Guide to the 20th Annual Austin Film Festival, Starting This Week

October is upon us! Fall is in the air and maybe, just maybe, you can comfortably wear a jacket at night. Most of the world looks forward to the end of October because of Halloween. But in Austin, many of us look forward to the Austin Film Festival!

The Austin Film Festival is an annual film festival and conference that occurs at the end of October at different theaters and venues in downtown Austin. Currently in its 20th year, the event specializes in being the festival for screenwriters. Not only does Austin Film Festival feature many different films from around the world, it also hosts extremely memorable panels, as well as pitch competitions. So if you’re a budding screenwriter (like me) or if you happen to have that one script hiding under your seat, this is the festival to go to.

If you’re not a film maker, nor are you interested in the eight days of panels and workshops, you can still have a lot of fun during the eight days of films and parties. Among the many screenings and premieres, some of the more notable films are 12 Years a Slave, All Cheerleaders Die, Girl on a Bicycle, I’m Dating You Not, Waking, and NSFW.

The cast and crew will be at some screenings, and it’s not uncommon for them to do a Q&A after their film plays. Staying after the film and participating in Q&As is usually what makes attending a festival and screening worth it. You might even be able to see the film makers outside of the theater and talk to him or her one-on-one.

For badge holders, there are many parties and events to attend. The evening before the festival is the Film and Food Party at the Driskill Hotel, with cocktails by Twin Liquors. Most excitingly, the honorary chair for that party is Shane Black, the writer and director of films like Iron Man 3 and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.

For Breaking Bad fans who are still having withdrawal after the show’s finale, Vince Gilligan’s next script, 2 Face, will have a live script reading by none other than Will Ferrell, Thomas Haden Church, Linda Cardellini, and Looper director Rian Johnson. Lastly, Susan Sarandon will be at the festival, as she is receiving the 2013 Actor Award at the Awards Luncheon held at the Austin Club.

You can go to these awesome events, depending on which badge you purchase. There are different levels of badges that get you into different events, including the Producer badge that gets you into all events. However, if you just want to go for films without the events, you can purchase a Film Pass for as low as $65.

For more information, including badge purchasing and schedule, go to the Austin Film Festival’s website.

 

@OhNoRobertLuke asks:

Are you making an appearance at this year’s Austin Film Festival?

 

Robert is a film maker, born and brewed in Austin, TX. His favorite musician is Johnny Cash and he can frequently be found hiding at Alamo Drafthouse, Pinballz, or one of the many dive bars in East Austin.

 

All photos copyrighted Austin Film Festival, provided courtesy of Celina Guerrero.