City Of Austin Announces Call For Short Films For “Faces of Austin” Program

AUSTIN, TX — The City of Austin Economic Development Department is seeking submissions of short films for the 2020 Faces of Austin program.

Established in 2005 through the Cultural Arts Division, Faces of Austin showcases shorts by local filmmakers that reflect the diverse faces, voices, and experiences of Austin.
 
Selected films will be screened during the SXSW Film Festival as part of the SXSW Community Programming in March.

These films will also be shown on the City of Austin’s ATXN channel and via the City of Austin website.

One film will also receive a “Judge’s Choice” designation from a celebrity guest judge. All films selected will receive a cash award.
 
Submissions are due by Monday, January 6, 2020 at 5 PM.
 
“Faces of Austin has enabled us to spotlight the vast array of talent within our local filmmaking community,” remarked Cultural Arts Division Manager Meghan Wells. “From light-hearted profiles of Austin locales to moving tributes of individuals who have shaped the fabric of our city, this program serves as an important outlet for Austin’s creative community. We look forward to sharing a new selection of compelling shorts soon.”
 
Faces of Austin submissions must meet these criteria:

• 10 minute maximum length
• By an Austin-area filmmaker or commissioned through an Austin organization
• Original non-fiction or fiction work no older than 3 years old
• Filmed in Austin or highlights Austin-area topics or organizations
• Does not violate copyright law by using copy written work, including music, without permission
• Does not solicit funds or a particular political call to action
• Must be appropriate to show in a public setting to an audience of all ages
• May not be also selected by SXSW as part of its SXSW Shorts Competition
• Applicants must be 18 and older
• Applications from filmmakers with diverse cultural backgrounds and/or stories that highlight the diversity of Austin’s identity are encouraged
• Preference will be given to filmmakers who have not been selected in previous years

Selection Process

A selection panel comprising project advisors, media experts, and City of Austin staff will review each artist’s materials submitted by the project deadline.

Selected submissions must meet all the requirements and demonstrate a high quality.

The City of Austin reserves the right to disqualify materials deemed offensive or inappropriate to show in a public setting.

The “Judge’s Choice” will be selected from among the selection panel’s top five rated submissions.

Schedule

• October 28, 2019: Call for Entries Opens
• January 6, 2020 (5 pm): Submission deadline
• February 2020: Selection and notification of films selected  
• March 2020: Public screening during SXSW Film Festival as part of the Community Programming
• March 2020 ? March 2021: Films to be shown on ATXN,  via City’s web site, and at SXSW Community Screenings around town.

For complete guidelines, visit www.austintexas.gov/facesofaustin.

To apply online, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FacesofAustin2020.

For additional information on programs that integrate arts and artists into economic development, visit www.AustinCreates.com.