"The Humbling" was everything I expected and more. Al Pacino (cast as the movie's protagonist, Simon Axler) has never been more captivating — or should I say, convincing (movie joke)? Originally written as a novel by Philip Roth, the screenplay was adapted by Buck Henry and Michal Zebede. Present at the screening of the film Thursday night at the Austin Film Festival at the Paramount Theater, Zebede told the audience that "The Humbling" had been a passion project for Pacino, so he had already been cast to play the part. She added that she took inspiration from Pacino’s life and wrote it into the character.

The 21st annual Austin Film Festival kicked off last Thursday. The festival brought an impressive list of writers and filmmakers to speak at panels. Here are some of the big takeaways.