Hey, Stage 32 Community!

We’re just one week away from the start of the 2025 Austin Film Festival — one of my favorite times of the year! The Austin Film Festival 2025 kicks off on Thursday, October 23rd, and Stage 32 will be in attendance until Sunday, October 26th.

For over 30 years, Austin Film Festival (AFF) has championed the art and craft of storytelling, celebrating writers and filmmakers across every medium: film, television, plays, podcasts, and digital series. It’s one of the most inspiring events in the industry and home to the largest screenwriters conference in the world, featuring over 200 panels and speakers who live and breathe story.

Whether you’re attending for the first time or returning to reconnect with friends, AFF is truly one of those places where creativity feels alive in every conversation, every screening line, and every late-night hangout at the Driskill Hotel Bar.

And this year, Stage 32 is helping you get ready to make the most of it.

Join Our Free Live Webcast: “Navigating Film Festivals – How to Prep for the Austin Film Festival”

Monday, October 20th at 11:30 am PT

Click here to register for FREE now!

Join Geoff Faugerolas (Director of Development Services) and me, Ashley Smith (Head of Community), for a live conversation on how to get the absolute most out of your AFF experience.

We’ve both attended the festival many times, and we know that the difference between just showing up and showing up strategically can be massive. We’ll share our insider tips, survival guide-style advice, and a few unspoken “rules of the game” that’ll help you navigate AFF with confidence.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to prep before you go (scheduling, pitching, and research)
• What to prioritize while you’re there (panels, parties, and networking)
• How to nail your pitch and handle Q&A like a pro
• The follow-up formula that actually gets responses
• Insider tips from people who’ve been there, done that, and have the festival badges to prove it

Who Should Attend:

• First-time AFF attendees looking for a clear game plan
• AFF veterans ready to sharpen their networking and pitching strategy
• Screenwriters pitching in competitions or paid sessions
• Filmmakers attending to build partnerships and secure connections
• Any Stage 32 member attending the festival who wants to connect with our community on the ground

If you’re planning to attend AFF, this session will give you a huge leg up. Unable to attend live? No problem! If you register, you'll receive the full recording to watch at your convenience.

So, click here to register for FREE!

And because it’s AFF, we’re kicking things up a notch this year:

The Stage 32 Fishbowl Challenge

Bring your best logline! Every day during AFF, executives, reps, and producers will stop by the Stage 32 table near registration to draw loglines from a fishbowl and pick their favorites. If yours stands out, you could be invited to meet with them directly over Zoom calls following the festival! You’ll find the fishbowl at both the Stage 32 table and our party — giving you endless chances to stop by, drop a logline in the bowl with your name and email, and make an impression.

Free Drink for Stage 32 Members!

Also, stop by the Stage 32 booth near registration to grab your ticket for a FREE drink on us at our Rooftop Bash!

Stage 32’s 12th Annual Austin Film Festival Rooftop Bash

Friday, October 24th | 8:00 pm | The Speakeasy Rooftop, Downtown Austin

That’s right, it wouldn’t be Austin Film Festival week without the Stage 32 Rooftop Bash!

This year, we’re back on the exclusive rooftop bar of the Speakeasy, overlooking the Warehouse District and Downtown Austin. Just steps from the Driskill and Omni Hotels, it’s the perfect place to unwind, network, and celebrate with your fellow Stage 32 creatives.

Come meet other writers, filmmakers, producers, and industry pros from our global community — plus members of the Stage 32 Team!

The event is FREE (no AFF badge required) and open to all Stage 32 members. Doors open at 8:00 pm on Friday, October 24th — and trust me, you’ll want to be there.

RSVP for this FREE in-person event by clicking here!

Let’s Do This, Creative Army!

AFF is one of those festivals that reminds you why you fell in love with storytelling in the first place. Whether you’re there to network, learn, pitch, or just get inspired, we want to help you make every moment count.

Join us for the webcast on Monday to get your game plan in place, stop by the Stage 32 Table near registration to grab your free drink ticket and drop a logline in the fishbowl, and then raise a glass with us at the Rooftop Bash on Friday night!

I’ll see you in Austin!

Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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