Construction at AFS Cinema is now underway, bringing an additional screen to expand screening opportunities in Austin.
Renovations to Austin Film Society are slated to debut this fall and construction will not disrupt regular programming, Holly Herrick, head of film and creative media at Austin Film Society, said.
Dig deeper
AFS has been showing films since the organization began in 1985, Herrick said. In 2017, the theater expanded to include a second screen; nearly a decade later, changes to the film industry have led to a third expansion for AFS.
“The changes in our market and in the broader landscape for film have both shown us that we needed to have more space for the community, as well as more opportunities to continue to bring in independent cinema from around the world in our regular programming,” Herrick said.
Construction on the new theater began in early 2026 and is slated to feature 179 seats, 4K digital laser projection and 7.1 surround sound.
What they offer
AFS Cinema has a range of programming that includes classic and foreign films, classes and workshops, film festivals and conversations with filmmakers.
Currently, AFS Cinema only offers screenings in the evenings, Herrick explained. With the addition of a new third screen, the theater hopes to provide better showtimes, more films, upgraded seating and state of the art projection and sound.
What’s special about it?
Herrick describes AFS Cinema as a “community cinema,” bringing together local programmers and filmmakers.
The movie offerings at AFS differ from that of a corporate theater due to the organization’s passion and commitment to the history and present of film, as well as the global film scene and hyperlocal interests, Herrick explained.
“It's a place for great art and it's a place for community,” Herrick said. “We're really relying on our community to believe in that mission of art and connection through art, and to support that.”
Austin Film Society is now raising $250,000 to complete the construction. Community members can choose to donate online, selecting from tiers ranging from $30-$10,000.
