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 — breaking barriers and keeping independent artmaking alive, one frame at a time.
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.
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: 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 →What's happening now.
Free
Programming,this November.
Four free events · Austin Studio Tour
Built around making, not just looking.
During Austin Studio Tour, we're opening our Black Box Studio at The Canopy for a curated media arts exhibition putting Austin's film and video artists on screen, presented in partnership with Almost Real Things.
- ✦ Curated media arts exhibition Black Box Studio at The Canopy. Open call for submissions launches September 15.
- ✦ Workshop series at Govalle Elementary Young creators working with real celluloid film, on site.
- ✦ Family Super 8 shoot Families shoot together and document the tour as it happens.
- ✦ Media artist panel & mixer Closing out the series.
Produced in partnership with Almost Real Things, the Govalle Cultural District, and Govalle Elementary. Every event is free and open to everyone, whether you have made a film before or have never picked up a camera. Neighbors, first timers, and lifelong artists all welcome.
✦ Details and sign-ups coming soon
Open now.
Enroll, join, or get listed today
Take a class
100+ classes a year across film, photo, animation, sound, and screenwriting. New sessions roll 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 →
Artist Access
Six months of earn-and-learn: $2,000 education fund, 1-year studio membership, on-site job training, and real mentorship. Applications reopen in 2027.
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 →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.