The Austin Asian American Film Festival (AAAFF) promotes Asian and Asian American cultures and experiences through the media arts by showcasing top-quality cinema and supporting the creative talents of Asian American artists. Our mission is to champion Asian and Asian American stories through film and creative media.

Awards & Prizes

Jury Award for Narrative Short: $500
Jury Award for Documentary Short: $500
Jury Award for Narrative Feature
Jury Award for Documentary Feature
Audience Award for Narrative Short
Audience Award for Documentary Short
Audience Award for Narrative Feature
Audience Award for Documentary Feature

Rules & Terms

The Austin Asian American Film Festival seeks to screen films that meet any of the following criteria:

-Films written, directed, and/or produced by Asian or Asian American filmmakers, made inside or outside the United States.

-Films featuring Asian or Asian American actors or subjects.

-Films that engage with the lives and experiences of Asian or Asian American people and communities, inside or outside Asia.

For these purposes, Asia is defined broadly, including the countries of East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and Western Asia.

The 18th Austin Asian American Film Festival will be held at the end of June at AFS Cinema. All finalized works must be completed and shipped at least one month prior to the screening date. This contract is binding and you will be held responsible for the information in your submission.

At this time AAAFF is unable to pay screening fees, but works to assist all filmmakers with travel, housing, transportation, etc when feasible.

AAAFF wants to be as accessible as possible and encourage filmmakers to add closed caption files if their film is selected.
18 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Amir Zargara

    Thanks for having us :)

    July 2026
    Helpful
  • Amin Pakparvar

    I had such wonderful experience with this festival. They are very organized and receive a huge number of audience every year; and in terms of communication, the programmers are pretty friendly and supportive. Definitely worth submitting!

    July 2026
    Helpful
  • Kim Blanck

    I was absolutely honored to screen my short film Gloria here in 2025! The festival was so warm, inviting, and made everything (including traveling to Austin) absolutely easy. There were so many opportunities to connect with other filmmakers, and with only one theater (the legendary AFS Cinema), it was easy to see any and all programs. And the programming, from the narrative features to the shorts to the docs, was excellent. Thank you AAAFF for an incredible Austin experience! I certainly hope to be back.

    December 2025
    Helpful
  • Jalena Keane-Lee

    I had such a great time at the Austin Asian American Film Festival! I went by myself and made so many new friends. The hotel was also conveniently right across from the movie theater which made it really easy to get around. The team was so sweet and welcoming and it was a wonderful experience.

    November 2025
    Helpful
  • Clara Chan

    Very well-organized festival with great social events. The film selections are wonderful and the snacks are great! Got to meet a lot of filmmakers in intimate settings. Organizers are very responsive to all my questions. I highly recommend it!

    July 2025
    Helpful