The Austin Film Society is now accepting applications for the 2026 AFS Grant for Feature Films, the annually renewed development and production fund for emerging Texas filmmakers whose work shows promise, skill, and creativity. This is an opportunity for Texas filmmakers to receive up to $20,000 in film funding, as well as in-kind services awarded in the form of multi-day camera packages and digital cinema packages (DCPs). The AFS Grant for Feature Films is open to film projects in pre-production, production, or post-production that are 40 minutes or longer. 

The deadline for submissions is May 20, 2026, at 6 PM CT.

The AFS Grant awards funds annually to Texas-based filmmakers working in any style or genre. The AFS Grant aims to ensure that promising Texas artists have access to funding opportunities right here in their home state. AFS is committed to providing equitable funding opportunities for artists, and filmmakers of all identities and backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Since its inception in 1996, the AFS Grant has awarded more than $3 million in cash grants and more than $340,000 in-kind goods and services to 570+ Texas filmmakers to date, creating life-changing opportunities for artists, many from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in the film industry and working outside large industry centers. In addition to grants for development, production, and post-production, we provide cash stipends to Texas filmmakers traveling to prestigious film festivals through our AFS Travel Grant program.

No application fee!