The Austin Film Festival 2024: A Celebration of Storytelling in the Heart of Texas
As Austin, Texas settled nicely into autumn weather, the city hosted one of the most anticipated events for filmmakers, screenwriters, and film lovers alike: the Austin Film Festival (AFF). This year, the festival ran from October 24 through October 31, and delivered an exciting mix of films, panels and networking opportunities.
A History of Storytelling
The phrase “Keep Austin Weird” has been long synonymous with the city of Austin, marking the city a focal point of the United States for Artists and Musicians. Since its founding in 1994, the Austin Film Festival has earned a reputation as a key destination for writers and filmmakers alike. AFF, distinct from larger festivals like Cannes, aims to showcase unrecognized and emerging filmmakers who tell abnormal yet important stories, especially in the Texas area. Many of the films screened at AFF did not receive studio funding during production. However, oftentimes the festival results in films being picked up and backed by studios and distributors. Unlike other festivals that focus on more glamorized aspects of the film industry, AFF has always maintained a core focus on film and the auteurs behind them. Through screenwriting, directing and producing, the festival has stayed true to its mission of honoring and furthering the art of storytelling. In addition to the festival’s down-to-earth approach, what really sets AFF apart is its commitment to screenwriters. AFF’s tagline, “The World’s Premiere Screenwriting Festival,” is testament to its deep dedication to the craft of writing, offering a vital platform for screenwriters to showcase their work and interact with industry leaders. In this way, the festival attracts not only filmmakers but also writers, agents, managers and production companies looking to discover fresh voices.
AFF Results
AFF holds competitions for subset categories of screenplays and teleplays, such as Best Sci-Fi Feature, Drama Feature, and Comedy Teleplay Pilot. The winners are elected by a panel of judges and audience members. Some categories, like Documentary Short, qualify for consideration of an Academy Award. This year, notable winners included Ronald D. Moore for Outstanding Television Writing, Rachel Kondo for New Voice Award, and Robin Swicord for the Screenwriters award. This year in total, the AFF screened over 180 films. Highlights included “The Brutalist” with Adrien Brody, “Ravens,” about the Japanese photographer Masahisa Fukase, and “Maria,” starring Angelina Jolie. Not mentioned were hundreds of smaller films that were able to gain funding and/or popularity on behalf of the festival.
Workshops & Panels
The conference portion of AFF 2024 covered an extensive lineup of workshops and panels, featuring some of the industry’s most renowned screenwriters, directors, and producers. These events are designed to provide an exploration into the various aspects of filmmaking and storytelling. From structuring a screenplay to navigating the complex world of film financing, AFF had it all. Notable speakers included Justin Marks, writer on “Top Gun Maverick,” and Kathleen Kennedy, producer on “The Force Awakens,” the highest-grossing domestic feature of all time. These panels are an incredible opportunity to learn from people who have shaped the film and television industries. When speaking about the panels at AFF, American screenwriter Pamela Ribon says, “It will inspire you, challenge you, exhaust you and, depending on the panelist, possibly infuriate you.” Each year, attendees walk away from AFF’s panels with new perspectives on and insights into not only the film industry, but the creative sphere as a whole.
The Legacy of AFF
AFF is on the cutting edge of independent film, which often explores unusual and necessary stories. It is without a doubt that the festival will continue to be a major force in shaping the future of storytelling and voicing the importance of atypical stories that push the boundaries of the medium. For both seasoned professionals and emerging creators, Austin Film Festival remains a must-attend event.