Dozens of filmmakers, actors and screenwriters gathered at the Austin Film Society Cinema over the weekend, celebrating and showcasing indie filmmaking at the 10th annual Austin Under the Stars Film Festival.
Featuring live audience Q&As, networking opportunities and an awards ceremony highlighting achievements across film and screenwriting, Austin Under the Stars serves as a platform for filmmakers to collaborate and connect.
“After hosting that first film festival (almost) 10 years ago at Lone Star Court … people started talking about the festival and how much they enjoy the Q&As and whatnot,” Ali Alkhafaji, founder of Austin Under the Stars, said. “(It) just blossomed from there.”
The festival brings together a panel of judges made up of filmmakers, writers, producers and industry professionals to design the event’s film program.
“We try to at least have a little bit of every genre represented and we really like getting everybody in the same space,” Alkhafaji said. “We have a panel of 12 judges, and we make sure that each one of those judges rates the film at least an eight out of 10 or higher, and then from there we sit together and have periodic meetings to discuss … the program.”
One of the judges, local actor Chad Mundo, said the festival provides a space for artists to reunite and find future collaborations.
“Sometimes, we’ll get people that you’ve met there that you’ve maybe brushed into on set somewhere … and we get to kind of hang out at festivals,” Mundo said. “It’s a good feeling when you can kickstart some of these people’s careers and find people to work with in the future.”
Riley Engemoen (radio-television-film ‘12), an Austin documentary filmmaker, showcased his short: “Butch & Mandalin: The Search for the Golden Morral” at the festival. Engemoen said his time at UT helped facilitate his filmmaking career.
“I had some really inspiring professors … and UT is where I really found my voice in making documentary films,” Engemoen said. “Being in Austin around the music scene and the film scene was foundational for my growth as a young artist.”
Engemoen, also the founder of the Wimberley Film Festival, said he believes in the importance of young filmmakers getting involved in their community.
“I would recommend any young people get involved,” Engemoen said. “Go to Austin Film Society … go to Hyperreal Film Club, go to support your local community and support other artists, and those will be your friends and your network. … Truly, all of the jobs I’ve ever gotten throughout my career have been mostly through people I’ve met during my time at (UT).”
Alkhafaji said ultimately, Austin Under the Stars aims to amplify artists’ voices regardless of the budget of their work or their previous experience.
“The biggest complaint is that the theater experience is dying, and the truth is, we’re noticing this past year it’s not so much about having an abundance of resources or money,” Alkhafaji said. “It’s just about supporting creative voices when you see it. So that’s really our goal; we’re focusing on story first and execution second … and I think when you find that happy balance, that’s where you have a voice that’s one to pay attention to.”
