmfreeway to deliver the result. Austin under the stars is one of the good guys. Thanks.

    September 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Martin, thank you for your thoughtful words! Communication is key, and we pride ourselves on keeping filmmakers in the loop every step of the way. We're so glad you felt valued throughout the process, and we look forward to continuing this relationship in the future.

  • Ryan Armstrong

    It was an honor to have my short screenplay "Selling Oranges on a Median with Charles Bukowski" selected. The communication and updates from the festival itself were terrific.

    October 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much, Ryan! We’re thrilled to have had your short screenplay 'Selling Oranges on a Median with Charles Bukowski' selected for the festival. We’re glad to hear that you found the communication and updates helpful. Best of luck with your future projects, and we hope to see more of your work in the future!

  • Saeed Houshyar

    Austin Under the Stars Film Festival was an unforgettable experience! I’m beyond honored that my film received an award, and it was a true privilege to meet so many amazing filmmakers and industry professionals. A special thanks to Ali, who is not only a genuinely nice person but also an incredible source of support for filmmakers

    September 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Saeed! We're truly honored that you found the Austin Under the Stars Film Festival to be such a memorable experience. It was a pleasure to have "Stockholm Syndrome" featured, and we're delighted to hear that you enjoyed connecting with other talented filmmakers and industry professionals.

    Your kind words mean the world to us, and we’re incredibly grateful for your support. We can't wait to see what you create next and hope to welcome you back to our festival in the future!

  • Don Dixon

    Was an honor to screen my animated short film Darwin The Dreamer at the Austin under the stars Film Festival! Sadly I could not attend but it looked like a great time was had.

    September 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Don, we were honored to showcase Darwin The Dreamer at Austin Under the Stars. Even though you couldn’t attend, we hope you felt the energy from afar—it was a spectacular evening. Thank you for sharing your work with us, and we look forward to having you at a future event!

  • Christine Longoria

    Thanks so much to everyone at the Austin Under the Stars Film Festival! What a fun, dazzling event full of amazing artists! The selection of films was so entertaining; I almost forgot I was there representing my script. Thanks so much for awarding Baby Mine with Best Narrative Short Screenplay! It was a wonderful surprise to cap off a great festival experience. I met so many talented actors, producers and writers. I will definitely submit again in the hopes of attending and having another great experience.

    September 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Christine, your words mean so much! We’re thrilled you found the event dazzling and immersive. Baby Mine was a standout script, and awarding it Best Narrative Short Screenplay was our pleasure. It’s always a joy to see talented creators like you mingling with such a vibrant community. We look forward to your next submission!