LONE STAR FESTIVAL OF FILM 2026*
Where Texas Storytellers Meet the Screen
The Lone Star Festival of Film returns to Austin, Texas, as part of the Lone Star Festival 2026, taking place October 16–18.
This juried film festival celebrates Texas and independent filmmaking with a grassroots spirit and a story-first mission. We are looking for films made in Texas, as well as films based on books written by Texas authors.
Whether you are a filmmaker, a Texas author with a screen-worthy story, or a film lover searching for authentic and original work, the Lone Star Festival of Film offers an opportunity to discover, celebrate, and support creative voices connected to Texas.
This year’s program includes official film selections, awards, in-person screenings, and opportunities to connect filmmakers with authors, artists, readers, and audiences.
Please note: This event takes place in Austin, Texas, and is not affiliated with the Lone Star Film Festival in Fort Worth.
This will be the final year using the name Lone Star Festival of Film. Beginning in 2027, the program will continue under its new name:
REEL TEXAS STORYFEST!
Films selected for 2-26 are listed below
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REEL TEXAS STORYFEST FILMS 2026
Date of Showing: Sat., Oct. 17 @ 2 PM Hour
"Two of the most infamous murders in history occurred two days apart in November, 1963. But what happened on the day in between?"
FREE
Date of Showing: Sat., Oct 17 at 2 PM Hour
At a lively Mexican family gathering, young Tonito wants ketchup for his tamales, but his traditional uncles insist that only hot sauce belongs on them. When the family turns it into a challenge involving a spoonful of the hottest sauce—with Tonito’s uncle taking the same bet—it becomes a battle of pride, tradition, and taste buds over who will survive the heat and earn the ketchup.
FREE
Date of Showing: Sat., Oct 17 at 2 PM Hour
The Gift is a reflection about a group of women who were kidnapped and presented to a trafficking leader for exploitation in various criminal activities. The purpose of this reflection is to raise awareness among all of us and encourage vigilance in situations currently happening within our community.
FREE
Lone Star Desserts
Date of Showing: Sat., Oct 17 at 2 PM Hour
Victoria thinks she's interviewing for an ordinary babysitting job. But as an increasingly eccentric lineup of applicants competes for the position, they discover that the job, and the child they're expected to watch, are anything but ordinary.
FREE
Date of Showing: Sat., Oct 17 at 2 PM Hour
The Train is a quiet, intergenerational story about memory, migration, and family history. When a young girl hears a passing train, her grandfather recalls how their family fled Guanajuato during the Mexican Revolution in 1910 and made their way to the United States.
FREE
Date of Showing: Sat., Oct 17 at 4 PM
The Sons of Hercules: Three Decades of Spittin’ Fire chronicles the enduring spirit of San Antonio’s legendary garage-rock band, founded in 1990 and still packing clubs decades later. Through the band’s music, memories, lineup changes, and personal stories, the documentary captures a raw, funny, and heartfelt portrait of longevity, friendship, and the determination to keep playing.
FREE
REEL TEXAS STORYFEST! 2027
Texas Stories. Independent Films. Creative Voices.
Beginning in 2027, the Lone Star Festival of Film will become Reel Texas StoryFest!
The new name gives the film program its own distinctive identity while preserving its mission: celebrating Texas filmmakers, independent storytellers, Texas authors, and the creative work that brings powerful stories to the screen.
Reel Texas StoryFest! will take place September 25–26, 2027, in Austin, Texas, as part of the Lone Star Festival.
The festival will continue to feature a juried film competition with official selections, awards, in-person screenings, and opportunities for filmmakers to connect with audiences and fellow creatives.
Eligibility will continue to focus on films that meet at least one of the following standards:
Made in Texas
Based on a book written by a Texas author
Out-of-state filmmakers may participate when their film qualifies under one of these requirements.
The 2027 festival will also continue developing opportunities for screenplay writers and storytellers, with additional information about submission categories, deadlines, fees, awards, and contest requirements to be announced.
Submissions and official rules will be handled through FilmFreeway once the 2027 festival listing opens. Filmmakers should review the official FilmFreeway listing for the most current requirements.
Reel Texas StoryFest! is a celebration of films with heart, imagination, and a connection to Texas storytelling. Whether you create films, write stories, or simply love discovering meaningful independent work, we invite you to join us in 2027.
REEL TEXAS STORYFEST! 2027
Texas Stories. Independent Films. Creative Voices.
Beginning in 2027, the Lone Star Festival of Film will become Reel Texas StoryFest!
The new name gives the film program its own distinctive identity while preserving its mission: celebrating Texas filmmakers, independent storytellers, Texas authors, and the creative work that brings powerful stories to the screen.
Reel Texas StoryFest! will take place September 25–26, 2027, in Austin, Texas, as part of the Lone Star Festival.
The festival will continue to feature a juried film competition with official selections, awards, in-person screenings, and opportunities for filmmakers to connect with audiences and fellow creatives.
Eligibility will continue to focus on films that meet at least one of the following standards:
Made in Texas
Based on a book written by a Texas author
Out-of-state filmmakers may participate when their film qualifies under one of these requirements.
The 2027 festival will also continue developing opportunities for screenplay writers and storytellers, with additional information about submission categories, deadlines, fees, awards, and contest requirements to be announced.
Submissions and official rules will be handled through FilmFreeway once the 2027 festival listing opens. Filmmakers should review the official FilmFreeway listing for the most current requirements.
Reel Texas StoryFest! is a celebration of films with heart, imagination, and a connection to Texas storytelling. Whether you create films, write stories, or simply love discovering meaningful independent work, we invite you to join us in 2027.