Austin Film Festival

"I haven't been to that many festivals. I go to a couple of big ones that serve as film markets around the world. This one [Austin Film Festival] is really about creativity, about trying to help people find their voice. You sense it. There's a spirit of camaraderie that's palpable. And it's fun."
- Ron Howard, 2009 Extraordinary Contribution to Filmmaking Award Recipient  

When the Austin Film Festival & Conference launched in 1993, we were the first Conference to celebrate the importance of narrative storytelling in film and the screenwriters contributions to film & television. Seventeen years later, you can't throw a stick without hitting a film festival or writers conference. So, what makes the AFF & Conference different from all the rest? 

“Thanks to this wonderful festival, once a year we shy reclusive writers emerge from behind our computers and we get to hang out with our peers, to swap stories, compare scars, and remind and inspire ourselves why it is we do what we do... and hopefully learn to do it even better."

“Most film festivals are to show the end result, to display the films that filmmakers have made: while this festival also does do that, the heart of its mission is to show how to make films... and why.  And that is something unique and rare.  I know a number of writers who owe their careers to the advice, inspiration, and contacts made during this festival: what other festival can say that?” 
- Tim McCanlies, director Alabama Moon, writer Secondhand Lions, The Iron Giant 

Whether our panelists are helping you to find new inspiration, perfect your pitch, strengthen your scripts' dialogue, advise you on how to break into TV, find an agent, finance your documentary, direct your script, option a magazine article, adapt that same article, learn about new filmmaking and editing technology, advise you on how to make the most out of your 2-minute elevator ride with a CAA agent, or just sharing different approaches to tackling the blank screen, they'll be providing you with the necessary tools you'll need to best present your work and yourself to the industry. 

"A writer's film festival, that may be the best idea ever. It's magical. It's the best film festival in the world."
- Lawrence Kasdan, 2001 Distinguished Screenwriter Award Recipient

The Conference consists of more than 80 interactive panels over the course of 4 days, (October 21 – 24, 2010) located in the Driskill Hotel and Stephen F. Austin Intercontinental in downtown Austin.  The Conference programs an array of panels on the art, craft and business of screenwriting and filmmaking: writing and developing for TV, the art of the pitch and breaking into the industry, a series of discussions on writing for specific genres, directing your own scripts, optioning and adapting material to film, documentary filmmaking, independent film financing, production, post-production, editing and marketing and PR, and much, much more. 

"The Austin Film Festival is a downright, forthright celebration of the creative spirit... Genuine and demonstrative in its efforts to support screen and television writing, the Austin Film Festival is kind of a blessing."
- Richard LaGravenese, 2002 Distinguished Screenwriter Award Recipient 

Offering registrants incredible and unparalleled access to professional screenwriters, filmmakers and high-level industry executives, the Austin Film Festival and Conference has welcomed such notable guests as Ron Howard, Steven Zaillian, Mitchell Hurwitz, Danny Boyle, Oliver Stone, John August, Susannah Grant, Shane Black, Damon Lindelof, Kirsten Smith and Karen McCullah Lutz, Paul Feig, David Hayter, Owen and Luke Wilson, Joel and Ethan Coen, Wes Anderson, Richard Linklater, Mike Judge, Sandra Bullock, Russell Crowe, Bryan Singer, Roberto Orci, Robert Altman, Barry Levinson, Garry Shandling, Buck Henry, Judd Apatow, Mike Judge, Robert Duvall, James Franco, Jason Schwartzman, Matthew McConaughey, Jeff Daniels, Darren Star, Mary Stuart Masterson, Claire Danes, Eric Stoltz, Sam Elliott, to name just a few.  

“The most significant, uplifting film festival encouraging good storytelling with films that make two hours in the dark of a theatre worth the time.”
- Tom Skerritt, actor Alien, A River Runs Through It, Steel Magnolias, Top Gun 

The AFF will put you in the same room with the people you need to get your screenwriting/filmmaking career off the ground. And through our panels we'll provide you with the tools you need to make sure your work is top-notch. You take it from there.  And when the panels conclude in the evening, panelists and registrants alike hang out together at the parties, screenings, and hotel bars. As our regular attendees know, it's not uncommon to strike up a conversation with Jake Kasdan or Cheryl Hines while standing in line for a premiere screening. Or to talk about writing and directing with Shane Black or John Lee Hancock over drinks at the Driskill Hotel bar. Or to discuss industry obstacles to watch out for with Richard Linklater or Harold Ramis at the Film Texas BBQ.  

Austin is a casual and laid-back city and the AFF and Conference follow suit.  Just a bunch of filmmakers and writers - of all levels - gathered to talk about the art and business of storytelling through film. 

“Truth is, I keep coming back, because the Conference nurtures an intimacy and accessibility amongst its guests that is truly unique and endearing. Between the early morning panels and the late-night drinking, there is much to be learned and even more to be enjoyed.”
- Warren Etheredge, The Warren Report

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Register now for the 2010 Conference and Festival! 

Call 1-800-310-FEST (3378) to order your Conference or Producer Badge today! 

Producers Badge only $495 (normally $650)
Conference Badge only $225 (normally $350)

*Discount ends December 31, 2009.

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Click here for the full list of 2009 panelists.

Click here for the full 2009 panel schedule.  

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