Austin Film Festival to Begin 33rd Annual Edition
Screenings and writer panels begin October 29 at venues across the city.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Food and Drink
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The Austin Film Festival begins its 33rd annual edition on October 29, 2026, bringing an influx of film screenings, writers conference panels, and industry professionals to the city. Local residents can expect a busy week of cinema and creative workshops held at venues across town through November 5.
Why it matters
The festival remains a central event for local writers and film enthusiasts, offering a rare opportunity to connect with industry experts through its long-running screenplay competition. It serves as a major hub for emerging talent to showcase their work in the heart of the city.
This 33rd annual festival cycle processes approximately 12,500 screenplay competition submissions and hosts 200 panels, figures consistent with its status as a premier writers conference.
The players
Austin Film Festival
A long-running organization dedicated to fostering the work of screenwriters and filmmakers through annual conferences and competitions.
Sally Field
An acclaimed actor who will participate in a live reading of an unproduced screenplay during the festival.
The details
Events will be hosted at the Bullock Museum, the State Theatre, Galaxy Theatres, and across various University of Texas campus venues. Programming highlights include the opening film The Debut, the centerpiece selection Behemoth!, and a special live reading featuring Sally Field. The schedule is designed to bridge the gap between amateur writers and established industry professionals.
Timeline
The Austin Film Festival begins on October 29, 2026.
The festival concludes on November 5, 2026.
The Texas Context
The 2026 festival marks a continuation of the event's decades-long role as a primary gateway for screenwriters to break into the film industry. This anniversary builds on the festival's established history as a cornerstone of the local arts calendar.
Residents should anticipate increased foot traffic and potential parking challenges around the Bullock Museum and the University of Texas campus during festival screenings. Film fans can purchase tickets and view the full programming calendar online starting now.
The takeaway
The 33rd annual festival offers an accessible look at emerging cinema and high-profile industry work. Keep an eye on the event schedule for updates on specific screening times at the State Theatre and other local venues.
Further reading
Find more local cultural programming in the Food and Drink section of our site.
More information
View the complete Austin Film Festival schedule and tickets on their official website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KEYE.
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