Destination Austin, Texas for the Austin Film Festival

A. Lawrence Dreyfuss

Every film festival highlights something different.  Some are genre based: horror, comedy, romance.  Others focus on prestige art films: Cannes, Sundance. The Austin Film Festival, now in its 21st year, is a film festival focused on the writer. Whereas many festivals are primarily organized around the movies they show, Austin is focused on panels, workshops, and community.  The festival boasts over 175 panels this year and the opportunity to network with writers successful in television and film as well as writers aspiring to break into the industry. Shane Black, director of “Iron Man 3,” writes, “Filmmakers go [to the Austin Film Festival] because they WANT to. Because it’s the only festival they like, or trust.  Because they know they’ll learn as much as the students.”

Do not be dissuaded if you are not a writer. The festival presents films that range from Hollywood blockbusters to independent films making a splash. Just last year, three Best Picture nominees were screened at the festival: “12 Years a Slave,” “Dallas Buyers Club,” and “Nebraska.” This year should prove to be no different. The opening night boasts the US premiere of Al Pacino’s latest film “The Humbling” based on the book by Philip Roth.  Also playing that night is “The Last Five Years,” a musical love story told from two different perspectives.  Adapted from the stage production by Jason Robert Brown, the movie stars Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan as the love-struck leads. Other films to look out for are James Franco’s “The Sound and the Fury,” Tommy Lee Jones “The Homesman” and Disney’s “Big Hero 6.” The closing night of the festival touts a screening of the film “Rosewater,” the much anticipated directorial debut of “The Daily Show” host John Stewart.  The true story of a BBC journalist, the film has been getting positive reviews since its premiered at Telluride in August.

SEE:

Aside from checking out a movie at the festival, Austin offers many other activities. For those wanting to supplement their film viewing experience, why not take a walk through Richard Linklater‘s “Slacker” (1991)? The film was shot entirely around the Austin area. Local newspaper, The Austin Chronicle, printed detailed instructions for a walking tour of the iconic film including memorable quotes spoken at each location. For those looking to get away from the film scene and interact with the locals, there is no better place than the Austin’s Farmer’s Market. The Austin community values all things local, organic, and fresh; after all, Whole Foods was first established in Austin. The market happens multiple times per week in different neighborhoods so make sure to check the schedule. Finally, if you need some “me” time, stop at Milk +Honey Spa. Available services run the gamut from a Pumpkin Pie Spice Scrub to a deep tissue massage sure to work out any tension.

EAT:

Texans pride themselves on their beef so make sure to stop by Hut’s Hamburgers on 6th St. for a local burger at an old school diner.  If chili is more your thing, check out the Texas Chili Parlor.  There you can grab a mild bowl or test your tolerance for something more extreme. Did we mention that the Parlor was featured in Tarantino’s movie “Death Proof?” Finally, for those looking for something a little leaner, head to 2nd Street for Leaf.  This salad restaurant offers a large variety of options and caters to the vegetarian and vegan crowd.

DRINK:

Look no further than Scholz Garten for the best beer in town.  The oldest continuously operating business in Texas, this German beer garden dates back to the Civil War.  It’s also a popular hangout for politicians in the Democratic Party, so keep your eyes peeled. For something a little fancier, why not visit Midnight Cowboy on Sixth Street?  The Prohibition style speakeasy provides a quieter, more intimate atmosphere. If wine is more your thing, check out Vino Vino. The staff at this wine bar is always eager to help you find the perfect wine to suit your mood. Whether you are a wine expert or a casual consumer, they will select the perfect glass.

STAY:

For those looking for affordable quality, visit the brand new Hilton Austin.  The hotel is conveniently located on 6th Street, so everything you need is easily within walking distance. The hotels rises 32 floors floors and includes a gym and spa.  Those looking for something even nicer, check out the Four Seasons Hotel Austin.  This luxury hotel offers beautiful views of Lady Bird Lake (we recommend floors 7-9 for an unobstructed view).  If you are there at dusk, witness from a safe distance the daily exodus of bats that live under a nearby bridge. To truly experience the lap of luxury, we recommend the Driskill Hotel.  This historic hotel is considered the upper echelon of Austin society.  For those who love horror movies, this hotel has long time been considered one of the most haunted hotels in America.

The Austin Film Festival runs from Oct. 23 – Oct. 30.