Austin is known for many film festivals year round. Cinephiles and industry professionals flock to the city and pack out venues to experience movie magic on the big screen. Between March and August, cinephiles can partake in several renowned film and television festivals that attract some of the most skilled storytellers in the visual medium to the city. Each festival showcases a distinct array of works, celebrating diverse backgrounds, talents, cultures, and cinematic genres. Here are just a few festivals to get excited for this season!

Chris Pine on the SXSW red carpet before the Dungeons and Dragons Premiere.SXSW. Credit Adam Kissick.

March Festivals

March 8 - 16, 2024
South By Southwest
Attracting numerous attendees to Austin every March, SXSW stands as a global flagship event highlighting music, film, and interactive media. Scheduled for March 8-16, 2024, this internationally acclaimed gathering is set to deliver a comprehensive experience featuring live panels, special events, cinema, and more.

April Festivals

April 1 - 30, 2024
Austin Lift-Off Film Festival
Austin is surely one of the best cities in the country for filmmakers. That is why the Lift-Off Film Festival chose Austin as a premiere destination for the rotating film festival which travels all over the world. The festival also provides a free service where they take filmmakers' work to the major film markets; American Film Market, Cannes Film Festival, European Film Market, and more, with the aim of putting your film in front of producers. 

Viewers watch film panel at Indie Meme Film Festival in Austin TexasCourtesy of Indie Meme.

April 17 - 21, 2024
Indie Meme Film Festival
Enter the dynamic realm of South Asian independent cinema in Austin, Texas, through Indie Meme. Formed in 2013, Indie Meme LLC originated from a deep love for storytelling through film and a goal to bring impactful independent films from South Asia to a broader audience in the United States. 

May Festivals

May 15 - 19, 2024
Cine Las Americas International Film Festival
The 26th edition of the Cine Las Americas International Film Festival is scheduled for May 15-19, 2024. It will present the finest new Latino & Latina, Latin American & Indigenous films in a live setting on the big screen at the AFS Cinema. Films from Spain and Portugal are also included, enhancing a truly Pan-American cinematic experience.

Image of Minx cast on stage being interviewed at the ATX TV Festival.ATX TV Fest. Credit Jack Plunkett.

May 30 - June 2, 2024
ATX TV Fest
The ATX TV Fest's 13th Season returns with both a packed lineup featuring screenings, Q&As, and panel discussions showcasing past, present, and future TV series. Catch conversations with Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor), Aaron Korsh (creator of Suits) and cast of Suits retrospective, and more.

May 30 - June 2, 2024
Hill Country Film Festival
The inception of HCFF occurred with a call bridging Los Angeles to Texas, involving ten individuals with familial ties to Fredericksburg, and the unconventional concept of initiating a film festival. Since the initial event showcasing 46 films across two days in 2010, the fest has surpassed doubling the film count and experienced remarkable growth in hosted events and community influence through the Hill Country Film Society.

June Festivals

June 7 - 9, 2024
48 Hour Film Project - Austin 
The 48 Hour Film Project in Austin assembles filmmakers from the entire region, challenging them to create the most impressive short film within a tight 48-hour timeframe. Teams of filmmakers must navigate a single weekend (June 7-9) to conceptualize, shoot, and edit their short films, incorporating specific challenges provided. This inclusive competition welcomes participants of all backgrounds.

People standing in front of large movie posters at the Austin Asian American Film Festival.AAAFF. Credit to Kelly Zhu.

June 26 - 30, 2024
Austin Asian American Film Festival 
The AFS Cinema welcomes back the Austin Asian American Film Festival (AAAFF) for a showcase of the finest new Asian and Asian American cinema. With an annual presentation of 20+ feature films and short films, AAAFF remains dedicated to championing Asian and Asian American narratives through media arts. 

August Festivals

August 21 - 25, 2024
All Genders Lifestyles and Identities Film Festival
The All Genders, Lifestyles and Identities Film Festival (aGLIFF) presents for the Austin community depicting a myriad of issues across cultures, race, immigration status, class, gender identity and expression, age, and religion. 

August 10, 2024
Austin Action Film Festival and Market
Welcome to the Austin Action Fest—a unique blend of a film festival, Film Market, live-action event, and video game tournament all rolled into one! The fest embraces a diverse range of genres, including General Action, Kung Fu Flicks, Shooters, Thrillers, and Horror Films.

These next few months in Austin are going to be full of movie-going experiences (and popcorn). So keep an eye out on our event calendar, follow us on Instagram, and enjoy all the movie screenings this summer has to offer!