Austin Under the Stars: Film Festival

Austin Under the Stars: Film Festival Austin Under the Stars is an international film festival based in Austin, TX.

Welcome to Austin Under the Stars (AUTS), an international film festival that celebrates the art of cinema right here in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas. Immerse yourself in the captivating atmosphere of AUTS, where we believe in making film festivals fun again! Prepare for an unforgettable experience filled with engaging conversations, red carpet photography, Q&A's, and, of course, exceptional

films. Set against the backdrop of the renowned live music capital of the world, AUTS offers a unique blend of entertainment and creativity. As the sun gracefully descends, find your spot beneath the twinkling stars and witness the magic unfold as some of the finest indie films compete for recognition. Following the screening, we will honor the top-rated films with well-deserved awards. Stay with us as we engage in brief and insightful Q&A sessions with the talented award winners. It's the perfect opportunity to discuss their upcoming projects, expand your network, and foster connections within the industry. AUTS promises to be a film festival experience like no other, blending the allure of cinema with the vibrant spirit of Austin. Join us under the stars for an unforgettable celebration of independent filmmaking, where creativity knows no boundaries.

09/04/2026

The Oldest — AUTS 2026 OFFICIAL SELECTION ⭐

Directed by Cathlin McCullough ()

12-year-old Kate longs to escape her lonely reality as the oldest of 5 under the shadow of her father's addiction in this coming-of-age story set in late 80s rural Iowa. "The Oldest" focuses on the inner life of a girl forced to grow up too fast and highlights the gulf of difference between the heaviness of home life and the freedom of just being a kid.

🎬 Narrative Finale
🗓️ Saturday, September 26, 2026
🕗 8:00 PM
📍 AFS Cinema | Austin, Texas

🎟️ Early Bird Tickets are on sale now:
https://filmfreeway.com/austinunderthestars/tickets

★ NARRATIVE SHORT SCREENPLAYS ★ | AUTS 2026 Official SelectionsCongratulations to our Narrative Short Screenplay selecti...
09/04/2026

★ NARRATIVE SHORT SCREENPLAYS ★ | AUTS 2026 Official Selections

Congratulations to our Narrative Short Screenplay selections for Austin Under the Stars 2026.

These writers stood out with memorable characters, focused storytelling, and stories built to make an impact in short form.

We’re honored to recognize their work and celebrate this year’s selected screenwriters in Austin.

📖 Learn more about each selected screenplay and screenwriter at the link in our bio.

✍️ Screenwriter Q&A
Friday, September 25 | 7:00–7:40 PM
AFS Cinema

🎟️ Early Bird Tickets are on sale now:
https://filmfreeway.com/austinunderthestars/tickets

⭐ HORROR SELECTIONS — AUTS 2026 ⭐A deadly dice game. A horror movie being edited on Halloween night. Mysterious seeds th...
09/04/2026

⭐ HORROR SELECTIONS — AUTS 2026 ⭐

A deadly dice game. A horror movie being edited on Halloween night. Mysterious seeds that turn an anniversary apology into something much worse. An empty alternate dimension. A date night that becomes a grotesque bad trip. And a modern-day silent nightmare inspired by The Cure’s “Lullaby.”

🌙 AFTER DARK
🎬 SIDE EFFECTS — Daniel Fika
🎬 Snake Eyes — Costantino Ciminiello
🎬 Rough Cut — Mitchell Vincent Slan
🎬 Lullaby — Drew Schwemer
🎬 Anemoia — Raphael Cosme
🎬 Growth — Ryan Polanco
🎬 A House on the Hill — Matthew S. Alaniz

At AFS Cinema during the 10th Annual Austin Under the Stars, September 25–26.

🎟️ Early-Bird Tickets are on sale now. Link in bio.

09/03/2026

Love, from Ellie | AUTS 2026 Official Selection

Directed by Chantelle James

A precocious 9-year-old girl visits her veteran dad’s memorial on his birthday, dragging along her unhoused uncle as her only chaperone. But when unforeseen circumstances get in the way of her plans, she’s forced to confront the messy truths of grief, family, and what it really means to say goodbye.

🎬 Playing in Narrative Showcase I at AFS Cinema during Austin Under the Stars, September 25–26.

🎟️ Early Bird Tickets are on sale now:
https://filmfreeway.com/austinunderthestars/tickets

★ NARRATIVE FEATURE SCREENPLAYS ★ | AUTS 2026 Official SelectionsCongratulations to our Narrative Feature Screenplay sel...
09/03/2026

★ NARRATIVE FEATURE SCREENPLAYS ★ | AUTS 2026 Official Selections

Congratulations to our Narrative Feature Screenplay selections for Austin Under the Stars 2026.

These screenwriters delivered compelling characters, ambitious storytelling, and feature-length narratives that made an impression on this year’s judging team.

We’re excited to recognize their work and celebrate their storytelling in Austin this September.

📖 Learn more about each selected screenplay and screenwriter at the link in our bio.

✍️ Screenwriter Q&A
Friday, September 25 | 7:00–7:40 PM
AFS Cinema

🎟️ Early Bird Tickets are on sale now:
https://filmfreeway.com/austinunderthestars/tickets

09/02/2026

The Ride | AUTS 2026 Official Selection

Directed by Slava Denisov

A ’76 Plymouth reflects on its journey, witnessing decades of human life, capturing moments of freedom, temptation, and redemption as it changes hands from one owner to the next.

🎬 Playing in Narrative Showcase II at AFS Cinema during Austin Under the Stars, September 25–26.

🎟️ Early Bird Tickets are on sale now:
https://filmfreeway.com/austinunderthestars/tickets

★ GENRE FEATURE SCREENPLAYS ★ | AUTS 2026 Official SelectionsCongratulations to our Genre Feature Screenplay selections ...
09/02/2026

★ GENRE FEATURE SCREENPLAYS ★ | AUTS 2026 Official Selections

Congratulations to our Genre Feature Screenplay selections for Austin Under the Stars 2026.

These writers brought us bold concepts, unforgettable characters, and stories that stood out among this year’s submissions.

We’re proud to recognize their work as part of the 10th Annual Austin Under the Stars Film Festival.

📖 Learn more about each selected screenplay and screenwriter at the link in our bio.

✍️ Screenwriter Q&A
Friday, September 25 | 7:00–7:40 PM
AFS Cinema

🎟️ Early Bird Tickets are on sale now:
https://filmfreeway.com/austinunderthestars/tickets

09/01/2026

BONDING | AUTS 2026 Official Selection

Directed by Victoria Trofimenko

Three estranged siblings reunite at a remote Colorado ranch, where the youngest plans to expose a powerful man—until her brothers’ competing agendas collide with her own. Will family bonds save them—or destroy them?

🎬 Playing as the Opening Night Feature at AFS Cinema during Austin Under the Stars, September 25–26.

🎟️ Early Bird Tickets are on sale now:
https://filmfreeway.com/austinunderthestars/tickets

⭐ DOCUMENTARY SELECTIONS — AUTS 2026 ⭐A trucker and a free-spirit chase legends of buried treasure down the Rio Grande. ...
09/01/2026

⭐ DOCUMENTARY SELECTIONS — AUTS 2026 ⭐

A trucker and a free-spirit chase legends of buried treasure down the Rio Grande. Three Filipina women build a chosen family far from home, finding belonging through shared heritage and community. Two journeys shaped by the people we meet along the way.

🎞️ SHORT FORM + DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE

🎬 Butch & Mandalin: The Search for the Golden Morral — Riley Engemoen
🎬 Filipina Sisters — Annielyn Felux

At AFS Cinema during the 10th Annual Austin Under the Stars, September 25–26.

🎟️ Early-Bird Tickets are on sale now. Link in bio.

⭐ COMEDY SELECTIONS — AUTS 2026 ⭐A kidnapped wife, an ex-best friend and an agent named Dixon Butts. An office party hea...
08/28/2026

⭐ COMEDY SELECTIONS — AUTS 2026 ⭐

A kidnapped wife, an ex-best friend and an agent named Dixon Butts. An office party headed toward disaster. A disgraced NBA trainer trying to survive the deeply superficial world of fitness. A friendship-saving bowl of magic mushroom soup. An unexpected ride with a congressman. Welcome to the...

😂 COMEDY SHOWCASE
🎬 PUMP — Corey Calamis & Craig Calamis
🎬 Oh S**t, Dolly! — Amanda Jones
🎬 Driving Mr. Walker (TV Pilot) — Kevin Iso
🎬 Frank & Beans — Eric Gonzales
🎬 Girl Can't Talk — Nidhi Reddy & Patrick Zimmerman
🎬 Physical Touch — Kendra Baude
🎬 Jamba-Liar — Miriam Pinedo

At AFS Cinema during the 10th Annual Austin Under the Stars, September 25–26.

🎟️ Early-Bird Tickets are on sale now. Link in bio.

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10901 Domain Drive
Austin, TX
78758

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