AFS Grant
Production and completion grants from Austin Film Society supporting Texas-based documentary and narrative filmmakers across short and feature-length projects.
Overview
The Austin Film Society (AFS) administers a suite of grant programs for Texas-based filmmakers, providing production and completion support across documentary, narrative, short film, and feature-length formats. AFS is one of the most active regional film organisations in the United States, running not only grants but also a cinema, educational programs, and a fiscal sponsorship program that together constitute a comprehensive support ecosystem for Texas independent filmmaking.
The AFS Grant programs have supported a significant body of Texas-made independent film over the decades, with alumni going on to screen at Sundance, SXSW, and international festivals. The grants operate on the understanding that regional filmmakers face structural disadvantages compared to those in major industry centres, and that targeted local funding can meaningfully advance careers and projects.
What It Funds
AFS administers multiple grant tracks, which have varied over time in their specific focus areas:
Short Film Grants support Texas-based filmmakers producing short films across documentary, narrative, and experimental formats. Both emerging and established directors are eligible.
Feature Production Grants support Texas-based filmmakers developing and producing feature-length documentary and narrative projects. The feature track is more competitive and typically requires a more developed project package.
Completion Grants provide finishing funds to projects that have completed principal photography and need post-production support to reach distribution readiness.
The AFS website maintains current information on which grant tracks are active in any given cycle, as program availability varies with AFS's funding partnerships and annual budget.
Eligibility
Applicants must be Texas-based filmmakers. The AFS grants are specifically for the Texas independent filmmaking community -- filmmakers without a Texas connection are not eligible. Both emerging and established directors are considered across the various grant tracks.
AFS's Broader Support Ecosystem
The AFS Grant programs operate within AFS's larger support infrastructure, which includes fiscal sponsorship for Texas filmmakers seeking tax-deductible contributions from donors, educational programs, and AFS Cinema -- a nonprofit cinema in Austin that provides a theatrical home for independent and international film. Filmmakers applying for AFS grants often benefit from engaging with the full AFS ecosystem.
Who Should Apply
Texas-based documentary and narrative filmmakers at the production or post-production stage. Both short film and feature filmmakers are encouraged to apply. The AFS grants are particularly well positioned for Austin-area and broader Texas filmmakers who want financial support from an organisation with deep roots in the local independent film community.
See Also
For building a production budget and schedule, use the Production Schedule Calculator. For fiscal sponsorship services, AFS offers its own fiscal sponsorship program for Texas filmmakers -- see also TWN Fiscal Sponsorship for a national alternative.
