Faces of Austin Call for Entries

Note: The Faces of Austin call for submissions is now closed. Finalists will be notified in late February.

The City of Austin’s Cultural Arts Division is seeking submissions of short films for its 2017 Faces of Austin program. Established in 2005, Faces of Austin showcases shorts by local filmmakers that reflect the diverse faces, voices, and experiences of our City. Selected films will be screened during the SXSW Film Festival as part of the SXSW Community Programming in March, and will also be shown on the City of Austin’s channel, ATXN, and via the City’s website. One film will also receive a “Judge’s Choice” designation from a special guest judge. New for Faces of Austin 2017 is a cash honorarium of $500 for each selected short film and $1000 for the Judge’s Choice.

DEADLINE: January 23, 2017 at 5:00 p.m.

Film Requirements:

10 minutes 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
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 other SXSW Shorts Competition
Preference given to films tabout Austin’s artists and Austin’s creative community.
Applicants must be 18 or older

Examples of Film Submissions:

Documentary about a local organization, place, issue, or historical event
Music video featuring Austin bands
Narrative set in and/or filmed in Austin
Artistic video montage that highlights Austin

Application:

Download the application. Email competed application forms. Please put “Faces_Lastname” in the subject line.

Please note, City of Austin employees are eligible to apply (excluding Economic Development Department and Communications & Public Information Office employees).

Selection Process:

A Selection Panel comprising project advisors, media experts, and City staff will review each artist’s work and associated materials submitted by the project deadline. Selected submissions will meet all of 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. A "Judge's Choice" will be selected from among the panel's top-rated submissions.