🎬 SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN — CELEBRATING 15 YEARS OF TRUE, BLUE COLLAR INDIE FILM!

We’re ringing in our 15th year, and we're pulling out the stops!! If you’ve never submitted before, now’s your chance to join one of the most filmmaker-loved festivals in the world.

Named one of MovieMaker Magazine’s
🎥 Top Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee (2018)
⭐ Consistently one of the Best Reviewed Festivals on FilmFreeway

Read about us in MovieMaker Magazine:
👉 Austin Revolution Film Festival feature

ABOUT ARFF

Founded by filmmakers who wanted a real alternative to the Hollywood “indie” machine, Austin Revolution Film Festival champions blue-collar filmmakers—the working artists, self-funders, and storytellers grinding to get their visions seen.

We built ARFF to celebrate authentic voices, bold stories, and the passion that drives independent creators. We screen in Austin’s coolest venues, create meaningful networking opportunities, and keep filmmakers front and center at every step.

WHAT WE CELEBRATE

Features, Shorts, Web Series, and Music Videos

Feature & Short Screenplays

🏆 Awards: Authentic Texas-style rodeo belt buckle trophies—a symbol of indie grit and Austin pride.

WHY FILMMAKERS LOVE US

ARFF has built a true community: repeat submissions, sold-out screenings, and loyal sponsors like Underdogs.com, Final Draft, InkTip, and Ambassador Global Group.

We connect filmmakers, audiences, and industry pros in one creative, welcoming space. No egos. No red-carpet gatekeeping. Just storytelling that matters.

📩 Questions? Reach us anytime: info@austinrevolution.com

PRAISE FROM FILMMAKERS

“Undoubtedly one of the best true independent film festivals in the world. The CANNES of indie film.”
— Jason Tostevin, A WAY OUT, Nightmares Film Festival

“ARFF is a funky jewel of a festival.”
— Skye Borgman, ABDUCTED IN PLAIN SIGHT

“You’re building a real community that cares about filmmakers.”
— Meagan Flynn Mesmer, THE ETIQUETTE OF IMPOTENCE

“If you’re serious about making a mark on the indie scene, submit to ARFF.”
— Tommy Faircloth, DORCHESTER’S REVENGE, FAMILY POSSESSIONS

“One of the most satisfying festival experiences of my career.”
— Mike Donis, PETE WINNING & THE PIRATES

“Restored my faith in film festivals.”
— Bianca Jamotte LeRoux

We give a variety of awards, including out iconic belt buckle, in all areas of indie filmmaking. See our website for previous winners.

All films must be the original work of the filmmakers and all filmmakers must have the necessary rights.

Films must not have distribution. VOD or your film being readily available to stream may affect your status. Central Texas (Waco, Austin, San Antonio) premiere required. (Music videos and Web Series may be available online.)

The Austin Revolution Film Festival reserves the right to change our programming without notice.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Austin Revolution was so fun. It's the kind of festival that has that true indie spirit in the all of the best ways. So glad I was able to attend and honored that my script was a nominee.

    March 2026
  • Carolina Garrigo

    Everyone there is so kind and passionate about making movies. Excellent communication from the organizers as well. Had a wonderful time!

    March 2026
  • Dan Stearns

    Great folks and excellent communication! So glad I could share my web series MY ROBOT ROOMMATE with them.

    February 2026
  • Michelle Mower

    I've attended this festival for many years. This may have been my favorite year of all.

    February 2026
  • Dave Orvis

    I've never attended this festival (due to distance). I've entered several scripts in this competition over the years and never "won", certainly because there are better writers than I. But ARFF stands out stands out above the rest offering the BEST COMMUNICATION of ANY festival I've EVER run across!! Cudos.

    February 2026