2026 LINEUP
Scroll to meet each artist. Click here to explore daily schedules and tickets.
• FEATURED FILMS •
FIREWALL, WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY BITA GHASSEMI
ABOUT THE FILM ★ When a Texas girl stumbles into a magical world of Persian myths, she and a rainbow-legged cow must survive perilous trials and defeat the Serpent King to rescue her father before dawn.
ABOUT THE WRITER & DIRECTOR ★ Bita Ghassemi is an Iranian-Texan filmmaker based in Austin whose work blends the poetic and political, exploring censorship, exile, and cultural duality through the lens of growing up as the daughter of Iranian immigrants in the American South. A Schwarzman Scholar and Richard Linklater Grant recipient, she edited the Oscar-qualifying short Things That Happen in the Bathroom and directs commercial work for brands like Meta, Adobe, and Soho House. Her latest film, Firewall — the first narrative adaptation of a story from Iran's national epic, the Shahnameh — stars Eman Esfandi (Spiderman: Brand New Day) and Nazanin Nour (Netflix’s Big Mouth).
LOVE, JAMIE, DIRECTED BY KARLA MURTHY
ABOUT THE FILM ★ Jamie Diaz is a Mexican-American trans woman and self-taught artist who spent nearly 30 years in a men’s prison in Texas. LOVE, JAMIE tells the story of how her enduring friendship with Gabriel Joffe, a volunteer who happened upon one of her works, helped Jamie’s art reach far beyond the prison walls.
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR ★ Karla Murthy is a documentary filmmaker Emmy-nominated news producer. Columbia Journalism Review described her work as “compelling, informative and compassionate. Her latest feature documentary, the award winning film "The Gas Station Attendant" will have its national broadcast premiere in 2026 on the PBS series POV. Karla is of Filipino and South Asian descent and grew up in Houston Texas.
PROMETIDA ETERNA, WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY YANCY ANALI LOPEZ
ABOUT THE FILM ★ When an employee brings a mysterious mannequin into a thrift store, her boss Inés dismisses the unease. Later that evening, a strange woman arrives, claiming the figure is her cursed daughter. As night falls, Inés must confront a haunting tied to folklore and the fear of being forgotten.
ABOUT THE WRITER & DIRECTOR ★ Yancy Anali Lopez is a Mexican filmmaker whose work is shaped by the intersection of identity and heritage. From stories passed down through generations to folklore and personal experiences, they create films that explore the unknown. Through their work, Yancy seeks to honor and reimagine Mexican stories while sharing them through a personal lens.
MAMMY’S MONEY, WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY GHISLAINE “QI DADA” JEAN
ABOUT THE FILM ★ MAMMY’S MONEY is a Mystic Stop-Motion Comedy. Inspired by historical facts. We follow Mammy as she is mysteriously informed about the wealth that awaits her. This short comedy animation is crafted to unpack the lack of baffoonery associated with colonial male depictions in stories.
ABOUT THE WRITER & DIRECTOR ★ Qi Dada is the founder of QD Life Media, a boutique media company with a focus on transformative media and content. QDLM fills the gap for progressive women searching for media, programming, and community engagement.
PEQUENO REBELDE, WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY SOFIA ALEJANDRO BARRIOS
ABOUT THE FILM ★ Raul, an independent high school cumbia dancer, encounters Junior, a shy foster tween, spying on him and his dance group. Through friendship, dance, music and brotherhood, Raul is able to provide a safe space for Junior after discovering his difficult home life. Although Raul takes Junior under his wing, we wanted to explore the aspect of his caring despite the instability in his own life.
ABOUT THE WRITER & DIRECTOR ✹ Sofia Alejandro Barrios is a filmmaker born in Monterrey, Mexico and from McAllen, Texas. She is a recent graduate from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Radio-Television-Film, a minor in Latino Media Arts and Studies, with a focus on directing and cinematography. Her filmmaking is curated from the baseline of passion, community, culture, and most importantly, love.
EL BOHEMIO DORADO, WRITTEN BY BRANDON KAFARELA, DIRECTED BY SAMANTHA ALDANA
ABOUT THE FILM ★ EL BOHEMIO DORADO is a film rooted in magical realism that follows a young man who finds himself at a crossroads in life, uninspired and unmotivated to carry on with the day-to-day responsibilities that come with existing in a world that doesn't embrace him. He is confronted with the opportunity to take a chance on the unexpected and romanticize life again through community, self-expression and the magic found within that discovery.
ABOUT THE WRITER ✹ Brandon Kafarela is a multifaceted creator who dedicates himself to telling compelling stories as a director, writer, producer, and costume designer. Brandon’s credits include Netflix's Dating Around, Shapeless, The Dirt, Ten Thousands Reasons for Revenge, as well as an array of projects for musicians, brands and media outlets such as Big Freedia, Koe Wetzel, Samsung, Christian Cowan, and more. His current works aim to reinforce a sense of community, strength, and safety to inspire marginalized communities to overcome the intrapersonal and systemic obstacles we face today.
ODD JOB, WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY JENNY ALVARADO
ABOUT THE FILM ★ When a directionless, unemployed Tejana wakes to discover a corpse in the bed of her truck, her only ally is a foul-mouthed rubber chicken with the voice of an abuelita—the unapologetic embodiment of her most reckless impulses. This proof-of-concept pilot introduces ODD JOB, a surreal dark comedy series where dead-end jobs, moral disasters, and cultural expectations collide as one woman fights to reclaim her voice. Blending absurdist humor with Tejano storytelling, ODD JOB explores identity, mental health, and survival through a distinctly Mexican-American lens.
ABOUT THE WRITER & DIRECTOR ★ Jenny Alvarado is a Tejana filmmaker from the Rio Grande Valley and UT alumni who enjoys turning existential crises into comedies. Her films blend genre influences, cultural perspectives, and a touch of absurdism to examine the messy realities of ambition, identity, and belonging. Through humor and unconventional storytelling, she seeks out the humanity hidden inside life's most awkward contradictions.
DRIP, CHOREOGRAPHED AND CO-DIRECTED BY VERTARIAS, DIRECTED BY IVY WEI CHIU
ABOUT THE FILM ★ DRIP is a love letter to the queer community. The film was made to inspire other artists and show them they can make their art when they come together. The film is set at cheer up Charlie’s on Red River, one of the only places in Austin where black brown and trans people have an active voice.
ABOUT THE CHOREOGRAPHER AND CO-DIRECTOR ★ Vertarias is an Austin, Texas-based movement director, choreographer, and singer. Originally from California, they have a background working in the Hollywood film and TV industry. Vertarias is a four-time "Choreographer of the Year" nominee by the Austin Chronicle and they are known for their R&B and pop sound, having released the debut EP "VERT" in 2022.
24 Cobras is a collective of interdisciplinary creatives making independent films in Austin, Texas.
HOW WE GRIEVE, CO-DIRECTED BY MEGHAN ROSS AND JUSTIN ROSS
ABOUT THE FILM ★ A new traumedy docuseries hosted by two filmmakers (who happen to be siblings) exploring all the ways people grieve in order to process their own losses and fear of their turn in the urn. Follow along on this journey as they get people to talk about the stuff no one (especially their Arab family) wants to talk about.
ABOUT THE CO-DIRECTOR ★ Meghan Ross is an Austin-based writer, director, and producer who loves to put a feel-good spin on feel-bad stuff by making social issues more accessible through comedy. She’s a 2-time Sundance Institute fellow, an AFS Feature Grant-supported filmmaker, and previously hosted the late night show That Time of the Month. Austin PBS is the presenting station for her upcoming traumedy docuseries HOW WE GRIEVE, which she promises won’t be that depressing.
PLANT MOMS, WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY KAYLA LANE FREEMAN
ABOUT THE FILM ★ This girly horror comedy will make you think twice before attending your neighbor's next plant propagation party.
ABOUT THE WRITER & DIRECTOR ★ Kayla Lane Freeman writes and directs dark comedies about unruly women and queer people. Her film, Plant Moms, premiered at Fantastic Fest 2025, was nominated for Best Comedy at Austin Horror Film Festival 2025, and won Most Original Short at Ethereal Horror Festival 2025. She is in pre-production for her next film, Piss Quest, a surrealist, dark comedy about public bathrooms in Texas.
I LOVE BUGS, WRITTEN AND ANIMATED BY SOFIA PALACIOS
ABOUT THE FILM ★ I Love Bugs is a micro-short, animated scene that peeks into a wondrous miniature world of bugs. Beyond the walls of grass blades, you are immersed in the brief, colorful bug parade while the flower narrates a short poem. This film was also made entirely in the 3D software Maya, to imitate the friendly handmade quality of paper cut-out animation.
ABOUT THE ANIMATOR ★ Sofia Palacios is a Latina concept artist and filmmaker from Austin, Texas, with a passion for designing and writing authentic characters and immersive worlds. She is currently studying Character Animation at the California Institute of the Arts. With her education, she aims to become an animated film director, creating culturally well-researched films inspired by the nuance of quotidian life, the boldness of history, and the relationships we form with one another.
FRIENDS & LOVERS, WRITTEN AND ANIMATED BY SOFIA PALACIOS
ABOUT THE FILM ★ Friends & Lovers is a micro-short magazine cut-out stop-motion animation that explores the superficial and patriarchal expectations of a romantic relationship. Beauty can become a performance when exposed to toxic standards set by partners—"Who do you want me to be?" Beauty, alongside wealth, is represented by the various references to fashion, even including real jewelry in the animation, to emphasize the concept that these negative relationships do not exist in a vacuum (they are tied to consumption), and that "love" is not always picture-perfect.
ABOUT THE ANIMATOR ★ Sofia Palacios is a Latina concept artist and filmmaker from Austin, Texas, with a passion for designing and writing authentic characters and immersive worlds. She is currently studying Character Animation at the California Institute of the Arts. With her education, she aims to become an animated film director, creating culturally well-researched films inspired by the nuance of quotidian life, the boldness of history, and the relationships we form with one another.
STUCK & LEAVING, WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY ZOE DAHMEN
ABOUT THE FILM ★ Two best friends believe they’ve found evidence of a missing teenager in a box of photos from the eighties and race to solve the puzzle before one of them has to leave town for a new life in New York.
ABOUT THE ANIMATOR ★ Filmmaker, Austinite and woman with a day job, Zoe Dahmen has been making films for most of her life. Her films explore loss and longing. She is currently pursuing an MFA in film production at UT Austin. She also teaches.
• FEATURED MUSICIANS + SOUND ARTISTS •
LYNN, CONTEMPORARY HIP-HOP AND R&B ARTIST
LYNN (@lynnthebadguy) is an independent hip-hop and R&B artist originally from Alabama, now rooted in Austin, Texas. Her music is about owning the moment: bold, unapologetic rap bars that showcase the power of women, paired with smooth, soulful R&B vibes. She's focused on breaking boundaries, carving out her own space in the industry, and uplifting her community along the way.
With her unique sound and unstoppable energy, LYNN is cementing her place as one of the freshest voices coming out of Austin's hip-hop scene. She has shared stages with CupcakKe, Yakiyn, Sensi Molly, and a host of other artists, performed at The Bomb Factory in Dallas for Vibes Texas x Wingstop's House of Flavor, earned an official SXSW artist spot three years running (2024, 2025, 2026), and recently headlined a showcase for Hot Summer Nights, presented by Red River Cultural District.
BABIDOLL, RECORDING ARTIST AND DJ
Formerly known as “BabiBoi,” BabiDoll (@babidollbitch) is an Austin, Texas based recording artist, DJ, and community organizer who has been pivotal in Central Texas’ ballroom (vogue) movement. Her music has been revered nationally in publications such as Billboard, Paper, LA Times, and NPR Music, and has been seen on stages alongside artists such as Charli XCX, Tinashe, Cupcakke and Zack Fox.
Following her 2024 DJ set for Boiler Room, she has gone on to release her debut album, “CONTROL FREAK” and has started her podcast, “BabiTalk” in which she pulls the curtain back on Texas’ bubbling underground scene. Her relentless tenacity and boundless sexuality is instrumental in her mission to bolster Southern Queer culture.
RIOBAMBA, SOUND ARTIST & SCHOLAR
Riobamba is a first-generation, Ecuadorian-Lithuanian sound artist, DJ, scholar, and death doula. She’s the founder of APOCALIPSIS, a record label that amplifies artists de aquí y de allá.
DJ BAD APPLE, MUSIC SUPERVISOR AND PRODUCER
Appolonia Chukwu (@dj_bad_apple), professionally known as DJ BAD APPLE, is a dynamic Black Nigerian-American DJ, music producer, music supervisor, and writer based in Austin, Texas. DJ BAD APPLE has performed at the world-renowned Concourse project for Seismic Dance Event as well as DJ Mag, Formula 1 and Circuit of the Americas, SXSW, and opened for acts like Thundercat, TSHA, DJ Holographic, Trixie Mattel, Shea Couleé, and more. She is a vocal advocate for Black Women in music. She is a pioneer in amplifying minority voices in the industry, notably as Resident Advisor's first City Manager of Austin, and through her award-winning thesis on Black Women’s cultural production in the music space. Her blend of art and activism forges connections and community, embodying the essence of a modern artist and change-maker.
JESSY WILSON MCFARLIN, VISUAL AND SOUND ARTIST, GRAMMY-NOMINATED MUSICIAN
Jessy Wilson McFarlin (@jessywilson) is a GRAMMY nominated singer, songwriter, composer, and visual artist working across sound, performance, sculpture, and installation. Her work is rooted in the voice and the ways it carries memory, grief, labor and lineage. Through sound and sculpture, she explores the voice as a physical presence carried through breath, vibration, and resonance. McFarlin is a two-time recipient of the City of Austin’s Elevate Grant, and her career includes collaborations with John Legend, Tyler, the Creator, Patrick Carney and many others.
MARU HARU, SYMPHONIC ROCK ORCHESTRA
Maru Haru (@maru_songs) is a queer, Asian American indie band that switches from alt-rock to somber pop with driving and colorful sound. Whether making experimentally bombastic anthems, scoring films, or collaborating with local artists and vendors, Maru Haru’s goal is to spread fun, passion, and community with our audience. Maru Haru is currently recording their second album, which takes inspiration from J-Rock and 2000’s pop punk.
ED WEST, DJ AND COUNTRY CURATOR
ED WEST (@edwesttx) is a generational Texan, award-winning DJ, active event producer and community organizer in Austin, Texas.
Ed is the founder of Austin-local mainstays ATX Trans Pride and Neon Rainbows. He is dedicated to serving the community and having fun.
• GUEST ARTISTS + SPEAKERS •
VERTARIAS, CHOREOGRAPHER AND MUSICIAN
Vertarias (@vertarias) is an Austin, Texas-based movement director, choreographer, and singer. Originally from California, they have a background working in the Hollywood film and TV industry. Vertarias is a 3-time "Choreographer of the Year" nominee by the Austin Chronicle and has been recognized by the Rolling Stone Culture Council for their event work. As a performer, they are known for their R&B and pop sound, having released the debut EP "VERT" in 2022. Vertarias, who identifies as queer and non-binary, is dedicated to creating a platform for other talented musical artists.
Her art is a continuous journey of turning personal history into visual narratives that invite viewers to rediscover the magic and resilience of childhood. She aims to evoke a sense of nostalgia and curiosity in strangers, believing that even though everyone’s experiences and memories are different, there is always an overlap.
EMILY SANCHEZ, DIRECTOR AND CINEMATOGRAPHER
Emily Sanchez (@emilymsanchez) is an Austin-based Director and Cinematographer with roots in her hometown of San Antonio, Texas.
Emily’s passion lies in telling meaningful stories that explore authentic human moments, and loves intertwining absurd and surreal elements. Her most recent lensed projects have been music videos for various artists including Die Spitz, The Pinky Rings, and August Ponthier.
Her narrative works have screened in film festivals across the U.S. including a short film tilted The Sidewalk Artist winning the Grand Jury award at Slamdance Film Festival. Freelancing in the camera department, she has worked across a multitude of commercials, features, documentaries and award winning shorts.
LAURA CLAY, ARTIST AND PAINTER
Laura Clay (@lauraclayart) is a Mexican-American artist based in Austin whose practice spans painting, drawing, and ceramics. Working in both abstraction and figuration, she navigates themes of bicultural identity, displacement, and the balance between chaos and order. Her work is characterized by distinct gradients and textures, creating a visual language that explores personal and cultural narratives. A commitment to materiality is central to her process, from creating her own handmade paints to her recent explorations in clay. Laura holds an MFA from the National Art School in Sydney and has exhibited worldwide, with her work held in the Mexic-Arte Museum's permanent collection. She has been featured in publications like Eastside Magazine and is represented by Washington Gallery and The Cathedral ATX.
★ learn more
ERINN KNIGHT, CREATIVE PRODUCER AND FOUNDER
Erinn Knight (@theerinnaffect), is herself for a living. As the co-founder of Build Your Own Dreams creative agency, she spends her days exploring, learning and soaking in experiences. Her super power is translating these daily experiences into magic that builds culture, illuminates solutions, educates seekers and engages the curious. Podcasting, consulting, and strategic
brokering are some of the ways this magic is disseminated.
She co-owns BYOD and Where Y’all At Though?! in Austin, Texas.
LEAH KEARSE, CRAFT ARTIST AND CURATOR
Leah Kearse is a designer and artist originally from Americus, Georgia. Her work focuses on intersecting culture with impact and capturing the Black experience through interactive mediums.
When she's not creating, you can find her volunteering at Austin School of Furniture, whipping up concoctions in the kitchen, or teaching at Sisu Studio.
SETH PRESTWOOD, VISUAL ARTIST AND MURALIST
Seth Prestwood is a multidisciplinary artist, born and raised in lower Alabama in 1989. Living and working in Austin, his professional career spans the country and many facets of the art world, including arts administration, studio production, residencies and conservation work. His personal work explores themes of loss, longing, and resilience, addressing the tension between his Southern Baptist roots and his evolving identity within the queer community.
★ Throughout the festival, Seth Prestwood’s work is on view at The LINE Hotel Austin. Learn more about each artwork on display and purchase here.
DAVE MCCLINTON, VISUAL ARTIST
Based in Austin, Texas, multidisciplinary artist Dave McClinton creates life-size portraits through paper, photography and digital collage. His work has been widely exhibited and collected across Central Texas.
★ Throughout the festival, Dave McClinton’s work is on view at The LINE Hotel Austin. Learn more about each artwork on display and purchase here.
ALYSE RONAYNE (OPAL RUGS), MULTIDISCIPLINARY ARTIST
OPAL RUGS is the craft project of Alyse Ronayne, a fiber and mixed media artist based in Austin, Texas, originally from Detroit, Michigan.
★ Throughout the festival, Alyse Ronayne’s work is on view at The LINE Hotel Austin. Purchase “Moon In Moon” here. Purchase “Casino” here.