The Austin Film Festival, taking place this year from October 22nd to the 29th, is dedicated to furthering the art, craft and business of screenwriting and filmmaking by providing unique year-round cultural events and services, enhancing public awareness and participation, and encouraging dynamic and long-lasting community partnerships.

The festival combines both a conference and festival portion, allowing filmmakers and the public to learn more about the industry; varying perspectives, insights into technical aspects and storytelling, and what it takes to succeed in the business. There are film and screenwriting competitions, providing opportunities for aspiring screenwriters and filmmakers to show off their skills for recognition and prize money.

The Austin Film Festival’s sprawling celebratory and educational event promises something for everyone, whether you’re an aspiring director, producer, writer, actor, or just a film fan. AFF provides many local arts organizations and businesses with a creative platform to showcase their services through programming collaborations and social events, all of which serve to show off Austin and what the city has to offer. Check out the festival’s events on the schedule page.

Other festivals starting this week include:

Hollywood Film Festival (Oct 23-25): The festival seeks to bridge the gap between Hollywood and the global creative community, while at the same time honoring established Hollywood professionals. Some of the films showing include Hunger, which explores the breakdown of humanity in the most extreme circumstances, Interplanetary, about nine corporate employees on Mars attacked by an unstoppable alien creature, and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Undead, about an off-Broadway performance of Hamlet which unveils a secret society of vampires. The Hollywood Film Festival features a rich palette of films for everyone, and promises to be a celebration of both professional and up-and-coming filmmakers.

Tallgrass Film Festival (Oct 23-25)

Planet in Focus International Environmental Film & Video Festival (Oct 20-25)

FirstGlance Philadelphia (Oct 22-25)

Flyway Film Festival (Oct 22-25)

Baltimore Women’s Film Festival (Oct 23-25)

Sainte Maxime International Horror Film Festival (Oct 24-Nov 4)

Festivals starting next week include:

Palestinian Film Festival Australia (Oct 29-Nov 15): Taking place in different locations throughout Australia, the Palestinian Film Festival presents films from, for and about Palestine. Since coverage of Palestine focuses primarily on the politics of the region, these films celebrate Palestinian life, arts and culture. The 2009 program consists of an exciting and diverse range of features, documentaries, animations and short films, all of which are certain to entertain and enrich audiences from all cultural backgrounds.