“The Debut,” “Club Kid” and “Ink” are among the films announced as part of Austin Film Festival’s second wave of programming.
The 12 added films include seven world premieres and five Texas premieres. This year’s festival runs Oct. 29-Nov. 5.
Jim Taylor will receive the 2026 Bill Wittliff Award for Screenwriting at AFF. Other honorees to be recognized at the Awards Luncheon include Brad Bird, Aleshea Harris, Andrew Haigh, Nina Jacobson and Eric Kripke.
Taylor will discuss his career at AFF’s Writers Conference, including a Script to Screen presentation of “Sideways.” Newly announced programming for the conference, which runs Oct. 29-Nov. 1, also includes conversations with the creators of “DTF St. Louis,” “Paradise,” “May December” and Muppets programs.
This year’s AFF world premieres are below.“109 Billion Followers” dir. Ela Thier, starring Olivia Simmons and J.K. Simmons“Cedar Bluff” dir. Jesse Scimeca, starring Alia Williams and Jesse Gallegos“Frank Stein M.D.” dir. Rowen Kahn, starring Kahn and Rick Worthy“The Standard: The Chris Bumstead Story” dir. Mark Bone“A Man of Vision: The Bill Wittliff Story”“Cradled by Grace” dir. Vanessa Reiser“The Last Rocketman” dir. Jonny Zeller
This year’s AFF Texas premieres are below.“Bitter Christmas” dir. Pedro Almodóvar, starring Bárbara Lennie and Leonardo Sbaraglia“Club Kid” dir. Jordan Firstman, starring Firstman and Cara Delevingne“Ink” dir. Danny Boyle, starring Jack O’Connell, Guy Pearce and Claire Foy“Paper Tiger” dir. James Gray, starring Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson and Miles Teller“The Debut” dir. Jesse Eisenberg, starring Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti
“Being Heumann” from Academy Award winner Siân Heder will close AFI Fest presented by Canva on Oct. 25. The biographical drama is an adaptation of Judith Heumann’s memoir, “Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist.”
In 1977, Judy Heumann (Ruth Madeley) and a group of outsiders enact what would become the longest occupation of a federal building in American history. Hundreds seized government offices and refused to leave until the bureaucrat in their way (Mark Ruffalo) took action.
The film also stars Dylan O’Brien, Madeline Delp, Rob Delaney, Ray Fisher, Michael Patrick Thornton, Antwan Tolliver, Daniel Durant, Jon Beavers, Roberta Colindrez and Russell Harvard. “Being Heumann” opens in theaters on Nov. 6.
Viola Davis will be this year’s recipient of the Gregory Peck Award for Cinematic Excellence at the San Diego International Film Festival. Davis, an EGOT winner, is being honored for her work as an artist, activist, producer, philanthropist and New York Times bestselling author.
“Viola Davis is one of the most extraordinary artists of our time,” Tonya Mantooth, CEO and artistic director of San Diego International Film Festival, said. “Her performances bring power, vulnerability and truth to every role, while her work beyond the screen has helped create opportunities for others. The Gregory Peck Award celebrates an enduring contribution to cinema, and Viola Davis embodies that legacy. We are honored to celebrate her remarkable artistry and impact.”
The award, presented by Cecilia Peck, kicks off the 25th year of the festival and will be presented at the Night of the Stars Tribute on Oct. 13. The festival has also announced Jesse Eisenberg’s “The Debut” as the opening night film. The San Diego International Film Festival will take place from Oct. 13-18 in San Diego, California. Passes, tickets and additional festival information are available here.
“Princess Mononoke,” from director Hayao Miyazaki, makes its return to theaters.
The epic fantasy hits the big screen as part of GKIDS and Fathom Entertainment’s Studio Ghibli Fest 2026. A 4K restoration of the film will be in theaters from Sept. 26-30 in both the original Japanese and English-dubbed versions.
The film follows young warrior Ashitaka who encounters a conflict between Lady Eboshi, the people of Iron Town and the mysterious Princess Mononoke. The English dub features the voices of Gillian Anderson, Billy Crudup, Claire Danes, Minnie Driver, Jada Pinkett Smith and Billy Bob Thornton.
Saturday, Sept. 26 (English language dub)Sunday, Sept. 27 (English language dub)Monday, Sept. 28 (Japanese language with subtitles)Tuesday, Sept. 29 (Japanese language with subtitles)Wednesday, Sept. 30 (English language dub)
“Jimmy” First Looks: KJ Apa Flies in As Jimmy Stewart
KJ Apa stars in “Jimmy,” the U.S. Air Force’s take on the true story of “It’s A Wonderful Life” actor Jimmy Stewart’s life. The Air Force released first look photos and a trailer during the Air and Space Forces Association’s annual Air, Space & Cyber Conference in Washington. “Jimmy” hits theaters on Nov. 6.
“This is a very American story and our goal is to honor Jimmy’s legacy both in film and the military” Apa said. “He volunteered to serve in one of the most dangerous combat roles during World War II. I hope this story not only resonates with all who remember Jimmy, but shows the next generation a true hero.”