Austin Under the Stars (AUTS) is celebrating ten incredible years of cinematic storytelling in the heart of Texas. Ranked among FilmFreeway’s Top 100 Best-Reviewed Festivals, AUTS has grown into an international celebration of filmmakers, screenwriters, and storytellers from around the world.

Hosted at the legendary AFS Cinema, founded by Richard Linklater, AUTS brings together a global creative family for an unforgettable experience filled with red carpet arrivals, filmmaker and screenwriter Q&A panels, audience choice voting, and a confetti-soaked award ceremony honoring creativity with our signature trophies: Superstar, Wonder Woman, and Keep Austin Weird.

The festival showcases the best in independent cinema and screenwriting, from heartfelt narratives and hilarious comedies to chilling horror, groundbreaking documentaries, and bold, original scripts that push the boundaries of storytelling.

Beyond the screen, AUTS proudly supports the Autism Society of Texas, showing that film and writing can inspire, unite, and make a real difference.

Join us for our 10th Anniversary Edition and experience one of the most exciting, inclusive, and community-driven international film festivals in the world.

Austin Under the Stars honors creativity, craft, and originality through a diverse range of awards.

The Superstar Award is presented to the Judges’ Choice for Best Film. The Wonder Woman Award celebrates exceptional female filmmakers, while the Keep Austin Weird Award recognizes projects that embody Austin’s unique creative spirit. The Audience Choice Award goes to the film that connects most with festivalgoers.

Our custom trophies are hand-crafted to celebrate each filmmaker’s achievement, with categories spanning every corner of storytelling:

Film Awards:
Best Feature
Best Narrative Short
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
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)

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.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jonathan Irwin

    Felt like the whole show was being run by passionate professionals with a heart from beginning to end. Hugely encouraging.

    February 2026
  • Jude Quintiere

    Professional artists , staff and fellow writers.

    November 2025
    Response from festival:

    Thanks so much, Jude! We really appreciate your kind words and are glad you enjoyed your experience. It means a lot to hear from passionate artists and writers like you. Hope to see your next project at AUTS! 🎬✨

  • Tobi Iverson

    Thank you to AUTS for nominating my feature script Wild Woman of the Woods (Aug 2025). The support was meaningful, and since then, the project has gone on to win the Austin Film Festival Pitch Competition and is now being developed as a series. Grateful to be recognized by a festival that truly supports indie creators.

    October 2025
    Response from festival:

    That’s incredible news, Tobi! Huge congrats on your continued success! We’re thrilled to hear Wild Woman of the Woods is thriving and honored that AUTS could play a small part in your journey. Keep creating bold stories! 🌟

  • Costantino Ciminiello

    It's clear why this festival is a Top 100 Reviewed on FilmFreeway!

    AUTS was one of the highlights of our festival run. Ali and the team behind this festival put so much love into this event. Great networking, great people, great films - and hosted at Austin Film Society.

    Can't recommend this one enough!

    October 2025
    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Costantino! That means a lot to us. We put our hearts into making AUTS a meaningful experience for filmmakers, and it’s so rewarding to hear it resonated. Truly honored to have Siren as part of the lineup. We can't wait to see what you create next 🌟🎬

  • Jarrett New

    Love this festival! One of the BEST in Austin! Everyone is friendly and the networking is phenomenal! If you want to meet some of the most creative and talented filmmakers in Texas, definitely check out this AMAZING festival!

    September 2025
    Response from festival:

    Jarrett, thank you so much for the love! We’re thrilled you had a great experience and proud to be part of Austin’s vibrant film community. Your support means the world to us.