The Austin Film Society (AFS) has unveiled the 21 filmmakers selected to receive the prestigious 2024 AFS Grant for Short Films, a vital production fund aimed at fostering emerging talent in Texas.
Established in 1996, the AFS Grant has distributed over $2.7 million to 540 filmmakers, significantly impacting the careers of many artists from a state often overlooked in the film industry. This year’s funding cycle focuses on short films—defined as works 40 minutes or shorter—across various genres, including narrative, documentary, animation, and experimental.
From a competitive pool of 168 applications, 19 projects helmed by 21 directors were chosen, with 17 recipients being first-time grantees. This year’s selection highlights the diversity and creativity flourishing within Texas’s filmmaking community.
Holly Herrick, AFS Head of Film and Creative Media, emphasized the importance of the grant program in supporting the next generation of artists, stating, “Texas is home to some of the world’s top filmmakers. Our shorts grant ensures support for the next generation of artists and that geographic origin doesn’t exclude these emerging talents from the resources they need to realize their vision.”
The AFS Grant has a strong history of nurturing filmmakers who have gone on to achieve significant recognition. Recent AFS-supported projects have garnered jury prizes at prestigious festivals such as Tribeca, AFI, SXSW, and Doc NYC. Notably, the film “Flatbread Friends”, a repeat grantee, secured additional funding and distribution after its initial AFS Grant. The program has proven to be a launching pad for filmmakers like David Lowery and Kat Candler, who have built successful careers after honing their craft through AFS support.
In addition to the cash grants, AFS also administers the Harrison McClure Endowed Film Fund, which awards a special grant to an undergraduate filmmaker. This year, Isaac Ehrler was recognized for his short film “Here & Now” which explores the blurred lines between reality and fiction during a late-night movie screening.
AFS has partnered with MPS Camera and Lighting to provide an additional in-kind grant, enhancing support for filmmakers. Director Alex Chew received the MPS Camera and Lighting Austin Grant for her project “Bluegrass Radio”, which awarded her $10,000 for essential production equipment.
Recipients of the 2024 AFS Grant for Short Films are:
- Louise Van Assche (Austin, TX)
- Sarthwik Bollu (Aubrey, TX)
- Alex Chew (Austin, TX)
- Mandy Kim Clinton (Houston, TX)
- Isaac Ehrler (Dallas, TX)
- Nicole Elmer (Austin, TX)
- Kayla Freeman (Austin, TX)
- Julián Fernández Garnik (Austin, TX)
- Crayton Gerst (Dallas, TX)
- Mauricio Hernandez (Austin, TX)
- Sabiha Khan (El Paso, TX)
- William Magnuson and Max Perkins (Wrong Brother Productions) (Austin, TX)
- Amy Martinez (Austin, TX)
- Joel Mendez-Zarate (Dallas, TX)
- India Opzoomer (Austin, TX)
- Nicholas Pitts (Longview, TX)
- Megan “Megz” Trufant Tillman and Kimiko Matsuda-Lawrence (McKinney, TX)
- Calvin J. Walker (Fairview, TX)
- and Fatima Wardy (Austin, TX)
The selection process for the AFS Grant involves a panel of industry experts from outside Texas, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives. This year’s jury included notable filmmakers such as Kristian Mercado Figueroa, Emily Cohen Ibañez, and Paul Sloop, who praised the vibrant and competitive nature of Texas’s film community. They noted the challenge of selecting projects, highlighting the abundance of worthy submissions.
AFS is committed to addressing structural racism and sexism within the film industry, actively working to ensure that its programs reflect the rich diversity of Texas. Many of the artists supported by AFS come from backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented in the film sector.
The 2024 AFS Grant recipients represent a wide array of narratives and styles, with projects ranging from “A Safe Space”, which tackles the issue of book bans, to “White Musk”, exploring grief and cultural rituals. Each film promises to contribute uniquely to the tapestry of contemporary storytelling.
As the Austin Film Society continues to champion emerging filmmakers, the 2024 AFS Grant for Short Films stands as a testament to the organization’s dedication to fostering creativity and diversity in the Texas film landscape.
Find out more about the Austin Film Society and the AFS Grant here.
