It’s no secret that Austin is one of the country’s most fertile film scenes. From the films of Richard Linklater to being the home of Robert Rodriguez’s Troublemaker Studios, Austin has been a hotspot for independent film since the early ‘90s. Keeping with the city’s rich film tradition, the Austin Film Festival is entering its 17th installment this year.

Every year since its founding, the festival has brought together some of the industry’s best and brightest. It has also played a vital role in putting Austin on the movie-making map.

“The festival has been growing concurrently with the scene,” said Kelly Williams, the festival’s film programmer.

Williams said that there are many films to get excited about amongst the 170 plus screening throughout the week. “127 Hours,” the story of a climber’s struggle for survival after an accident, stars James Franco and is directed by Danny Boyle, who knocked festival goers’ socks off two years ago with “Slumdog Millionaire.” The star power of both actor and director will be enough to ensure that the line outside the screening will be around the block.

“Black Swan,” the new film from Darren Aronofsky, should bring the same sort of attention to detail and human drama that made “The Wrestler” such a hit, but in the world of ballet. It also doesn’t hurt that the film stars Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis.

Other films of note include the world premiere of renowned musical director John Doyle’s “Main Street,” the regional premiere of Hilary Swank’s new drama “Conviction,” and the world premiere of “Bloodworth,” the story of a man who returns home to Tennessee after 40 years, starring Val Kilmer, Kris Kristofferson and Hilary Duff.

Williams was particularly excited about the wide variety of offerings from Austin filmmakers. The Austin Screens series of movies includes four narratives and two documentaries that showcase the abundant creativity the city has to offer.

“We’re lucky that we’re playing a lot of Austin films this year,” Williams said.

In addition to all of the great movies being screened, the festival also brings the people behind the scenes of film and television together in a conference-like atmosphere, giving movie fans and aspiring filmmakers alike the opportunity to learn from the best.

While you do have to purchase separate badges for varying degrees of access to these panels, there are a wide variety of topics, ranging from screenwriting and storytelling to working the festival circuit and writing for television. Accomplished individuals in the field lead each panel, and they will undoubtedly offer great advice for those looking to break into the industry.

With so much going on during the week-long event, there should be something for everyone at this year’s Austin Film Festival. Not only will the festival highlight Austin’s merits as a key player in the American film canon, it will give anyone a good excuse to forget their troubles and see a movie instead.