A small group of 体育买球官网 University students made the university’s first pilgrimage to the Austin Film Festival and Writer’s Conference — an experience one student described as “creatively life-changing.”
The annual festival brings together writers, producers, agents and film industry professionals from across the country. The accompanying conference offered workshops, networking events and panels for storytellers at every career stage — from aspiring to seasoned screenwriters.
“What Austin offers — access, insight and real artistic community — is invaluable for emerging writers,” said Joseph Giomboni, assistant professor of communications. “When students meet the people shaping the stories they admire, they begin to see themselves in those roles. That shift in perspective can be the spark that propels them from classroom learning to real career aspirations.”
Headlining this year’s conference were some of Hollywood’s top screenwriting talents, including Rian Johnson (Knives Out trilogy), Christopher McQuarrie (Top Gun: Maverick), Michael Arndt (Toy Story 3), John August (Big Fish) and Celine Song (Past Lives).
Gianna Rupert ’26, a double major in English literature and creative writing from Williamsport, Pennsylvania, attended the conference, as did Stella Feenstra ’27, a double major in communication arts and philosophy from Greenville, Pennsylvania, and Elizabeth Wilson ’27, a broadcasting major from Lebanon, Pennsylvania.
“I wanted to attend the conference after taking Dr. Giomboni’s screenwriting course and discovering a new passion for the art form,” Wilson said. “I’ve always known about the festival and followed the films and scripts that win each year, but getting to experience it firsthand was truly a dream.”
In addition to panels and screenings — including the U.S. premiere of Wake Up Dead Man, the newest Knives Out film — students also participated in a Script Readers Roundtable and met with writers and development professionals who shared their career paths and advice. Another highlight was an intimate pitch event, where students met Ryan Cunningham, a manager with Anonymous Content, which manages the writers behind A Quiet Place. This was possible through Giomboni’s connection with Joey Tuccio, president and CEO of Roadmap Writers, a screenwriting education and training platform.
“It was the first time I had ever pitched my work outside of class or to family,” Rupert said. “I was nervous, but it ended up being one of the most valuable experiences I’ve had. I walked away with practical advice about finding representation and presenting myself as a writer.”
Rupert had previously taken another of Giomboni’s courses, TV Writing and Streaming, which she said laid the groundwork for her successful experience in Austin.
“Under his guidance, I was able to go into the Austin Film Festival with a greater understanding of screenwriting and industry terminology to put me in the best position I could be as a novice,” Rupert said.
Giomboni continues to work with Austin Film Festival’s Paige Parker, screenplay manager, to create a pipeline of AFF script contest readers at 体育买球官网.
“This will give students the opportunity to gain an industry credential as an AFF script reader, as well as exclusive access to reader-only events during our time at AFF,” Giomboni said.
The festival’s energy left a lasting impression on the students who attended.
“This experience gave me a real sense of belonging in the screenwriting community,” Rupert said. “It showed me what’s possible and gave me the confidence to pursue a career telling stories that matter.”
Rupert is currently developing three screenplays: an It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia spec episode, an original TV pilot titled The Board and the horror-comedy feature Locked In. Wilson plans to pursue a career in children’s television or educational media.
“This experience showed me the dedication it takes to thrive in a creative field — and that passion is at the heart of meaningful storytelling,” Wilson said. “It also opened my eyes to the resources and supportive community available to screenwriters.”
