Events /
October 23-30, 2025

2025 Austin Film Festival & Writers Conference

By KMFA 89.5, Staff Submission.

About

AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL PRESENTS

2025 AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL & WRITERS CONFERENCE

Oct 23-30, 2025 | Various Venues

Austin Film Festival & Writers Conference

October 23–30, 2025 | Downtown Austin, Texas

FILM LINE UP

BADGES, PASSES & TICKETS

The Heart of Storytelling

The Austin Film Festival & Writers Conference (AFF) is unlike any other film event in the nation — a celebration dedicated to the art, craft, and business of storytelling. Each October, we bring together the creative minds who shape the very inception of film and television projects — the writers, producers, executives, and visionaries who decide which stories get told and where they are made.

With Texas’ newly expanded film incentive program, AFF 2025 serves as a powerful showcase of the state’s competitive and welcoming environment for content creators and production companies. The Festival’s presence continues to solidify Austin’s reputation as a creative capital — the birthplace of bold ideas and unforgettable stories.

Where Careers Begin

Home to the largest Screenplay Competition in the world, AFF has become a launching pad for emerging talent. Winning or placing in the competition isn’t just an accolade — it’s a career-defining moment. Countless filmmakers and writers have found agents, signed development deals, and seen their projects greenlit thanks to connections made through AFF.

Festival & Conference Overview

Eight days. Over 180 films. Four days of inspiring panels and workshops. Dozens of networking events, parties, and unforgettable moments — all from the heart of downtown Austin.
Festival venues typically include the Paramount Theatre, State Theatre, Rollins Theatre at the Long Center, Galaxy Theatres, and The Hideout Theatre (venues subject to change).
Conference panels are hosted at the Omni Hotel, Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta, St. David’s Episcopal Church, and Central Presbyterian Church.

Badges & Passes

Experience AFF your way with one of our Badges or Passes:

  • Producers Badge – Full access to everything: panels, films, parties, and front-of-line entry.

  • Conference Badge – Admission to all panels, unlimited film screenings, and select parties including the Pitch Finale and Heart of Film Conference Parties.

  • Weekend Badge – Two days of panels (Sat–Sun), film access, and select parties.

  • Lone Star Badge – Saturday panels, all films, and the Pitch Party.

  • Film Pass – Priority access to more than 180 films across eight days.

  • Individual film tickets are available at the box office 20 minutes prior to the screening time.

Click here to purchase your Badge or Pass

Registration & Information

Omni Austin Hotel Downtown – Bridge Ballroom
700 San Jacinto Street, Austin, TX 78701

Registration Hours:

  • Wed, Oct 22: 12 PM – 11 PM

  • Thu, Oct 23: 8 AM – 11 PM

  • Fri, Oct 24: 8 AM – 11 PM

  • Sat, Oct 25: 8 AM – 9 PM

  • Sun, Oct 26: 8 AM – 4 PM

Tech Center (221 E. 9th St.)

  • Mon, Oct 27 – Wed, Oct 29: 12 PM – 6 PM

  • Thu, Oct 30: 12 PM – 6 PM

Roundtable Registration

Omni Austin Hotel Downtown – Bridge Ballroom

  • Wed, Oct 22: 12 PM – 5 PM

  • Thu, Oct 23: 8:30 AM – 5 PM

  • Fri, Oct 24: 8:30 AM – 5 PM

  • Sat, Oct 25: 8:30 AM – 3 PM

Roundtable sessions take place at St. David’s Episcopal Church (301 E. 8th St., Crail Hall & Sumners Hall).

See the full schedule at austinfilmfestival.com.

Transportation

Complimentary shuttles will depart from the east side of the Omni Austin Hotel (San Jacinto St.) for select events:

  • Film Texas BBQ Supper – Fri, Oct 24, 4:45–6:45 PM at Troublemaker Studios (depart 4:30 PM)

  • Art, Craft & Business of Film & TV Roundtable – Sat, Oct 25, 3:00 PM at Huston-Tillotson University (depart 2:30 PM)

  • First Three Pages Reading – Sat, Oct 25, 4:15 PM at Huston-Tillotson University (depart 3:45 PM)

Parking

Downtown Austin offers multiple parking garages and metered spaces. Meters operate:

  • Mon–Wed: 8 AM–6 PM

  • Thu–Fri: 8 AM–Midnight

  • Sat: 11 AM–Midnight

Unless otherwise posted, metered parking has a three-hour limit.

Event Details

Ticket Information

  • Cost: $85 and up

Presenter Details

  • Name: Austin Film Festival

    • Austin Film Festival furthers the art and craft of storytelling by inspiring and championing the work of writers, filmmakers, and all artists who use written and visual language to tell a story.

    Since our inception in 1994, we have used our mission – to further the art and craft of storytelling by inspiring and championing the work of writers, filmmakers, and all artists who use written and visual language to tell a story – as the guiding principle throughout our history and growth. We were the first organization of its kind to focus on the writer’s contribution to film and television, and we pursued this focus with the intention of creating not only a community for writers to engage with one another, but to build a bridge from craft to career.  We have been lucky enough to build a family of storytellers from multiple mediums, who come together in both a pursuit and celebration of story.

    Currently in our 32nd year, we are best known for our annual Film Festival and Writers Conference held each October in Austin, Texas. This event plays host to the largest screenwriters conference in the world, featuring over 200 panelists and panels that, along with film and television, now also explore storytelling mediums such as plays, podcasts, and digital series. Partnered with a film program that has welcomed artists on the frontlines of shaping culture, we are proud not only of our festival’s ability to celebrate story at such a scale, but the opportunities it provides for story development and career advancement.