2026 ConnectHER Film Festival
Join us for two unforgettable nights of powerful storytelling and exceptional cinema at the historic State Theatre located at 719 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
Friday, May 1 | Finalist Screenings & Filmmaker Q&A
Experience a vibrant showcase of short films that move, surprise, and stay with you long after the credits roll. From intimate documentaries to bold narratives and imaginative animation, ConnectHER celebrates filmmakers who tell deeply human stories with creativity, heart, and vision.
Bring friends, fellow film lovers, and anyone who enjoys a great night at the movies—this is a true festival experience in the heart of downtown Austin.
Saturday, May 2 | Awards Ceremony & Red Carpet Gala
Walk the red carpet and join us for a festive, high-energy evening honoring standout films and filmmakers. Enjoy special guests, memorable moments, and surprises as we present over $30,000 in awards, including Judges' Choice, Best Documentary, Best Narrative, Best Animation, and more.
It’s a night that celebrates creativity, community, and the joy of storytelling on the big screen.
Inspiring Global Change
Through Women’s Stories & Projects
PROJECTS
Support women-led projects that advance women and girls globally.
FILM FEST
See how young filmmakers are using storytelling to advance women and girls.
FELLOWSHIP
Developing young leaders to teach filmmaking to youth in their communities.
PITCHFEST
Submit a 90 second video that pitches a film concept about a problem faced by women.
We make an impact by investing in women and girls and their stories
To help reach our vision of a world where women and girls are seen, heard, and encouraged to reach their full potential, we invest in stories, films, and projects.
Impact to date:
Our Filmmakers
Our ConnectHER Film Festival was founded to amplify the voices of women and girls through film. Since our first film festival in 2012, we have received:
Our Gems & Giving Circle
Our global ConnectHER community is supported by recurring donations from our ConnectHER Gems and ConnectHER Giving Circle. For $25 a month, Giving Circle members support our portfolio of female-founded, locally led projects. With a $100 donation every month, ConnectHER Gems help sustain and scale our work, which includes our global project portfolio and the ConnectHER Film Festival.
Marne Keller-Krikava
Fayruz Benyousef
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