The Austin Film Festival is dedicated to championing the work of aspiring and established filmmakers, defined as screenwriters, directors, editors, producers, actors and all those artists who use the language of film to tell a story. The AFF furthers the art, craft and business of filmmaking by providing unique cultural events and services, enhancing public awareness and participation, and encouraging dynamic and long-lasting community partnerships.

The Austin Film Festival is a not for profit 501c3 corporation.

Young Filmmakers Competition

General Rules 

Shorts can be submitted in the following categories: Narrative, Documentary or Animation.

 

Films must be submitted on ½” VHS tape or DVD – NTSC or PAL (please test before sending) and be available for screening on miniDV (NTSC only for festival screening).

 

Films must have been completed after April 8, 2008. Films must be available for screening during the Austin Film Festival, October 22-29, 2009.  Selection for screening will be determined no later than one month prior to the festival.

 

Films should be 39 minutes or less (recommended length, may be longer).
Open only to students ages 13-18 (must include proof of enrollment from your school).

 

Films will be judged based on narrative strength, strong characters and filmmaking skill.

 

Postmark deadline: August 1, 2009

 

The winning filmmaker will be notified prior to the festival, and will receive:

  • two (2) all-access Producer's Badges to the 2009 Austin Film Festival (for the filmmaker and a legal guardian*),
  • two (2) tickets to the AFF Awards Luncheon (October 24, 2009),
  • an AFF Bronze Typewriter Award,
  • reimbursement up to $350 each for two (2) roundtrip airline tickets and
  • two (2) night’s accommodations in one of AFF’s sponsor hotels.

 

*Admittance to all Austin Film Festival parties will only be allowed with the winning filmmaker's legal guardian also in attendance. No underage drinking will be tolerated.

 

Questions about the competition? 

Please call 1-800-310-3378 or e-mail davidgil@austinfilmfestival.com.