Summer is one of the best seasons to be in Austin if you are a film lover. From June through August cinephiles can enjoy a number of high-profile film and television festivals that bring some of most talented voices in visual storytelling to Austin. Each festival offers a unique selection of works highlighting diverse backgrounds, talents, cultures and cinematic niches. Whether you are watching from the comfort of home or in front of a drive-in or movie theater screen, these Austin TV and film festivals have something for everyone. Check out the links below for information on badges and schedules for each event:
June Festivals
June 2-5, 2022
ATX TV Fest
The 11th Season of ATX TV Fest is back in-person (plus a virtual component) with showcases of TV’s past, current, and upcoming series through screening Q&As and panel discussions. Programming ranges from reunions - Scrubs, Justified and Parenthood - to current series with premiere new content. Lesli Linka Glatter will also be honored with this year’s “Award in Television eXcellence,” for her amazing body of work, including HBO's upcoming Austin-made Love and Death.
June 10-12 & 20, 2022
48 Hour Film Fest
The Austin branch of the 48 Hour Film Project brings together filmmakers from all over the region to compete to see who can make the best short film in under 48 hours. Teams of filmmakers have a single weekend (June 10-12) to write, shoot and edit their short films, following a few select challenges. All completed entries will be unveiled the next week, with premiere screenings on June 20. The competition and virtual screenings are open to all.
June 8-12, 2022
Cine Las Americas
The 24th annual Cine Las Americas International Film Festival (CLAIFF24) will take place June 8-12 showcasing the best new Latino & Latina, Latin American & Indigenous films in-person, on the big screen at both the AFS Cinema and the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center. Don't miss double South by Southwest award winner What We Leave Behind, Iliana Soza's moving documentary about her grandfather and his life across the border.
June 23-26, 2022
Austin Asian American Film Festival
The Austin Asian American Film Festival (AAAFF) returns with in-person at the AFS Cinema with screenings of the best new Asian and Asian American cinema! This year, AAAFF will screen 11 feature films (6 Narrative, 5 Documentary), and 16 short films. Headliners include Tom Huang’s comedy Dealing With Dad, which will open the film festival, So Yun Um’s Liquor Store Dreams, which is the Spotlight selection, and Kurdwin Ayub’s Sonne, which will close the film festival.
July Festivals
July 1-3, 2022
RTX Austin
While this festival isn't solely about film, it is a fantastic celebration of podcasting, gaming and animation. RTX returns to the Austin Convention Center with a weekend full of fun! Meet your favorite personalities, watch special animated screenings, hear from top-tier panels and browse the trade show floor to find new products and features from other fans of gaming, animation, and internet culture.
August Festivals
August 24-28, 2022
aGliff (All Genders Lifestyles & Identities) Film Festival
Austin's premier LGBTQ+ film festival creates positive and visible film programs relevant to the lives of LGBTQIA+ identified people and helps to educate the community about LGBTQIA+ issues. The 35th annual festival pays tribute to LGBTQ+ history and also recognizes how the LGBTQ+ experience has changed.
It’s going to be a busy summer in Austin for film fans. Keep an eye on our event calendar for more film and movie events and screenings throughout the season. If that’s not enough, don’t miss out on the always amazing Paramount Summer Classic Film Series, coming up on 50 years of bringing your favorite films back to the big screen!
