This is a fantastic art house cinema by the Austin Film Society. They have two screens and show Indy films, documentaries, first-runs and more. Often host filmmakers and actors to talk about their films and work before or after the showing. There is an event hall for private happenings. They've got a decent snack counter and bar. Excellent customer service. The staff know their films. From the most obscure to the most mainstream, they have all the info. Their love of films shines through. read more

AFS Cinema - Cinema Near Me - Austin, Texas

I love visiting AFS cinema to see independent films! I usually attend Indie Meme film festival and other film screenings at AFS. They sometimes host Q&As with the film director, actors, or producers after the screening which are so interesting. The theater itself is well maintained and clean - comfortable seats, huge screens and a concessions stand with a full bar. They offer memberships which could make sense based on how often you go! I definitely recommend. Grab pasta at Artipasta nearby and make it a date night! read more

I've been to Austin Film Society twice. Once during SXSW to see Sing Sing, and last Monday to see a matinee of Stop Making Sense. AFS is awesome. A locally owned theater that cares about independent filmmakers in Austin, has a quality bar with great drinks, and shows movies from all genres, old and new? What else can you ask for? The seats are pretty traditional for a movie theater and aren't those high tech recliner joints they're making everyone sit in these days. The sound was strong, which is important for a concert film like Stop Making Sense, and it looked great on the big screen. The staff was all pretty nice to me and my friend, and I loved the overall vibe AFS gives. I do hope to go see more showings here because I was very impressed with the atmosphere and feeling they curate for Austin. RIYL: Movie theaters that don't want you on your phone midway through the movie. read more

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This review is for the fever candlelight performance as well as the theater. The theater is beautiful and feels small and local without feeling rundown or dingy. The bathrooms were well maintained, plenty of helpful staff and while we didnt try any of the concessions, they seemed to have a good selection. The show was fantastic, i would highly recommend paying the extra money for an A or B seating. You are seeing a quartet not an orchestra so its not super loud. They could do with some speakers on the floor to amplify the sound honestly. There were plenty of candles to give ambiance most definitely. But if you cant see the stage (i.e youre in the very back, you might not get the full effect) The performance was lovely and just the right length! read more

AFS Cinema - Atmosphere - Cinema Near Me - Austin, Texas

Visited the AFS Cinema for a movie screening during the Austin Film Festival. It is a bit like going back in time. Although the theater doesn't have all the bells and whistles of a typical theater, the mission makes it unique. The AFS Cinema is Austin's only nonprofit art house theater, with a mission to bring the community together around great film. On one screen, they present new releases from international narratives to documentaries and independent films. They are always showing unique and non main stream films with a focus on films from Texas filmmakers. The second screen is repertory, programmed with special series covering the gamut of film culture and history, from movements in international cinema to director retrospectives, restorations, classics and more. This evening was a screening of the Unexpecteds. The theater has a full bar with rotating draft beers, local and imported wines and craft cocktails. I had a mezcal spicy margarita and it was one of the best cocktails that I have had from a cinema. They also offer a variety of other concessions including popcorn and grab and go candy and snacks. I had the popcorn which was seasoned perfectly with the right amount of salt and butter. The best part about the concessions are that they are reasonably priced. The theater is comfortable but they don't have reclining seats. This screening they had displays set up in the lobby celebrating the films release. There was also a question and answer session after the film to learn more about the director and actors perspectives on the film project. Overall a very enjoyable and comfortable movie watching experience, I just wish the location was closer to me because it is quite the drive coming from down South. Highly recommend this cinema and everything it stands for to offer alternate perspectives from corporate and mainstream media, and support a culture that values art, artists and personal expression. read more

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This whole experience was awesome! The medleys were great, musicians interacted with the audience. I would definitely go to another one. The only negatives is booking the ticket, it made it seem as if it was 3 levels to choose for seating. Also paid extra for photo and is was horrible (even when she took it with our phone). read more

AFS Cinema - Medleys - Cinema Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Had an amazing experience at this niche cinema. We attended a movie screening followed by a Q&A with the actors, which made it such a unique and memorable event. The atmosphere was intimate, they have a nice bar, and it's the perfect place to connect with the film and its creators. Very cool place! read more

AFS Cinema - Cinema Near Me - Austin, Texas

The service is always very good here. I like it a lot. The movie selections are always interesting. read more

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The Austin Film Society runs a cozy two theater cinema at the Linc, just west of I-35 S and north of 290. It's near Pluckers. AFS generally plans their screenings up to 2 months out; so in the December timeframe you'll be able to see what they are showing through the end of February. Their movie selection appears to be a diverse mixture of movies from a variety of time periods, international movies, those which have competed at film festivals, etc. Their selection typically does not overlap with movies played at commercial theater chains such as Alamo Drafthouse, AMC, Regal, etc. Thus, if there is a movie you're itching to see that isn't shown locally in other theaters, AFS may be a good choice to check. At AFS, I recently saw "All We Imagine as Light" and "Flow" both of which had been awarded recognition at Cannes this year. They were shown in Theater 1 and Theater 2. Both theaters have clean, plush, open seating. Theater 1 is clad with red curtains, and it is slightly better lit. Theater 2 is dimmer and has black/grey walls. Seating is open seating, non-stadium seating, but the screen is elevated, so for the most part there are no bad viewpoints unless you are really short and someone really tall happens to sit in front of you. The down side of this is the need to slightly elevate your head at an angle during the entire duration of movie. Tickets can be purchased when you arrive, or online, and will be scanned in at the theater doors. Posters adorn the walls of the corridors leading to the theaters, as well as the common areas, including the bathrooms. According to their policy, they strongly suggest arriving no later than 15 minutes past the scheduled show time, as unscanned tickets will be released to general seating. In terms of food, this theater features popcorn with real butter, an assortment of candy, as well as a bar with several cocktail options, including three NA cocktail options. As for coming back in the future, most definitely. I'd plan to see at least "Once Upon a Time in the West" (Jan 3 and Jan 5) and "Tampopo" (Feb 10 - Feb 16). read more

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I came here to watch the 4k remaster of the classic and beautiful Studio Ghibli film Princess Mononoke. I literally sat here and watch a movie I've already seen and had a lovely time. So, prior to this I didn't know this space existed. It's bright and pretty open in the lobby. There's seating and big bar you can enjoy before and after your movie. All the areas I saw were immaculately kept. I think the bar could pass a white glove inspection. The staff is lovely. Everyone was so nice, even people I didn't interact with had a great energy about them. It seems like everyone who works there is happy to do so without it feeling cloying or fake or put on like a Disney event. I am excited to come back and explore what else this theater has to offer. read more

I've been to this theater a few times and always enjoy it. Like tonight, it's usually been for an advance screening of an upcoming movie, or occasionally an obscure release that is only being shown here. Since this is run by the Austin Film Society there are always independent films, foreign films, classic films being shown. Since this theater is on the side of the Linc shopping center facing Middle Fiskville instead of I-35 it feels a little off the beaten path and cozy. The parking spaces are too narrow, but there's tons of parking so you can always park in the back of the lot where there's more room. I love the decor from the animated neon sign at the entrance to the fancy lighting and curtains in the lobby where there is also a small bar for cocktails and light bites. And I love the wall of LP soundtracks leading to the screening rooms! The theater rooms have comfortable seating and can accommodate a good crowd, so it's rarely full even for events like I've attended. And the shopping center has a good selection of restaurants too, so this is a great place for date nights. read more

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Visiting from out of town and booked a candlelight event here which was a tribute to Adele. Not only was the concert itself amazing, but the theater was pretty cool. Love the concessions and bar area. It definitely has an elevated theater vibe. read more

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A true Austin gem. I love going here by myself for matinees. It is such a cool experience. Some of the movies I've seen aren't really straightforward if you know what I mean? But if you do your research you'll find a great option for you :) saw the substance here and I loved it read more

You will not leave this place unchanged, here I saw Wim Wenders' Paris, Texas and Wings of Desire back to back. Since, I've returned several times, in any of my changing mental states, and have left with a new sense of belonging each time. Thank you AFS, for being a safe place to treat my desperate longing for escapism. Come as you are, never leave. Spread my ashes between the seats. M read more

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I've been waiting a while to write this review because I didn't know how to even begin with my admiration for AFS. My first visit was to see Past Lives and the staff was super helpful with my ticket purchasing experience (I tried using MoviePass but as of 06/23 they were not accepting MoviePass). The theater lobby is clean and, while I wish it was bigger, it's nice. My second visit was to see the remastered release of Oldboy with a friend of mine. She loved the atmosphere and had a great time. When her popcorn was stale, they replaced it -- when her Dr. Pepper was flat, they changed the entire syrup dispenser in the back. Wonderful customer service! The bar is also very interesting. The staff is eclectic and personable at the same time -- I find the beer and shot combos to be the best deals. I cannot believe that I used to live near this cinema and never checked it out. Highly recommend this theater! read more

We saw a Candlelight show here tonight. Everything was well-organized, drinks from the bar were great, the check-process was efficient. Seats were comfortable. read more

Interesting movies and good discussion after. We'll go here again. We saw a really good movie from the 70s

Austin is lucky to have this venue. It is great for events, screenings and there are excellent independent films.

This is a nice little hidden gem in Central Austin! I didn't even really realize it was here and I drive by here all the time. This unassuming theatre looks like no big deal from the outside but it's pretty fancy! They have a great bar and snacks. The popcorn is on point, too! It has a classic Hollywood vibe with vintage posters and a bit of an antique vibe. The seats were cozy and there actually isn't a bad seat in the house. They show artsy indie films and documentaries mostly and I love that vibe, too. It's a great find since the arboretum art house theatre closed, too. read more

So first of all, really nice looking establishment. Second, can we please talk about the women's restroom being tucked In the back by the janitors closet?? I'm sorry but having the men's restroom right in the middle of the building while the women's in the side in the dark by the janitors closet is not ok. Its nice on the inside but being back there is a little on the scary side. This is the first time being here and not that quite impressive, another thing. Let's talk about the wasted money that I could've saved IF THE ASSISTANT would've told me about the FREE refills with the large popcorn! To the tall guy who was decently respectful but lacked the basic knowledge in upselling, u need to work on it Thanks for the wonky experience AFS Cinema read more

Fantastic experience visiting the theater! I hadn't even heard of it until I was looking for a place that was playing Parasite, a very popular Korean film. Seems as though this place plays many international and indie type movies. Ambiance: 5 Gorgeous interior with a bar. Very clean Food: 5 Snacks station that's also stocked with locally-sourced pastries like bread and cookies along with your typical popcorn and candy concessions. Experience: 5 The seats are basically beneath the screen and the theater is a smaller-sized one for a more intimate experience and a great view of the screen without it being overwhelming. All in all, great time and I'll be sure to be back! Non-profit and accepts donations. read more

AFS Cinema - Concessions - Cinema Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I've needed a new movie theater for a while since my beloved Arbor 8 closed after Covid. I've finally accepted that I need to move on, so I made the drive to AFS to watch a beautiful foreign film. The guy getting my popcorn was so incredibly nice and sincere. It was so heartwarming to have a quick conversation about movies with him. Excellent employees here. read more

Lovely little cinema! I appreciate the vamped up decor and a more official bar area compared to a regular movie theatre. Perfect location to have a drink before a movie for date night. They also offer a membership deal which sounds like a great opportunity if you love movies and live close by. Definitely more of a boutique experience. And I have to mention the popcorn-tasted light and natural compared to AMC where they cover it in canola oil disguised as butter :) read more

AFS Cinema is one of my favorite arthouses in the country. It's a cinematic Shangri-La - incredible repertory and first run film selections, awesome interior aesthetic, and a lovely attentive staff. Although I work for AFS, I can truly brag about the cinema team and this awesome building. The entire complex is a well curated movie poster and LP cover museum. Richard Linklater's incredible personal collection adorns every open wall with domestic and foreign films and album covers from soundtracks. The new featured arrival is a six foot tall three-sheet from "Coffy" featuring my tween (and lifelong) crush Ms. Pam Grier! The bar is like a mini neighborhood pub, and the daily gathering of cinephiles inside the cinemas, lobby and portico is just big time fun. My friends know what I mean when I say "I'm going to temple," I'm heading to the cinema, and AFS is my most frequent stop in Austin - I'm there weekly! Join us!!! Become a member!!! Buy the fresh snacks (popcorn with REAL butter), cocktails, craft beer, cool merch, and film related posters and books! Odd side note! The building is clean as a whistle and hands down, it has the (consistently) cleanest men's bathroom I've ever seen in a public venue. The men's rooms are usually borderline dank at some of the nicest places, not the case here! This is especially appreciated on a triple feature visit! read more

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I attended the Austin Asian American Film Festival here, so I can only speak to my experience of that. The seats were comfortable and in good condition, projector screen quality was pretty nice, and the surround speaker system sounded good to my ears. Popcorn is $5 here, which seems pretty reasonable, and there's an $8 unlimited popcorn option which came in pretty clutch for the all-day film festival. I also saw people walking around with some fancy looking cocktails, but I didn't get any myself. The staff seems nice, and looks like they have a pretty interesting lineup of films coming up. I will definitely be back! read more

(Finishing an old draft). Good on AFS for making this theater great... again. (Groan. Too soon?) What used to be the aging Marchesa theater and event space has since been refurbished and updated to be a classier-than-classy art house cinema space and home for the Austin Film Society. All the seats have been replaced with new ones. They're not special but they're springy and new. A classy bar area, decent wine and beer selection, and food are some of the things that set the AFS cinema apart. Of course you still have things like popcorn, candy and soda and the case is even retro if not even original. (From SX:) Some of the food selections definitely seem to be influenced by the drafthouse in that they're more than typical theater concessions. Fancy toast, warm soft pretzels and more... and decent pricing unlike the draft house. (Sorry, Alamo... I love you guys but you've gotten a bit too proud of yourselves.) Keep rockin AFS. read more

I go here mostly for Inspire Pro Wrestling, the place has changed a lot over the years. They have movies playing, mostly indie or art films which you get a discount on if you are a AFS member. They have popcorn and candy. Soda and some beer and liqueur. Not a good selection, it is one of the faults. Can't even get a basic Jack and Coke. The bathrooms are clean and there is a large lobby to hang out in. Sadly if you are a wrestling fan you are forced outside in the heat. Which also stops you from buying from the bar costing them money so it seems like a bad choice all around. The room where wrestling is held is roomy and nice. A plus though in summer it doesn't cool well. read more

AFS Cinema - Cinema Near Me - Austin, Texas

We are so unbelievably fortunate to have the Austin Film Society in Austin, and now they have their own cinema as well. I've been here for a few indie film screenings and awards, and am impressed with the quality of their productions, their theatre itself, and their huge lobby and variety of concessions. This is a theatre that supports local filmmakers and artists, so they are focused on creating a total experience in that regard. Screenings most often include a Q&A with the director and/or cast/tech crews, and have tables and photo-op backdrops set up in the lobby. You can buy beverages and a variety of food at the concession stand and take it inside the theatre. The seats themselves are comfy vinyl-covered and arrayed in a format that allows comfortable viewing without feeling cramped. The restrooms are a little tricky because the men's is located in an easy access point inside the lobby, but the women's is to the right of the concession stand way down the hall toward the banquet room. The parking lot is adjacent and free, but bring a very small car and carpool if at all possible. Spaces are tiny, so people often park over the lines. Tickets are available online or at the door, but be advised to arrive in plenty of time either way, because their policy is to open up seating to those waiting for tickets if you don't arrive with pre-paid tickets at least ten minutes before showtime. read more

This is a little hidden gem I never knew existed. It's nestled in the back part of the Linc, and showcases small/international films. I went here to go see the Long Walk and it's definitely an older theater, in regards to the seats being old school and doesn't recline. Haha. But popcorn is cheap, and they have cocktails and beer. I enjoyed their vegan popcorn option, which was olive oil and salt instead of butter. I'm not a vegan, but tried this version, and loved it! You can also grab a quick bite at Easy Tiger Linc before your show like we did. If you're into small films, don't miss this place! read more

Got a membership after living away from Austin for a while made me realize what I was missing- there's no repertory programming at this level in many other cities. I'd recommend any Austinite do the same because after a couple months, the membership paid for itself. Special shout out for the trailers they make to promote upcoming screenings. read more

I attended an advanced screen of AIR here yesterday and it was a great experience. The theater is smaller than a normal theater which really transported me back into what I imagine the early days of theater felt like. The sound and quality were fantastic and the movie was also very enjoyable! My only complaint is the chairs did not learn back at all so watching the movie in the third row was a bit uncomfortable for my back and neck - maybe this is just me getting old though! Overall, was a great experience for me read more

I love this place!! Anyone who's anyone is an AFS devotee! And that's all I have to say on that subject! read more

AFS Cinema - Cinema Near Me - Austin, Texas

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This place has really undergone a sea change of identity since I was here last in 2016 under the Marchesa Hall & Theater operations. All for the better. It's super fance now you guys! First, food and beverage offerings have improved. There are fancy soft pretzels, sausage links, and even MF toast options on offer. The collection of canned beer includes all the delights of local brewers Live Oak Brewing Company--even the seasonal Primus delicious banana-y richness is there. I ordered mint tea and it smells amazing. Total olfactory overload. Second, great customer service experience. For a matinee show, there were three bartenders on staff --I never saw a patron wait to place an order. Our server this morning (I didn't get her name) was particularly friendly. Third, great movie offerings. This is the place to see an array of independent offerings, and to feel like a prince while you're doing it. If you ha not been in a while, make sure to do yourself a favor and have a movie night soon. read more

Went to see Flamenco. The venue is small enough to be intimate, not a bad seat in the place; the ( battery) candles really set the mood nicely. Performers were great, and the Spanish guitar player moved us both to tears briefly, even though we gringos only understood about half of what they were saying. Staff was efficient, friendly and helpful. (In addition, we stayed nearby at Radisson-comfy bed, but looking tired-had an early cocktail at Easy Tiger, ate at Pappadeaux...so many things close by! read more

Love having a cool arty Cinema in walking distance. Their programming is excellent with a wide range of interesting films offered. I've seen classics, rarities, and New great films like The Florida Project. Couple small complaints- their register process is cumbersome of you want to buy food. It takes 2 separate transactions to get as ticket and get food and this can greatly slow the line down. Not a deal breaker but annoying. Movies are known for ridonk prices on food but The popcorn price at AFS is truly cuckoo. Please reconsider your pricing on this product. Thanks for being in my neighborhood read more

Always a fantastic experience at the Austin Film Society. Quality movies, quality movie snacks! Today I enjoyed the hummus plate and Live Oak Hefeweizen, and I've really liked their popcorn (vegan option available) and cocktails on other visits. Their film selection is excellent, and I love that AFS is a community and a place to learn as well as a spot to reliably see amazing films. read more

AFS Cinema - Quality movies, quality movie snacks! This is the hummus plate and Live Oak Hefeweizen. - Cinema Near Me - Austin, Texas

I'm a film geek. I studied film in college and continued on ever since. Yes I go to the Drafthouse and other film venues around Austin. If I were to retire I would be watching films all the time, along with running of course. I can't believe it took me awhile to come to this place. It has an eclectic range of film programming. The AFS Cinema is located behind Pluckers. At first I thought you can see it from the street when you are on the access road but it's on the other side of the shopping complex on Middle Fiskville Rd. There's plenty of parking. The lobby is nice with a bar and concession stand with a lounge area. The theatre is nice and clean with leather seats. AFS Cinema creates their own trailers for upcoming events. True, you can watch a film on Netflix, Filmstruck or on Turner Classic Movies. But why do that, when you can see it on the big screen as it's meant to be screen at AFS Cinema. read more

It's actually located on Middle Fiskville Rd. at the Marchesa Hall where all the Mondo Conventions used to be held. They show movies that premiered twenty five years ago. They do have gluten free substitutions upon request, and will substitute a romaine lettuce leaf for toast. They've only been open for two months as I hope they will continue to expand their gluten free menu. The egg salad portion was small for $9 and too salty. The women's bathroom ran out of toilet paper. read more

I really like this theater a lot. IT is big and walkable from where I live. The prices are a lot bit more expensive than i would like , but they always show special events here. I got the pretzel last time, and though I did not care for the mustard sauce, I loved the cream cheese dip. I found the pretzel to be satisifying as well. The people who work here are always very friendly. read more

I can only compare AFS to the film societies in the cities I've lived in, but I can tell you that there is nothing in its league in Seattle, Miami, Dallas, Denver, Sydney, or London. London has many great repertory theaters, and they've got the National Film Theater, but London's rep theaters are spread out all over the city and are insanely expensive. AFS, meanwhile, is an inexpensive, convenient place with the most eclectic and well-curated programming I've seen. (Only the lost, lamented Cinefamily, and maybe the Billy Wilder Theater, the Aero, the New Beverly, Facets and Film Forum come close.) Austinites are so lucky to live in a town where they can see five or six old movies on the big screen in a week -- everything from Taxi Driver to Lone Wolf and Cub to silent classics like The Passion of Joan of Arc and lost treasures like Nothing Lasts Forever. Even when I've seen a movie before, I usually learn something from the intros Holly and Jazmyne and Lars provide before the screenings. When filmmakers visit, Holly and Lars are excellent interviewers, and if they're not around, you may have to settle for a guest interviewer like Richard Linklater. I just love this place -- and it pains me to see that someone below said unpleasant things about the staff. The bartenders and box-office staff are SO DAMNED NICE and so knowledgeable about movies. This place is a treasure, and everyone should just shell out for the (underpriced) "Love" membership to keep it healthy. read more