Austin Film Festival 2026: A Celebration of Film and Storytelling

Austin Film Festival 2026: A Celebration of Film and Storytelling

Austin's fall event calendar is getting another dose of movie magic as the 33rd annual Austin Film Festival & Writers Conference returns October 29–November 5, 2026.

Known for putting writers and storytelling at the center of the experience, the Austin Film Festival (AFF) brings filmmakers, screenwriters, producers, actors, industry professionals, and movie fans together for eight days of screenings and special events. The festival's popular four-day Writers Conference will also return from October 29–November 1, offering an inside look at the creative and professional sides of the entertainment industry.

Whether you're an aspiring screenwriter, a dedicated movie fan, or simply looking for something unique to experience in Austin this fall, here's what to know about AFF 2026.

2026 Film Screenings

One of the biggest draws of the Austin Film Festival is the opportunity to catch new films, including world and Texas premieres, before many of them reach wider audiences.

The 2026 lineup includes a growing collection of feature films, documentaries, shorts, and other projects from established filmmakers and emerging voices.

Among the announced films is Ray Gunn, an animated sci-fi noir directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Brad Bird and co-written by Bird and Matthew Robbins. The film features the voices of Sam Rockwell, Scarlett Johansson, and Tom Waits.

Writer-director Andrew Haigh will also bring A Long Winter to Austin for its Texas premiere. Set in the Colorado Rocky Mountains in 1951, the family drama stars Fred Hechinger, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Caitríona Balfe, Kit Connor, and D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai.

Other announced selections include:

• Chopin – World Premiere
  
  
• Omi – World Premiere
  
  
• Rated – World Premiere
  
  
• Sheepwell – World Premiere
  
  
• The Stalemate – World Premiere
  
  
• Bleeding Hearts – Texas Premiere
  
  
• Behemoth! – Texas Premiere
  
  
• I Play Rocky – Texas Premiere
  
  

AFF has also begun announcing its second wave of programming, adding more films and events to the 2026 schedule. Newly announced world premieres include 109 Billion Followers, A Man of Vision: The Story of Bill Wittliff, and Cedar Bluff, among others.

Additional films and programming are expected as the festival approaches, so visitors should check the official Austin Film Festival website for the latest schedule.

Austin Film Festival Awards & Honorees

AFF isn't only about watching movies. The festival has long focused on recognizing the people behind the stories, particularly screenwriters and filmmakers.

The festival's competitions highlight original work across screenwriting, television, film, documentary, short-film, and other storytelling categories. AFF also recognizes established industry professionals for their contributions to filmmaking and writing.

Several notable 2026 honorees have already been announced.

Brad Bird will receive the Extraordinary Contribution to Filmmaking Award. Bird is widely known for directing films such as The Incredibles, Ratatouille, The Iron Giant, and Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol.

Andrew Haigh will be recognized with the Writer's Writer Award, while playwright and filmmaker Aleshea Harris will receive the New Voice Award.

Producer Nina Jacobson, whose credits include The Hunger Games franchise, will receive the Polly Platt Award for Producing, while The Boys creator and writer Eric Kripke will receive the Outstanding Television Writer Award.

AFF has also announced Academy Award-winning screenwriter Jim Taylor as the recipient of the 2026 Bill Wittliff Award for Screenwriting. Taylor, known for his collaborations with Alexander Payne, is expected to participate in Writers Conference programming, including a Script to Screen discussion of Sideways.

AFF Writers Conference

For writers and anyone interested in what happens before a story reaches the screen, the AFF Writers Conference is one of the highlights of festival week.

Running October 29–November 1, 2026, the four-day conference features panels, workshops, roundtables, pitch sessions, and networking opportunities centered around the art, craft, and business of storytelling.

Topics span screenwriting, television, filmmaking, producing, career development, and navigating the entertainment industry.

The 2026 programming brings together creative professionals connected to projects such as The Boys, The Hunger Games, The Muppets, Toy Story 5, Weapons, and more.

Whether you're working on your first screenplay or simply curious about how movies and television shows are created, the conference provides a rare opportunity to hear directly from professionals working in the industry.

Film & Food

Austin Film Festival is also known for combining the city's love of movies with another Austin favorite: food.

Film & Food traditionally serves as an unofficial kickoff celebration for AFF, bringing together filmmakers, producers, guests, and food lovers for an evening celebrating Austin's culinary scene and creative community.

It's one of several special events surrounding the festival that make AFF about more than sitting in a theater—it's also an opportunity to connect with the people and culture behind the stories.

Where Does Austin Film Festival Take Place?

AFF screenings take place at theaters and venues throughout downtown Austin and the surrounding area, while Writers Conference programming is primarily concentrated in the heart of downtown.

Because many festival activities are located relatively close together, attendees can often walk between downtown venues or use a short rideshare. However, it's smart to leave extra travel time between events, particularly during popular screenings and busy weekend hours.

Venues can vary from year to year, so always check your individual screening or conference schedule before heading out.

Austin Film Festival Tickets & Badges

AFF offers several ways to experience the festival depending on whether you're primarily interested in films, conference programming, or both.

Film passes provide access to a selection of feature films, short-film programs, and filmmaker Q&As, while conference badge options offer access to Writers Conference programming and additional festival experiences.

Individual general admission tickets for select films are expected to become available in October.

Because schedules, speakers, venues, and individual events may change, visit the official Austin Film Festival website for the latest information on:

• 2026 film screenings and showtimes
  
  
• Writers Conference panels
  
  
• Festival badges and film passes
  
  
• Individual film tickets
  
  
• Venues
  
  
• Special events
  
  
• Additional filmmaker and speaker announcements
  
  

Experience Fall in Austin

Austin Film Festival arrives during one of the most exciting times of year to explore the city. Between screenings and conference sessions, visitors can experience Austin's restaurants, live music, outdoor spaces, entertainment districts, and other seasonal events.

For locals, AFF is another reminder of the creative culture that makes Austin such a distinctive place to call home. For visitors, it's an opportunity to experience the city through the lens of filmmaking, storytelling, and the arts.

The 33rd annual Austin Film Festival & Writers Conference runs October 29–November 5, 2026, with the Writers Conference taking place October 29–November 1.

For the latest schedule, passes, films, and announcements, visit AustinFilmFestival.com.