Lunch and Learn: Austin Film Festival

Join Story Summit for a friendly, informative Lunch and Learn focused on the Austin Film Festival & Writers Conference — one of the most writer-centered festivals in the country.

This session is designed simply to help Summiteers learn more about Austin Film Festival, ask practical questions, and get a clearer sense of what attending might look like. There will be no selling — just useful information, conversation, and community.

We’ll be joined by Shannon Dennard-Fair, Development Officer at Austin Film Festival, who will give us an insider’s look at this year’s festival, badge opportunities, partnerships, signature events, and what writers can expect from Austin this fall.

Shannon joined Austin Film Festival’s development team in summer 2025 and currently oversees sponsorships, college and university partnerships. A graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Shannon began her career in film and television production as a Location Manager and Scout in New York City, working on projects including John Wick and The Americans.She later worked in the tech and events sectors in Los Angeles before making Austin her home.

David Gil, Director of AFF Sponsorship,  will also be joining us.  David began his career working in film and television production with A Scanner Darkly and American Idol among his list of credits. He transitioned into film programming in 2009 when he joined Austin Film Festival as their Film Competition Programmer. In 2011, David moved into theater exhibition, ultimately overseeing programming for 240 screens across 22 theaters in 5 states. In 2024, David returned to the Austin Film Festival. 

The panel will also include David Kirkpatrick, Founder of Story Summit, and writer and Summiteer Karen Weber Manz, who has attended Austin Film Festival in the past and is a genuine fan of the event. And, of course, Arthur, the official Story Summit mascot, will be making an appearance.

This will be a casual, practical conversation with time for questions such as:

What should Summiteers know before deciding to attend? Are there any guests, panels, or surprises Shannon is able to share? How can writers make the most of the festival experience?When will the Austin Film Festival schedule be announced? When do badge prices change?

Bring your lunch, your curiosity, and your Austin questions. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the Festival and how Story Summit will be participating this year.

This session is complimentary for everyone. Simply register below to receive the Zoom link. If you have any issues or questions, email us here.