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 1-4, 2023
ATX TV Fest
The 12th 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 to current series with premiere new content. James Burrows will also be honored with this year’s “Award in Television eXcellence,” for his amazing body of work, including the beloved series Cheers.
June 9-11 & 20, 2023
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 7-11, 2023
Cine Las Americas
The 25th annual Cine Las Americas International Film Festival (CLAIFF25) will take place June 7-11 showcasing the best new Latino & Latina, Latin American & Indigenous films in-person, on the big screen at both the AFS Cinema. Don't miss new releases, narratives, documentaries, music videos, “Emergencia” youth films and a special features that were made in Texas.
June 21-25, 2023
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! Each year, AAAFF screens 20+ feature films and short films. Past 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.
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
2023 Dates To Be Announced
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 36th annual festival will pay 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!
