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!

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.

But that's not all! 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 the magic of cinema thrives amidst Austin's vibrant culture. Embrace the power of storytelling, connect with kindred spirits in the world of art, and create memories that will last a lifetime. We can't wait to see you at Austin Under the Stars, where dreams come to life on the big screen!

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.
125 Reviews
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  • Sara Gaston

    A friend suggested AUTS and she was correct. Ali was so nice and so encouraging and I was thrilled that my screenplay "Sanchos and Ponchos" won!

    March 2024
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  • J.D. Brookshire

    This was a beautiful festival put on by a sincere, loving, caring team that went out of their way to make me feel welcome in Austin, Texas. The friends and the memories I made here will last a lifetime. Thank you to Ali for all the dedication and hard work he did to create such a beautiful festival. The opportunities to meet other film makers were abundant and I will never forget my time here. I will be back! Thank you! J.D. Brookshire

    November 2023
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  • E H Films

    This was my 2nd time having a film I worked on in this festival and it has really grown into itself the last few years. The programming this year was fantastic and a factor that should be mentioned was the networking. Normally, I have a difficult time making conversation, but the attendees for this festival were a standout.

    November 2023
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  • Rodrigo Moreno-Fernandez

    Great festival! Great Comunication! We will submit again for sure!

    October 2023
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  • Victor Quinton

    It was an HONOR to have our screenplay, “GABE” selected. Looking forward in participating in next year’s Festival with our recently completed film.

    October 2023
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