Helping artists & storytellers learn, make, and find their people since 0.
A community film school, accessible studios, residencies for those who've never had one, workforce training and youth programs, year-round events — breaking barriers and keeping independent artmaking alive.
For people to learn, for working artists to grow, for underrepresented talent to be seen.
We run Austin School of Film, Texas's longest-running community school for film, photo, animation, and media art.
100+ classes & workshops a year across every level, led by industry professionals and teaching artists. From filmmaking, photography, animation, experimental media, analog darkroom practice, creative technology, and more.
We've been hosting youth summer camps since 1999. That's how we got our start.
Beginners always always welcome. No prerequisites, no pretension.
Browse classes →We keep CINEMAKER Studios open to filmmakers, photographers, musicians, and media artists at community prices.
Membership-based access to professional lighting, backdrops, props, and the odds & ends that are a pain to lug around: apple boxes, c-stands, gels, the whole shabang.
Every month we host over 400 creative sessions here, from film shoots to photo work, music video production, album covers, artist portfolios, dance films, and commercial work.
Become a member →We build pathways for media artists & filmmakers at every stage.
Artist Access Program: six months of workforce development for emerging media artists, with job training, networking, an education stipend, and free studio access.
Artists in Motion: a six-month residency for media artists who've never had one. Because everyone has to have their first experience somehow.
Two Artists × Six Months: our 2026 experiment. Two local artists, free CINEMAKER access, no deliverables, no strings.
Film & Friends Showcase: an exhibition platform that puts our community's work in front of audiences.
Explore artist programs →Program spotlight.
Artist Access is a learn and earn program, one of 6 free Artist Pathway programs at MMAC. Participants each receive a $2,000 education stipend, full access to the studios, equipment, and darkroom for an entire year at $0, and creative onsite job training alongside our staff and educators. Every term closes with a showcase of their own, curated by the artists.
The 2026/27 cohort 16
Samantha Bull
Marcus Bustamante
Roman Cleveland
Abbey Dandy
Ashley Edwards
Jocelynn Erives
Selina Gallegos
Rylie Healy
Maddie Ladner
Angelica Maldonado
Jasmene Porter
Josiah Sanchez
Paige Nicole Simpkins
Miranda Viskatis
Kaylyn Wenger
Taylor West
Welcome back, Senior Artists 8
Artists who completed six months in the program and renewed for an additional three.
Rosa Galarza-Mireles · Mahnoor Hafeez · Minnie Jackson · Chantal Lesley · Raquel Medina · Alisya Mora · Merith Schrödinger · Fernanda Udave
"We're flipping workforce training on its head. This program puts people first, investing in artists beyond dollars, with time, resources, and real access points. Artists need time to learn and a supportive space to fail, along with the freedom to experiment in a place that champions strange, tender, radical work."
Faiza Kracheni, Executive Director
Official Austin Studio Tour Pop-Ups Coming Soon
Nov 7 · 14 · 15 · 22–23
Analog motion picture imagemaking, exhibition of moving image, family friendly, and totally free.
We're an official Austin Studio Tour Partner and we got big things coming!
In collaboration with Govalle Elementary, the Govalle Cultural District, and Almost Real Things.
Learn more →Open now.
Enroll, join, or get listed today
Take a class
Film, photo, animation, sound, and screenwriting, with new sessions rolling out year-round. Beginner-friendly and open to everyone. No prerequisites.
Browse classes →
Film Forward Certificate
14 courses. 100+ hours. Three finished films or media projects. The deepest version of what Austin School of Film offers, for students ready to commit to the craft.
Learn more →The Local
Talent Roster.
The Roster
Now live: our digital directory of Austin filmmakers, photographers, and media artists who train, teach, and make their work at MMAC. Filter, find, hire local.
Explore the Roster →On the horizon.
Mark the calendar for what opens next
Film & Friends Showcase
Our bi-annual screening series celebrating bold, original work from our project-based courses. Returning in December 2026, with dozens of first-time filmmakers on the big screen.
Learn more →Summer
Camp '27
Youth Summer Camps
Hands-on summer filmmaking camps for middle and high school students, where we got our start in 1999. 2027 sessions open in January.
Learn more →
Artists in Motion
A six-month residency for media artists who've never had one. Free Cinemaker access, up to 2 classes, funding for a final public event. Applications open January 2027 for the spring/summer 2027 season.
Learn more →Diversifying the industry doesn't happen by chance. It happens when you build the infrastructure on purpose.
Our programs model the value of film & media arts in everyday lives and dreams for the future.
We support underrepresented voices and first-generation media artists & filmmakers, ensuring they thrive in a supportive, sustainable ecosystem.
Austin's community-rooted home for film & media arts.
Building creative infrastructure, expanding public access, and developing the next generation of independent artists and filmmakers across Central Texas.
We provide film and media arts education, professional studio access, artist residencies, and youth programs to the underrepresented communities the creative industry was not built for, so that independent storytellers have everything they need to make their work real.