Overview
The Austin Film Society (AFS) Grant is one of the most sustained regional filmmaking funding programs in the United States. Since its inception in 1996, the AFS Grant has awarded over $3 million in cash grants and more than $340,000 in in-kind goods and services to 570+ Texas filmmakers. AFS raises more than $200,000 annually to distribute as cash grants to emerging and mid-career Texas filmmakers.
The grant operates on two application cycles per year: one for feature films and one for short films. The 2026 AFS Grant for Feature Films opened applications on April 15, 2026, with a deadline of May 20 at 6 p.m. CT. The 2026 AFS Grant for Short Films opens on July 23, 2026. AFS hosts free informational webinars on Zoom before each deadline to walk applicants through the process.
History
The Austin Film Society was founded in 1985 by filmmaker Richard Linklater. The AFS Grant program launched in 1996, making it one of the longest-running regional film grant programs in the United States. Since its inception, the AFS Grant has awarded over $3 million in cash grants and more than $340,000 in in-kind goods and services to 570+ Texas filmmakers. The program expanded over the years to include specialized awards: the New Texas Voices Award for first-time feature filmmakers from underrepresented perspectives, and the North Texas Pioneer Film Award for filmmakers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. In 2025, AFS awarded $130,000 in cash to 13 projects selected from 104 eligible applications. Notable alumni include Channing Godfrey Peoples (Miss Juneteenth), David Lowery (The Green Knight), Kat Candler, and Andrew Bujalski.
What It Funds
AFS Grant for Feature Films
The feature film track awards up to $20,000 in cash per project for documentary or narrative films 40 minutes or longer in any phase of production: pre-production, production, or post-production. In the 2025 cycle, AFS awarded $130,000 in cash to 13 projects selected from 104 eligible applications. Seven of the 14 director recipients were first-time feature filmmakers, and seven were receiving AFS Grant funding for the first time.
The feature film grant includes two special awards with additional criteria:
- New Texas Voices Award: $15,000 for first-time feature filmmakers bringing new and underrepresented perspectives to the screen.
- North Texas Pioneer Film Award: $10,000 to $20,000 for emerging and established filmmakers residing in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and surrounding counties.
Sponsored in-kind awards are also available, including camera and lighting packages from MPS Studios (valued at up to $15,000) and digital cinema package (DCP) services.
Harrison McClure Endowed Film Fund
A separate $2,500 award for undergraduate students making a short film that fulfills a course or degree requirement at a four-year college or university. This award runs on the same application timeline as the feature film grant.
AFS Grant for Short Films
The short film track accepts applications for films under 40 minutes in length. The 2026 short film application cycle opens July 23, 2026. Specific award amounts for the short film track are published on the AFS website when the cycle opens.
AFS Travel Grant
In addition to production grants, AFS provides cash stipends to Texas filmmakers traveling to film festivals where their work is screening. This is a separate application from the production grants.
Typical Award Size Range
| Grant Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Feature Film Grant | Up to $20,000 | 40+ minutes, any production phase |
| New Texas Voices Award | $15,000 | First-time feature filmmakers, underrepresented perspectives |
| North Texas Pioneer Award | $10,000-$20,000 | Dallas-Fort Worth area filmmakers |
| Harrison McClure Student Fund | $2,500 | Undergraduate short film |
| Short Film Grant | Varies | Under 40 minutes, cycle opens July 2026 |
| In-kind awards (MPS Studios) | Up to $15,000 value | Camera and lighting packages |
| Travel Grant | Varies | Festival attendance stipends |
Eligibility
- Applicants must reside in Texas more than 75% of the year
- The film does not have to be set in Texas; AFS funds projects made by Texas-based directors
- Open to filmmakers at any career level, from first-time directors to those with multiple features
- Both documentary and narrative projects are eligible
- Feature films must be 40 minutes or longer; short films must be under 40 minutes
- Filmmakers of all identities and backgrounds are encouraged to apply
- For the Harrison McClure Fund: must be an undergraduate at a four-year college or university
AFS does not require applicants to have prior festival credits, representation, or industry attachments. The grant is designed to support career leaps for emerging to mid-career artists.
Payment Structure
AFS disburses grant funds after the award announcement and completion of a grant agreement. Grant funds are paid as cash awards. In-kind awards, such as MPS Studios camera and lighting packages, are fulfilled through direct coordination with the vendor rather than cash transfer. Travel grants are reimbursed after festival attendance with proof of screening and travel expenses.
Past Recipients and What They Made with the Money
AFS Grant recipients have produced films that premiered at major festivals and secured distribution:
- CROWNED (directed by Twiggy Pucci Garçon, 2025) - A feature documentary funded in part by an AFS Grant. Explores ballroom culture and queer identity in the American South.
- AIRPORT BLVD (directed by Alejandro Hendricks, 2025 New Texas Voices Award) - Received $15,000. A first feature exploring migration and belonging along the Austin corridor.
- SITORA (directed by Diffan Sina Norman, 2025 North Texas Pioneer Award) - Received $10,000-$20,000. A feature film set in the Dallas-Fort Worth area exploring Central Asian diaspora identity.
- Miss Juneteenth (directed by Channing Godfrey Peoples) - AFS Grant alumni project. The film premiered at Sundance and was acquired by Vertical Entertainment for theatrical and digital release.
- The Green Knight (directed by David Lowery) - AFS Grant alumni project. The film was released by A24 and grossed over $38 million worldwide.
What Makes an Application Competitive
AFS evaluates submissions on several concrete signals:
- Texas residency: Applicants must reside in Texas more than 75% of the year. The film does not need to be set in Texas. AFS funds projects made by Texas-based directors.
- Budget clarity: AFS requires a budget showing the total cash request (up to $20,000) with items categorized as secured or anticipated. Applications that show how AFS funding fits within the overall financing picture score higher.
- Career stage alignment: The grant supports career leaps for emerging to mid-career artists. First-time feature filmmakers should apply for the New Texas Voices Award. Dallas-Fort Worth filmmakers should apply for the North Texas Pioneer Award.
- Work sample quality: The application requires a video sample. For production-stage projects, AFS expects a sample that demonstrates the filmmaker's visual approach and storytelling capacity.
- Project feasibility: AFS evaluates whether the budget, timeline, and scope are realistic. Applications with a clear production timeline and secured resources stand out.
Application Process
Applications are submitted through AFS's online portal. The feature film application requires a project description, a budget showing the total cash request (up to $20,000), a timeline, a video sample, and supporting materials. AFS provides a sample budget template on its website. AFS hosts free informational webinars on Zoom before each deadline. The 2026 feature film webinar was held on April 22, 2026, and is available on the AFS YouTube channel. The 2026 AFS Grant for Feature Films deadline is May 20 at 6 p.m. CT. The 2026 AFS Grant for Short Films opens July 23, 2026. Check the AFS Grant page for the most current information.
What Filmmakers Should Know
The AFS Grant is one of the most accessible regional film funding programs in the United States. It does not require prior festival credits, representation, or industry attachments. The grant supports both documentary and narrative projects at any production phase. AFS raises more than $200,000 annually to distribute as cash grants. In 2025, 7 of 14 director recipients were first-time feature filmmakers, and 7 were receiving AFS Grant funding for the first time. The New Texas Voices Award ($15,000) specifically targets first-time feature filmmakers from underrepresented perspectives. The North Texas Pioneer Award ($10,000-$20,000) targets filmmakers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. AFS also offers fiscal sponsorship for Texas filmmakers seeking tax-deductible contributions from donors and foundations that require 501(c)(3) status. This can unlock additional funding from sources that require nonprofit status. The AFS Travel Grant provides separate stipends for Texas filmmakers attending festivals where their films screen. Engaging with the full AFS ecosystem, including workshops, labs, and AFS Cinema, can strengthen future applications.
Watch
See Also
For building a production budget, use the Indie Film Budget Calculator. For estimating festival ROI for an AFS-supported film, use the Festival ROI Calculator. For understanding how regional grants fit into a broader financing strategy, see Film Grants and Funding. For building an indie film budget, see How to Build an Indie Film Budget. For distribution strategy after festival premieres, see Film Distribution Deals Explained.
