Austin Film Festival Honors 35 Global Storytellers From 17,000 Submissions

The 2025 Austin Film Festival (AFF), celebrating its 32nd year, honored a diverse group of emerging storytellers across 33 categories, selected from over 17,000 submissions worldwide. Notably, Stony Brook University MFA students Anna Zabel and Cynthia He won top honors for their pilot "Courier Girl" and a teleplay episode of "Yellowjackets," respectively, reflecting the festival’s commitment to bold, original storytelling. The festival also recognized industry veteran Christine Vachon with the Polly Platt Award for Producing. Winners received the prestigious Bronze Typewriter Award and opportunities such as tailored fellowships and mentorships, including partnerships with AMC Networks, Enderby Entertainment, and the Writers Guild of America, East, with some eligible for Academy Award consideration. AFF emphasizes nurturing new voices in a changing industry, offering career development and connections to major studios. The event serves as an influential platform launching many awardees into successful film and television careers globally.