AFS Short Films Grant

AFS Short Films Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Austin Film Society
Amount: Up to US $10,000
Last Updated: July 28, 2025

Summary

The AFS Short Films Grant, established by the Austin Film Society, supports Texas filmmakers with up to $10,000 for production or post-production of short films under 40 minutes. Since 1996, over $2.8 million has been awarded to more than 550 artists, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. This grant fosters creativity and accessibility in filmmaking, ensuring talented Texas artists have the necessary resources to thrive in their home state.

Overview

Founded in 1985 by filmmaker Richard Linklater, the Austin Film Society (AFS) creates life-changing opportunities for filmmakers, catalyzes Austin and Texas as a creative hub, and brings the community together around great film. AFS supports filmmakers towards career leaps, encouraging exceptional artistic projects with grants and support services. AFS operates Austin Studios, a 20-acre production facility, to attract and grow the creative media ecosystem. Austin Public, a space for our city’s diverse mediamakers to train and collaborate, provides many points of access to filmmaking and film careers. The AFS Cinema is an ambitiously programmed repertory and first run arthouse with broad community engagement. By hosting premieres, local and international industry events, and the Texas Film Awards, AFS shines the national spotlight on Texas filmmakers while connecting Austin and Texas to the wider film community. AFS is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. As it's mission, the Austin Film Society empowers the community to make, watch, and love film and creative media. AFS Grant Since its inception in 1996, the AFS Grant has awarded more than $2.8 million in cash grants and more than $340,000 in-kind goods and services to 550+ Texas filmmakers to date, creating life-changing opportunities for artists, many from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in the film industry and working outside large industry centers. In addition to grants for development, production, and post-production, we provide cash stipends to Texas filmmakers traveling to prestigious film festivals. Generally, the AFS Grant awards funds annually to Texas-based filmmakers working in any style or genre. Filmmakers who live in the state of Texas are encouraged to apply for funds for any phase of production, and a development grant is also available for mid-career artists. The AFS Grant aims to ensure that promising Texas artists have access to funding opportunities right here in their home state. The AFS Grant for Short Films For the AFS Grant for Short Films (one of the AFS Grants), projects may apply for up to $10,000 cash for production or post-production of short films under 40 minutes in length. Total cash support from the AFS Grant fund will not exceed $10,000. The grant has been a critical source of structural support for our region’s filmmakers, and there are many success stories of Texas filmmakers who used the AFS Grant to develop shorts that served as a springboard to feature projects. The AFS Grant is funded through donations to Austin Film Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Eligibility

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