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)