I missed the final deadline. Can I still submit my project?

We offer deadline waivers, but no fee waivers. We can offer a waiver code if programming is not finalized, but you will be required to pay the Last Call submission rate. 

​

What is the selection process?

We have a panel of 12 international judges (Austin, New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Bangladesh, Ecuador). Each entry is rated by at least 8 of those 12 judges. Only entries rated cumulative 8.0 (out of 10) or higher are considered for the festival. 

​

If I wish to withdraw my submission, are there refunds?

No. The submission cost covers the time it takes our Judges to review. Once your project is submitted, it is eligible for judging. 

​

Will you notify entries before the notification date? 

The notification date is the last possible day we notify entrants. We try to notify 30 days prior to the event to accommodate travel plans. 

​

Can you recommend hotel accommodations? 

The festival is held at Southwest Theaters Lake Creek 7 in North Austin. We recommend Lone Star Court Hotel in the Domain. TThis retro boutique hotel is very popular & fills up fast every year, so we recommend booking a room as soon as possible. 

​

What comes will my selection?

In addition to screening your project, selections receive official selection laurels & eligibility for 30+ awards & plaques.  We also promote our selections on the website & social media. 

​

How many passes do I get with my selection?

We offer 1 free pass to each selection for their screening block. With limited capacity & proceeds towards Autism Society of Texas, we request that all selections purchase a ticket.

 

Will you coordinate & provide updates to my attending guest?

We do not communicate with any cast/crew outside of the submission contact. We are very diligent about informing our selections of any schedule changes, so we kindly request that you keep all of your guests informed. For more constant updates, guests can follow us on social media.

 

I cannot find my selection email. Is there a different way to get it?

We send emails via FilmFreeway, but will also follow up with a personal selection email via austinspotlightfilmfestival@gmail.com. If you did not receive a notification, we request that you check your spam folder. If you are still unable to locate it, we will re-send it.

 

Is there a dress code?

No dress code. There will be a professional photographer, red carpet, & a step-and-repeat banner, but feel free to dress however you like.

 

Where do I find the other nominees?

All nominees will be posted under the selections tab once selections are finalized.  

 

Where do I find the award winners?

All awards will be posted under the awards tab one week after the annual festival.

 

How many days is the festival?

1 day.

​

Where can I find the schedule?

We will share the schedule on the website one week prior to the event.

 

I bought a ticket, but was unable to attend. Are there refunds?

Unfortunately no. Theater capacity is based on tickets sold.

 

I won an award, but I did not attend or I left before the award ceremony. Can you mail it to me?

We request that everyone stay for the award ceremony. We do not mail out awards, but will email a digital copy. If you receive a plaque, they can be shipped but you will have to cover shipping costs. 

 

I received an email that requested a downloadable version of my film. I wanted to change some things (color, sound, etc). Is that possible?

You have 1 week from the selection date to button up your entry. If we have not received a downloadable version by that date, you will be disqualified. If you lengthen the duration of your project, you will be disqualified.

 

Where can I get “Official Selection” laurels?

The link is in your selection email.

 

Where can I get “Winner” laurels?

The link is in your winner email.

​

Is there a livestream or virtual festival? 

We are a live event only. If theaters are open, we are hostin'