AFS Grant for Feature Films

The Austin Film Society (AFS) is currently accepting applications for the 2025 AFS Grant for Feature Films. This grant opportunity is available exclusively to Texas-based filmmakers working in any style or genre. Applicants can seek up to $15,000 in cash support for any phase of film production, including development, pre-production, production, or post-production. Additionally, a development grant is available for mid-career artists with an established body of work. Submissions must be made through Submittable, and the deadline for applications is May 21, 2025, at 5:59 PM Central Time. The AFS Grant is an annual program that has awarded over $2.8 million in cash and more than $340,000 in in-kind goods and services to more than 550 Texas filmmakers since its inception in 1996. It aims to provide critical support to Texas artists, especially those from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds and those working outside of major industry hubs. In addition to grants for different stages of film production, AFS offers a Travel Grant program providing stipends to Texas filmmakers attending prestigious film festivals. Several updates have been made for the 2025 grant cycle. Applications are now submitted via Submittable, requiring applicants to create an account if they do not already have one. Instead of a single, lengthy project description, the application now features smaller essay modules to make the process more manageable. Applicants are also encouraged to submit optional materials such as pitch decks and lookbooks to support their applications. Prospective applicants are strongly advised to review the 2025 AFS Grant for Feature Films Application Instructions thoroughly before beginning their applications. A new eligibility quiz has been added to the Submittable application form to confirm applicants meet the grant’s qualifications. Applicants are limited to submitting only one application per grant cycle. Questions regarding the grant process should be directed to filmmakersupport@austinfilm.org. The AFS Grant for Short Films will open separately during the summer of 2025.