Austin Film Society

About Austin Film Society

The Austin Film Society (AFS) is dedicated to empowering the community to MAKE, WATCH, and LOVE film and creative media. Founded in 1985 by filmmaker Richard Linklater, AFS has become a cornerstone of the Austin and Texas film community, creating life-changing opportunities for filmmakers and cultivating the region as a thriving creative hub. AFS brings the community together through a shared love of film while providing resources, support, and a platform for both established and emerging filmmakers.

Supporting Filmmakers and Creative Growth

At AFS, we aim to support filmmakers in making significant career leaps by offering grants, professional development programs, and a variety of support services. We believe in nurturing exceptional artistic projects that can have a lasting impact on the film industry. AFS operates Austin Studios, a 20-acre production facility that attracts and helps grow the creative media ecosystem in Texas. This facility is a key resource for filmmakers, providing the infrastructure needed to bring creative projects to life.

Austin Public: A Space for Collaboration

Austin Public serves as a collaborative space where diverse media makers from Austin can train, collaborate, and share ideas. It offers several access points to filmmaking, training, and career opportunities in the industry, ensuring that individuals from all walks of life have the chance to pursue their creative dreams. AFS encourages learning, growth, and development within this community, further bolstering the growth of the local and state film industries.

The AFS Cinema: Engaging the Community

The AFS Cinema is a key aspect of the organization, featuring an ambitiously programmed repertory and first-run arthouse cinema. It engages the community by showcasing a wide variety of films, hosting premieres, and offering local and international industry events. Additionally, AFS hosts the Texas Film Awards, a prestigious event that brings national attention to Texas filmmakers. By shining a spotlight on the Texas film community, AFS plays a vital role in connecting Austin and Texas to the broader global film industry.

AFS as a Non-Profit Organization

The Austin Film Society is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our status allows us to continue our mission of supporting filmmakers and building a creative media ecosystem that benefits the entire community. We are deeply committed to making art accessible and ensuring that the transformative power of film continues to inspire and drive innovation.

Mission

The Austin Film Society empowers the community to MAKE, WATCH, and LOVE film and creative media, fostering a thriving ecosystem for filmmakers and audiences alike.

Vision

We envision a culture where art and industry collaborate to drive innovation, creativity, and economic opportunity. Our goal is to create a more equitable, artistic, and prosperous world by supporting the realization of cinema as an unparalleled form of expression and a powerful medium for exchange. We believe that equitable practices will address historic and systemic injustices, making art, self-expression, and career advancement in moving image media accessible to all.

Values

Artistic Expression

We believe that artists are the leading edge of culture. We honor the diversity of cinematic art across cultures and communities and celebrate the beauty of cinematic truth in our programming. Cinema, in all of its artistic forms, is the foundation of our work.

Community

We embrace a culture of enthusiasm, shared learning, and inclusivity. AFS offers a welcoming environment that fosters engagement and a strong sense of belonging for all members of our community.

Impactful Collaboration

We engage with stakeholders and partners to create mutually beneficial outcomes. Collaboration is key, and we foster an environment of mutual empowerment, accountability, respect, and flexibility in everything we do.

Financial Stewardship

We empower our team to take ownership of financial goals and practice disciplined fiscal management. This allows us to deliver high-quality mission impact while ensuring long-term sustainability for the organization.