FAQs

When is the deadline for submissions?

The deadline for AYFF 2021 will be early May, TBA!  Better get filming!

Are there any age requirements?

Primary creators of the film must be enrolled in a Central Texas middle school, high school, or be currently homeschooled in the equivalent.

Most of the crew members are youth, but an adult edited my movie—can I still submit?

YES and NO. Adults may be contributors, but students must be the primary creators and ultimately be involved in every stage of production: writing, producing, directing, editing, etc.

All of the crew members are youth, but some/all actors are adults—can I still submit?

YES.

Are there any TRT (Total Run Time) requirements?

YES. Films must be no longer than *7 min.

*This is a 2 minute increase from last year!  You’re welcome!

Are there specific categories I have to enter?

YES. You may only SELECT ONE CATEGORY per FILM.  If your film could fit into multiple categories, choose the one you think it bests fits.  If we find that your film may fit better in another category for festival purposes, we will contact you about moving it.

Can I submit one film in multiple categories?

NO. Choose one. If we feel your movie would better fit into another category, we will contacting you about moving it.

Can I submit multiple applications for my film?

Only one film application per film will be eligible. So ONLY ONE PERSON PER FILM should submit.  You have the chance to credit everyone who worked on the film, and if you win a prize, you as a team can decide how to break that up.

Can I submit more than one film?

YES. As long as you have only one film application per film and it is selected for only one category—you can submit as many different films as you want.

What’s an example of a LOGLINE?

Here are five loglines from classic movies that you may recognize:

From Some Like it Hot (1959), dir. Billy Wilder: When two musicians witness a mob hit, they flee the state in an all female band disguised as women, but further complications set in.

From Gimme Shelter (1970), dir. Albert Maysles, David Maysles, Charlotte Zwerin: A harrowing documentary of the Stones’ 1969 tour, with much of the focus on the tragic concert at Altamont.

From Spy Kids (2001), dir. Robert Rodriguez: The children of secret-agent parents must save them from danger.

WALL-E (2008), dir. Andrew Stanton: In the distant future, a small waste collecting robot inadvertently embarks on a space journey that will ultimately decide the fate of mankind.

Attack the Block (2011), dir .Joe Cornish: A teen gang in South London defend their block from an alien invasion.

Does the COMPLETION DATE for my film matter?

YES. In your application, you must select one box. The film must have been completed in 2018 or 2019, or it is not eligible.

Do films have to be shot in Texas?

NO. As long as you’re enrolled in an Central Texas middle school, high school, or home school, you may apply.

Something was wrong with my application—can I re-submit?

For technical questions, Email: info@austinyouthfilmfestival.com.

My film just finished uploading at 5:30 PM.

If you foresee finishing late, contact us at info@austinyouthfilmfestival.com.

We strongly suggest starting your YouTube or Vimeo upload several days in advance as errors as well as long compression and uploading times are common.

Does my script have to be in proper format?

We prefer that you write screenplays using professional software such as Final Draft or Celtx. Here’s a great article we wrote about some FREE software options to write your next great screenplay.

We also reserve the right to read no more than the first act of your script before passing.

I learned film through a school/youth film organization, but I made my film outside of this program. Should I still list my school/youth film organization at the top of my submission application?

Yes. We would like to recognize any school or youth film organization that has taught and promoted your love of making movies. Only list your most recent school.

I didn’t hear about this through my school—can I still submit my movie?

Yes. Just make sure to list the school or program that promotes filmmaking that you currently attend on your submission application.

When do I hear if my film got into the festival?

No later than one week before the festival.

When is the festival?

May — 2021 date TBA

What is the award?

Students will have the opportunity to screen their work at the Alamo Drafthouse (or during COVID an online screening space and possibly an extra special drive-in screening) before a wide audience of peers, locals, and industry professionals. Additional awards TBA.*

I submitted my film on time—will it automatically be screened?

No. Films are assessed by a panel of judges and chosen for the screening. This can be a competitive process.

Do I have to buy tickets to attend the festival?

YES. One way that we’re able to keep submission pricing low and open to all Central Texas youth is by charging for tickets to the festival. 

When and where do I buy tickets to attend the festival?

Tickets are available on this website! Just see the top navigation and click “buy a badge”!

Can home-school students enter?

Of course!  On the submission page, just enter that you are home-schooled!  If you have a film camp or class you attend outside of the home, you could put that in the blank too!

How much does submission cost?

To submit a film to the festival, the cost is $5/film.  This money goes into putting on this great festival.  If you cannot afford the $5 entry, please email us at info@austinyouthfilmfestival.com to inquire about a submission waiver. 

How do I export my movie and upload to Youtube?

Your export will depend on your exact program, but try to export an H.264 setting, which is compressed for Youtube. It should have an .mp4 extension. If you use these keywords in a Google search, you should find an online tutorial tailored to your software and project settings.

E.g. In Premiere, you can go to File>Export Media>change the “FORMAT” to “H.264” and “PRESET” to a “YOUTUBE 1080p30” (or whatever setting your footage is in)>Click Export

Here’s a link that will help your upload to Youtube: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/57407?hl=en

Still have questions?

Email us at info@austinyouthfilmfestival.com