The 6th Annual Sound Unseen Austin Film + Music Festival

Sound Unseen Austin Film + Music Festival returns for its sixth annual celebration August 6–9, 2026, at AFS Cinema in Austin, Texas. This four-day festival showcases music-driven documentaries, narrative features, music videos, and short films that explore the stories, artists, and cultures behind music. As Austin's only festival dedicated exclusively to music-focused films, attendees can enjoy filmmaker Q&As, red carpets, industry gatherings, live music events and special anniversary presentations throughout the week. 

The festival kicks off on Thursday, August 6, with a 7:00 p.m. 20th anniversary screening of “Shut Up & Sing.” This year’s lineup also includes films featuring national artists like Sara Bareilles, Eddie Cochran and local acts like The Black Angels, Big Boys, Tele Novella and Mama Duke. There will also be a shorts program happening Saturday, Aug. 8 from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. which includes a number of music videos and a film about Austin’s own punk band, Meat Joy, featuring Emmy-nominated actor John Hawkes (“Winter's Bone,” “Deadwood”) playing under the name John Perkins alongside queer music icon Gretchen Phillips (Two Nice Girls).