Austin Celebrates Indie Film at Under the Stars Film Festival
Austin, a city known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, recently rolled out the red carpet—literally—for the 8th annual Austin Under the Stars Film Festival. Held at the AFS Cinema on September 12, this exciting festival brought together filmmakers, actors, and movie enthusiasts, shining a spotlight on local talent and bridging the city’s indie film scene with a broader audience. Over 300 attendees gathered to celebrate emerging artists during this seven-hour extravaganza featuring submitted indie films, engaging Q&A sessions, and a lively award ceremony.
Celebrating Diversity and Originality
The festival director, Al Khafaji, emphasized that the event is all about showcasing diversity within the films. “The goal is that (the films) are original works from creatives (who) are showing us something new,” he said. “We really place value on originality (and) diversity. We like to see representation in all facets on both sides of the camera.” With this commitment to showcasing an array of voices and stories, it’s no wonder that the festival resonates so strongly with its audience.
Student Filmmakers Making an Impact
This year’s festival featured several incredible student filmmakers, many of whom are part of the University of Texas’s radio-television-film program. One of the standout submissions came from sophomore Maddox Stockton, who presented his film “Back Issues.” This comedic piece follows three petty thieves who find themselves in a heated debate over their city’s mysterious superhero, Vigilanteman. Maddox describes his film as a way to explore the notion that everyone has their preferences. “The point is, it doesn’t really matter — you’re free to enjoy which one you like,” he reflected. “There’s no right answer.”
The highlight of the awards this year was the Best Student Film, which went to senior Rocky Andrews for her thought-provoking film “WHERE IS EVERYBODY?” The film captures the story of a teen who wakes up to find all of her friends and family missing. Andrews explained her motivation for the film, stating, “One of my biggest fears is abandonment, and I think using art — in this case, film and cinema — to explore your fears makes them not as daunting.” Her powerful narrative uses artistry to confront personal challenges, making her film both relatable and moving.
A Testament to Local Talent
Al Khafaji expressed his amazement at the talent showcased by UT students this year. “It’s just a testament to UT’s program,” he noted. “Honestly, you just see the caliber that UT students are performing at.” The pride in local filmmakers was palpable, underlining the festival’s role in nurturing emerging talent and giving them a platform to shine.
Wrapping Up with Community Spirit
The festival culminated in a fun celebration of everyone involved, adding a delightful closing note to an already remarkable evening. Al Khafaji remarked that while awards are essential for some participants, he personally prefers to focus on the community aspect. “I’m not as big on the award process,” he mentioned, “but I also understand that’s why some people submit. It was nice to end things on a note that it wasn’t just about the award; it was more about the community.”
This year’s Austin Under the Stars Film Festival not only celebrated the art of filmmaking but also fostered a spirit of community and creativity among local talent and audiences. As the lights dimmed and the credits rolled, it was clear that this festival has left a lasting impression on the city’s indie film landscape—one that promises to keep growing in the years to come.
