Filmmaker Testimonials

Wow- what a fantastic fest! The folks who run this (Bears, Jordan, Dan, and the crew) are absolutely amazing and work so hard to make this a great experience for the filmmakers. Some really cool features and the shorts blocks were some of the strongest I've been a part of on the festival circuit. Also, well attended by folks that seem to return year after year. Should definitely be on any genre filmmaker's radar.

- Andrew Bell; writer/director, LET ME PLAY

Other Worlds was by far one of the best festivals we have ever been to. They staff were so accommodating and hospitable to the filmmakers and passionate about the movies they were screening. The Q&A’s were expertly moderated with the audience being a perfect blend of filmmakers, sci-fi enthusiasts, and professional critics. With multiple events and opportunities to network with industry professionals, Other Worlds is a film festival that sci-fi and horror filmmakers do not want to miss.

- Phillip Carroll; writer/director, THE HONEYMOON PHASE

Other Worlds is fast becoming a must visit for sci-fi and horror genre filmmakers on the fest circuit. We've been lucky enough to be selected three times. And it is consistently a phenomenal experience. Not only is it a chance to visit the great city of Austin but also to see some beautifully curated, unique films, meet some very cool filmmakers and attend their great events, panels and kick a** parties. And they just keep growing. This year they showed simultaneously on three screens at their venue for each showtime. And the special guest was the director of Star Trek 2: Wrath of Khan! As well, Other Worlds takes great pride in programing a diverse group of movies that push the definitions of Science fiction and horror. And the meticulous presentation and exhibition of your film is something they take great pride in. The head of the festival personally oversees each film's presentation. The staff is friendly, enthusiastic, and most importantly, communicative. They issue a full packet that answers all your questions and stay in contact with you up to and through the fest. A top notch fest experience. Submit now or miss out.

- The Summers Brothers; writer/directors, SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE

What a great Austin fest that really takes care of the filmmakers every step of the way. Phenomenal communication and organization. Never felt nervous about our screenings as it all ran smoothly.

The organizers (Bears, Jordan, Dan and the rest of the team) were enthusiastic about each film and are huge fans of sci-fi and horror genres. They filled the theaters and promoted the event online and with local papers. Bravo. Will return in a heartbeat.

- David Allensworth; writer/director, SOUL TO KEEP

I had the best time at Other Worlds Austin. I couldn't believe how many people came out to see the short film blocks. The horror shorts were playing opposite the closing night film and we still had a packed house. The team that runs the fest is so great and organized and they throw great Q&As. The filmmaker events are super fun and appropriately boozy. I met so many cool genre filmmakers who just wanted to chat, so much so that after the closing night party a group of us went back to the hotel and talked sci-fi and horror until almost 3 in the morning. Flix Brewhouse as a venue is outstanding. Huge screens; great projection and sound. 5 out of 5. Like. Subscribe. Can't wait to go back.”

- Jake Jarvi; writer/director, OXFORD COMA

Great festival with great people. I'll always submit my films here!

- Phil Bucci; writer/director, PAUL’S BAD DAY

A truly exceptional festival. OWA balanced an intimate feeling ideal for meaningful conversations and networking with a truly world class slate of films, industry guests, and social events. After screening at OWA, my film began receiving a flurry of acceptances at other festivals, attesting to its influence. It's no surprise that it's growing so quickly, and should rapidly become one of the top genre festivals worldwide. Highly recommended.

-Eric McEver; writer/director, PALEONAUT

A top-notch genre film festival. The festival directors and staff do an amazing job to make the filmmakers feel welcome. With an excellent selection of films, high quality and sold out screenings, great panels and a wonderful opportunity to network with other filmmakers this is bound to become one of the best genre festivals around! I am very fortunate to have been selected to screen my film at OWA and I would highly encourage other genre filmmakers to submit.

-Catya Plate; writer/director, MEETING MACGUFFIN

This festival was a true treat. The team is great, supportive, and has excellent taste in film. The venue is beyond belief in how awesome it is. Top notch projection and there is nothing cooler than getting food and beers while watching great films. The films they did program were an awesome mix of new films that deserve to be seen by audiences and classics that are worth seeing on the big screen again. A total blast all around and can't wait to go back with our next film.

-Matt Braunsdorf; writer/director, JOHN THE CARPENTER

This is a gorgeous festival that is organised brilliantly, communicated brilliantly, has packed out houses full of brilliant audiences, there isn't a downside. 0ur film was in superb company, the standard is high, you will meet excellent people from all over the States and beyond. If you have a sci-fi film you must submit here. Totally brilliant. In all regards.

-Dan Horrigan; writer, POPULACE

We loved being a part of the Other Worlds Austin festival (2016). It's one of those festivals choreographed by people who have a deep love of film and want to be part of building the future. The team are amazing at making you feel welcome. Really wonderfully communicative and supportive throughout and beyond the festival. We have already fielded inquiries from other festivals as a direct result of screening with OWA. We just want to say thank you so much and congratulations to Bears and Jordan and the rest of the OWA team of selectors and coordinators. Can't wait to make something for you next year!

-Steven Kelleher; writer, BEAUTIFUL DREAMER

This has been one of the best festivals I have ever attended and screened my film at. The theater is always full, and mostly of fans of science fiction. They have great events for the film makers, accommodations that are close by, and best of all, an amazing selection of films. You will find OWA Alumni as some of the best in the circuit. I could not give this festival a higher rating. Bears Fonte is an incredibly experienced festival director, and has selected a wonderful team who are passionate, talented, and dedicated to this festival. You would be mistaken not to submit your sci-fi films here.

-Willem Kampenhout; writer/director, THE SURFACE

Other Worlds Austin was a blast! Great audiences, movies, and afterparties/hangover brunches. The festival staff were so awesome and supportive -- and were directly responsible for getting me the drunkest I've been in years! And the city of Austin was amazing -- lovely people, delicious food (especially tacos), and just fun to walk around and experience because there's so much to do. Hope to be back with our next film!

-Jaron Henrie-McCrea; director, CURTAIN

I next brought the film to our first genre festival, Other Worlds Austin. Only in its second year, the festival was small in scale but big in heart and festival team spirit. Only at Other Worlds would I end up taking photos with someone else also wearing a Star Trek uniform. It was great to show our science fiction film to a crowd made up entirely of sci-fi fans, who really got it. Embers was the Closing Night Film and had the honor to win the Inaugural Mary Shelley Award. Our actress Greta Fernández won Best Actress in a Feature Film. The most touching moment of my festival experiences so far came from an audience member at Other Worlds Austin who had previously experienced amnesia after coming out of a coma. He told me that my film captured the confusion of what it felt like to not remember and to feel glimmers of meaning without being able to hold onto something specific. He insisted that I needed to keep making movies because he wanted to see them.

-Claire Carré; director/co-writer, EMBERS

We had our World Premiere at the Other World Austin Film Festival - so nice to have a Science Fiction/Fantasy Genre specific festival available to filmmakers. We played to a packed house in a fantastic multiplex and had a great time interacting with the organizers and the fans who showed up. Plus Austin is a wonderful city - Definitely believe the hype - Eat BBQ and watch awesome Sci -Fi and fantasy films - what could be better?

-Steven Ayromlooi; writer/director, THE SUN DEVIL AND THE PRINCESS

On a circuit where most fantastic-oriented festivals skew towards horror, Other Worlds Austin was the SciFi oasis. The programming was solidly curated and appropriately mind-bending. The staff and volunteers genuinely cared, and as filmmakers we felt appreciated and celebrated. I hope to be back!

-Bradley King; director/co-writer, TIME LAPSE