Austin Film Society Unveils $300,000 in Grants via New Texas Lights Program

The Austin Film Society has announced the distribution of more than $300,000 in filmmaker grants, coinciding with the launch of its new film funding initiative, Texas Lights. The announcement comes as the organization celebrates its 30th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to supporting emerging cinematic talent.

Richard Linklater, the founder and artistic director of the Austin Film Society, highlighted the program’s evolution from its early days to its current impact. “Thirty years of the AFS Grant is a major milestone for the Austin Film Society,” Linklater said. “I’m so proud of what we have accomplished by committing our organization to funding filmmakers and showing films.”

Reflecting on the program’s origins, Linklater noted that when the grants for Texas filmmakers began, the notion of artists thriving locally was not widely accepted. He added, “In looking back at the caliber of work and the artists supported through this program over the years, we’ve proven that artists can come from anywhere. With the launch of this new Texas Lights fund, we’re renewing our commitment to something we truly believe in – expanding creative culture by funding artists locally.”

The inaugural recipients of the Texas Lights Grant were selected from Texas artists who had previously received support through the AFS Grants program. This group includes Margaret Brown, known for “The Yogurt Shop Murders,” Annie Silverstein, director of “Bull,” and Diffan Sina Norman, creator of “Sitora.” Additionally, this year’s AFS Grant distributed over $160,000 to 14 feature-length productions, with each project receiving up to $20,000.

The 2026 AFS Grants for Feature Films recipients span a diverse array of projects. Selected filmmakers include Leo Aguirre for “Verano,” Miguel Alvarez for “The Return,” Fernando Andrés for “The Movie Lovers,” Alexis Franco for “Where It All Begins,” Katy McCarthy for “The Heart is a Cul-de-sac,” Keith Maitland for “Gods of Fire,” Camille Morales-Zayas for “Alma,” Sachin Dheeraj Mudigonda for “A Silent Wave,” Matthew Q. Nelson for “State of Care,” Sara Nimeh for “Jedo,” Lanre’ Obisesan for “The Orange Seller,” Travis Lee Ratcliff for “Under My Command,” Karen Skloss for “Interpreter,” and Louise Min Van Assche for “Huntsville Dreams.”

Over its three-decade history, the AFS Grant, which serves as the open application fund for Texas Lights, has awarded more than $3.3 million for independent films. The program has cultivated a robust alumni network featuring notable creators such as Athina Rachel Tsangari, Cristina Ibarra, Chelsea Hernandez, and David Lowery.

Texas Lights operates as both an initiative of the Austin Film Society and a statewide network. The program is managed by AFS CEO Rebecca Campbell, head of film Holly Herrick, and senior director of Texas Lights Liz Lodge Stepp.