In spring 2026, International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) partnered with Campus Events and Entertainment (E+E) and its student-led Films & Media Committee to celebrate Austin’s cultural roots with a screening of Richard Linklater’s beloved cult classic film, Dazed and Confused.
Screened at the Texas Union Theater at The University of Texas at Austin, the event provided international and U.S. students a chance to relax, pick up complimentary Texas Global merchandise, and experience the city’s iconic spirit as it was in the 1970s.
For many international students, the evening offered more than entertainment. Film has long served as an accessible window into culture, and few movies capture Austin’s identity quite like Dazed and Confused.
Set on the last day of school in 1976, the film follows a group of Texas teenagers as they navigate the freedom of a summer afternoon and evening — driving back roads, gathering at local hangout spots, and discovering who they are along the way. Linklater, who grew up in the Houston area before making Austin his home, drew heavily from his own adolescence to imbue the film with its laid-back energy.
Rather than relying on a dramatic plot, the movie captures a single day in the lives of Austin teenagers. This approach lends the film a sense of authenticity that has made it a favorite for generations of viewers and a fitting choice for an event centered on cultural connection.
Before the screening, students enjoyed a panel discussion with two local filmmakers —UT Austin student filmmaker Sarthak Garg and independent filmmaker Bill Sparks — moderated by UT student and ISSS Customer Service Associate Isabella Lawson.
The conversation explored the film’s influence on Austin’s creative identity, the impact of Linklater and actor Matthew McConaughey on the city’s film scene, and how accurately the movie reflects Texas culture.
Sparks discussed his personal connection to Linklater’s films and how they inspired him to move from his hometown to Austin in the 1990s, to immerse himself in the city’s vibrant filmmaking community. Sparks also spoke about how Dazed and Confused captured the culture of Austin teenagers in the 1970s — sometimes crude but also carefree.
Garg also revealed how the film resonated with him as he grew up in India. Although he was raised thousands of miles from Texas, he said, the film’s themes of adolescence and belonging still felt familiar and relatable.
Although Dazed and Confused is set nearly 50 years in the past, its themes continue to resonate with students from around the world.
For international students adjusting to life in a new city and country, film can provide a relaxing and engaging way to better understand local culture and perspectives. For Texas Global and ISSS, events like this underscore the role of storytelling in helping students feel more connected to the community around them.
Adrita Rahman, chair of the Films & Media Committee for academic year 2025-2026, shared optimism about the future of the partnership between ISSS and Campus Events and Entertainment, noting: “We have started something really wonderful, and I cannot wait to see a tradition of ISSS screenings grow.”
Students interested in joining upcoming ISSS and E+E programming can follow ISSS on Instagram.
This blog post was contributed by Isabella Lawson, customer service associate with International Student and Scholar Services.
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