Faces of Austin is an annual program showcasing short films by local filmmakers, reflecting the diverse faces, voices, and experiences of our City.
Each year, the films selected for Faces of Austin will have a premiere screening during the SXSW Film Festival in March as part of a Community Screening event. The films will also be shown on ATXN, via the City's website, and at special screenings throughout the year. There is a cash honorarium for each selected short film and a prize for the Judge's Choice.
- Call for submissions is now open!
- Deadline for submissions is EXTENDED TO JANUARY 20TH
- Filmmakers are notified mid-February
- Faces of Austin Premier Screening in March
- Payments go out in April
If you are a local film maker interested in applying for the next round of Faces of Austin, please check out the Call for Entries information page and our online application!
Eligibility
- 10 minutes maximum length (shorter is better!)
- By an Austin-area filmmaker
- Original non-fiction or fiction work no older than 3-years old
- Filmed in Austin or highlights Austin-area topics or organizations
- Does not violate copyright law by using copy written work, including music, without permission
- Does not solicit funds or a particular political call to action
- Must be appropriate to show in a public setting to an audience of all ages
- May not be also selected by SXSW as part of its other Short Film Exhibitions
- Applicants must be 18 and older
- Applications from filmmakers with diverse cultural backgrounds are encouraged
- Preference will be given to filmmakers who have not been selected in previous years
Selection
A selection panel comprising project advisors, media experts, and City staff will review each filmmaker’s work and associated materials submitted by the project deadline. The City of Austin reserves the right to disqualify materials deemed offensive or inappropriate to show in a public setting. The "Judge's Choice" will be selected from among the selection panel's top 5 rated submissions.
Films will be scored based on: Strength of Story, Highlighting Austin-area topics, and Quality of Production.
If selected for Faces of Austin, an HD digital version of the film will need to be submitted. Staff will coordinate with all selected filmmakers.
Please note, City of Austin employees in the Economic Development Department and Communications & Public Information Office are not eligible to submit an entry.
Past Faces of Austin Selections
View selections from past years