Austin Film Festival reels in motion

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The Austin Film Festival gets its reels in motion Thursday afternoon.

Throughout the next eight days, big names in the film industry will come through town - as well as 170 movies.

The organizers' No. 1 criteria when selecting from the thousands of entries is story.

"It may not be the best-shot film, but if it's a good story and it's well-written, then we're going to consider that film," said Kelly Williams, Austin Film Festival program director.

Opening the festival is the documentary called "Exporting Raymond," by the man who created the television hit "Everybody Loves Raymond," Phil Rosenthal.

"It's about Phil taking the TV show to Russia to make a Russian version of 'Everybody Loves Raymond,'" said Williams. "It's the trials and tribulations he goes through to get it made, and it's a really funny movie."

Also debuting are several Austin-based films, like "Echotone," which highlights Austin's young musicians.

There are also stars, such as Edward Burns. He's screening his new film called "Nice Guy Johnny ," which he directs and stars in.

The festival will also celebrate the 15th anniversary of his breakout hit "Brothers McMullan."

Yet, the festival is more than films and stars. It's also about workshops, such as script writing.

"The guys who wrote 'The Hangover' are going to be here and David Simon who did 'The Wire.' You mix these guys together, you never know what will come out," said Williams.

Other celebs, such as Tom Hanks' son, Colin, and "Saturday Night Live"'s Bill Hadder, will do a script reading workshop.

Still, the one thing to watch for is the film that will become the year's breakout hit, such as last year's "Up In the Air."

"In 2008, we screened 'Slum Dog Millionaire' after screening in Toronto, and it went on to be this huge phenomenon," said Williams.

The Austin Film Festival runs through Oct. 28.

Film passes are still available at a cost of $50, and it gets you into every movie.