The Austin Film Festival and Writers Conference has returned for its 32nd year, bringing eight days of screenings, panels and networking events.
AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Film Festival and Writers Conference is back for its 32nd year, bringing hundreds of writers, filmmakers and creative voices to the capital city for eight days of screenings and panels celebrating the craft of storytelling.
The festival runs through Oct. 30 and features 180 films, including world and U.S. premieres, independent projects and studio releases. Alongside the screenings, the Writers Conference hosts more than 150 panels exploring the art, craft and business of storytelling.
Founded in 1993, the Austin Film Festival was created to celebrate and uplift writers, who are the foundation of every film and television project. More than three decades later, it continues to do the same.
“This year, there’s an incredible schedule — everything from comedy to drama and short films, which are some of our favorites,” said Barbara Morgan, executive director of the Austin Film Festival. “People can really come here and learn what it takes to take something from the idea to the creation.”
Festival organizers say this year’s lineup includes major industry talent and titles that are expected to draw attention during awards season. Many projects also come from Texas-based filmmakers and local talent.
One of the films premiering this year is “Forelock,” a dark comedy thriller written and directed by Caleb Alexander Smith. The film follows a fitness enthusiast who moves to Los Angeles to become a personal trainer, only to find himself pulled into a world of celebrity impersonators and crime.
Smith shot the film in Los Angeles and said he’s honored to premiere it in Austin.
“When you come here and make something in a place like this, sometimes, it opens up for you a little bit more,” Smith said. “Austin has a great storytelling culture, and this conference really celebrates that.”
Morgan said Austin continues to grow as a destination for film and television production thanks to creative incentives and strong local support. She said the city’s energy and enthusiasm are essential to sustaining that growth.
The Writers Conference runs from Oct. 23-26, hosting what organizers call the world’s oldest and largest screenwriters conference. Panels will feature prominent industry professionals working across film, television and new media.
“Forelock” star David Krumholtz said this focus makes the festival stand out.
“This festival is like, the writer’s festival. It focuses on stories, storytelling and, you know, I kind of love that as a writer myself, you know. It needs to happen more often.,” he said.
Tickets, badges and passes for the Austin Film Festival are available here.