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In this entry: I reflect on my long-awaited return to the Austin Film Festival and share news about a book festival I'll be a part of in San Antonio!
Hey, friend. Now that all email inboxes are back up and running, I'm dropping in with a new Cristian's Commonplace entry. Before we get started, if you've been a reader for a while, please consider leaving a review. I'd love to hear your thoughts. And if you know of anyone else who might enjoy the newsletter, send them this link or forward this email so that they can join all the cool stuff happening over here. There's a ton of fun new things planned for 2027, so I'm excited that you're coming along for the journey. I believe that human creativity is essential, especially today, so we're going to continue to live into that mission in the new year!
33 Takeaways From the 2026 Austin Film Festival 🎞️
This Is Why You Always Need a Notebook With You
It's now been a week since returning from the Austin Film Festival (AFF). It was officially my fourth time attending, with the previous visit being five years ago, so another trip was long overdue.
If you haven't heard about the festival, let me tell you about it. Because AFF is one of my favorites. Not only is it in one of the greatest cities in Texas, but it's primarily a gathering for writers. I mean, it's perfect for me, right?
Every year, the festival begins with a weekend of its Writers Conference, which has panels and events all around the craft of screenwriting, filmmaking, and more. Everyone walking around the city can similarly feel that the passion of storytelling is in the air. It's enchanting.
There's some scattered film programming throughout that initial weekend, but it kicks off first with those kinds of events that not only educate, but inspire. Then, as the festival moves into the following week, the film slate takes over.
The best part is that not only is AFF still one of the most affordable festivals to attend, but it's late enough in the festival season that you know a ton of the programmed films are going to be awards contenders. You can get ahead on your Oscars ballot before the rest of your Letterboxd friends.
I saw a ton of movies (around 23, to be precise) and learned a lot throughout the week. Here are some lessons from the 33rd Austin Film Festival:
1. Let Rejection Roll off Your Back
In a panel called, "Working Writers in the New Normal," this line about rejection stuck with me. Because so many people will get rejected then become deflated. But the ones who make it are the ones that just keep going. They're the ones who play the long game and know that not everything relies on this one thing. There will always be another door. You have to do your part and keep knocking.
2. You Will Never Know Who Is Next to You Until You Ask
Especially at these kinds of events, whether you're standing in line at a premier or sitting next to someone in a pew, start up a conversation. Networking is the way. But what's particularly special is that your neighbor might be the person who can greenlight your next project or be someone who helps spark your next idea. Or maybe even just a new friend. We come to these events to be reminded that we're not alone, so embrace that. Start the conversation.
3. Only You Can Take Control of Your Trajectory
The creator economy has shaken everything up. So if you're someone who wants to work in a medium that traditionally has gatekeepers, stop being traditional. Make stuff now. Join other dreamers and put your work out there. Spread the surface area for luck to strike.
4. Take Notes
Always, always, always keep a notebook with you. Even if you're not a writer. Have an idea? Write it down with pen and paper. It's less rude than pulling out a phone at the dinner table to denote something. And you'll generally lessen the likelihood for distraction to suck you in.
5. Wear SPF
I mean, this is mandatory every day. Not only at the beach, y'all.
Barbara Morgan, the CEO of AFF, at the Bullock Museum IMAX Theater.
6. AI Is the Buzzword
Even so, you can ignore the noise. AI isn't scared, doesn't get horny. Therefore it's not talking to the same audience we are. It's not able to relate. You are the human. So tell human stories. Don't sell your trust for cheap prompts on a technology that's ravaging so much of us.
7. Writing Isn't Just Thinking, It's Fucking Feeling
Virgil Williams with that Golden Line, by the way.
8. Shane Black Might Know What He's Talking About
Shane Black, during a debate about AI, said, "I don't want to flirt or hang with something that might kill us." Exactly.
The AI Debate panel.
9. "Get the Fuck Off My Expo Line, Chef"
When discussing AI slop, someone had this perfect metaphor: "If you want to be a chef, do you worry about McDonald's?"
10. The Expectations Paradox Will Always Attack
The first film I saw at the festival was Jesse Eisenberg's new movie, The Debut. I expected more, but as I always joke with the Cinema Sluts group chat, those expectations will be what gets you at the end of the day. Especially when experiencing art. (By the way, I heard "expectations" by Olivia Rodrigo live yesterday here in Atlanta, where I'm writing this. There's nothing more to add. Just that it was special—and her show exceeded my expectations.)
11. Be Ready for the Follow-Up
If networking, always have a CTA for if the opportunity presents itself. Now, there's a fine line with being a bit too much, but you'll eventually get a feel for this kind of thing. My next step was always Instagram—today's digital business card—before personalizing a message with an introduction to my newsletter later on.
12. There's an Alchemy to Storytelling
It might take a while for you to find the right recipe, but as long as you're experimenting, you'll eventually get somewhere.
13. If You're Ever Adapting Huge IP, Get Off Social Media
Writing for Star Wars? Yeah, maybe delete some apps for your sanity. And in general, getting off social for a bit can be a good thing.
Stopped by local theaters to watch other films when I had gaps in my schedule.
14. Have the Courage To Question
There's almost always a Q&A section at these conference panels. During them, you have a direct line to some of the biggest working creatives in any given field. So ask your questions. It's a sure way to feeling like you're making the most of the event.
15. Break the Barrier
So many entities want to put each of us into nice little boxes. Hollywood is one of them. Being pigeonholed might be a helpful thing at the start of any career, but you'll eventually have to claw your way out.
16. Everyone Had a Beginning
Don't feel the pressure of someone else's year 10. Focus on your day one.
17. Dreamers Dream
It's intoxicating to get into a room with other passionate souls. So take it all in when you're in those moments. Sometimes they can be so infrequent that you forget what it's like to be among others of your ilk. Relish it all. Revel in it.
18. You Never Know Who's Watching
You might be inspiring someone. So keep pressing on. In spite of the inner critic or negative external forces. Control what you control and forget about the rest.
19. Bet on Yourself
Perhaps my most surprising watch of the festival was I Play Rocky. I thought it was simply stunning. So inspirational, like the 1976 classic itself. Sometimes you have to say "yes" to yourself when everyone else keeps saying no "no."
20. It Might Not Be Today, but It Might Be Someday
Brad Bird—the storyteller behind hits like Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocoland The Incredibles—was the 2026 Extraordinary Contribution to Filmmaking Awardee. He had a panel where he talked about his career thus far and discussed how his latest film, Ray Gunn, took over 30 years to make. So, no matter your accolades are or how much you've already accomplished, you have to be the one to keep believing in yourself and pushing your work forward. You have to be ready, having done the work, for when the right time does finally arrive.
Barbara Morgan and Brad Bird.
21. The Room Might Not Be Full, but You Have To Win the Room
A Golden Line from Brad Bird, inspired by how Iron Giant didn’t have many initial viewers, but those who saw it loved it.
Being a creative can be hard. There's so much vulnerability in the process. That's why, again, when Brad Bird was down about the lackluster opening of Iron Giant, Hollywood saint Guillermo del Toro told him that "moves stick around." He shared this kindness, reminding Brad that he did his part in making the beautiful thing. In due time, people would find it. And you know what? They did.
23. Make the Trip
During the festival, some friends and I decided to surprise another friend in Houston for a Halloween party we were invited to, but didn't think we'd be able to make. See, our friends in Houston were weeks away from having their first kid, so we thought we had to be there to celebrate with them before the start of their new chapter. Life's too short not to go the extra mile to celebrate with loved ones when there's a cause to party.
24. Your Standard Will Change
A highlight of the festival for me was seeing Chris Bumstead's documentary, The Standard: The Chris Bumstead Story. CBum is someone that has inspired me a ton throughout the years. He's not only swoll, but he's a real man, one who helps other men be more authentic and vulnerable. There's not a toxic thought in his head. So, I appreciated how the documentary reflected how not only life changes, but we do, too—especially our targets of what makes life worthwhile. It was also dope to see this with him in attendance.
25. Movie Subscriptions Pay for Themselves
Did you know that if you see just two movies in a month with Regal Unlimited or AMC Stubs A-List, that you basically make your money back?
26. Just Vote
Whether you're filling out a ballot for the audience award post-screening at a film festival, or trying to be a part of history, always vote. Your voice does matter.​
27. Be Sneaky
As everyone was celebrating the Election Day results, I was stuck in a screening that I wasn't quite feeling. I mean, I wanted to leave. I could've gone out and partied in downtown Austin, but instead I was sat in the same row as the filmmakers for the movie screening I was in. I was too much of an empath to leave, but I could've tried being a little sneakier and made pretend that I was feeling ill or something, right? Well, next time.
28. Shooters Shoot, Baby
You never know if you don't try. Be confident, even if there's turmoil within. Take your shot.
A panel on adaptations.
29. Animated Films Are Cinema
As I was rightly reminded during my watching of Wildwood, animated films can be for everyone, not just kids. There's beauty in that fact.
30. I'm Getting Older
Funny that this lesson landed on 30. I swear I didn't plan that. Anyways, as I walked through UT Austin's campus for a ton of the festival programming, I was strangely glad that I was beyond that stage of my life. I'm more and more appreciative for this beginning to my 30s, and that comes with my being proud of my friends in their new chapters as our lives evolve, and showing love in the little ways I can.
31. Appreciate Those Who've Supported You From the Very Start
Sometimes, when it feels like no one is watching or reading, it can feel isolating. But, slowly, the support comes through. Cherish those who support your work and fan the flame of your passion early on.
32. Become an Early Supporter for Someone Else
When an opportunity comes for you to be the encouragement for someone else as they get started on their creative journey, you'll all the more be willing to become an early supporter for them.
33. Watch Club Kid
My favorite film from the festival was Jordan Firstman's directorial debut, Club Kid. It's a deeply moving story, through and through. Watch it when it's released in your area. Trust me.
I'm going to be at the 2026 First Draught Book Fest! Join me? 🍻📚
In the San Antonio area? Then join me and Darrell Smith for books, brews, and more on Sunday, November 22! We'll be selling copies of Darrell's books and hosting a couple of giveaways—one for the SBNA ​Spotify audiobook and one for Cristian's Commonplace.
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