About
The SXSW Film & TV Festival & Conference is known for launching a high caliber and diverse program of film, TV and XR projects, and serving as a global gathering for smart, enthusiastic, influential audiences that drive conversation for months to come.
Creatives of all stripes gather for the acclaimed SXSW Film & TV Festival program each March in Austin, Texas. Running concurrently with the SXSW Conference, Music, and Comedy Festivals, attendees can take advantage of the opportunity to connect with a wide array of industry experts, making the Film & TV Festival an unparalleled experience at the forefront of all things pop culture.
Whether you want to be the first to see independent films from around the world or sit front row at the world premiere of a buzz worthy Hollywood project, SXSW serves as the place to be for discovery, creativity, and innovation.
dates & deadlines
The SXSW Film & TV Festival & Conference runs from March 12-18, 2026. With all the excitement, it's easy to forget a few important dates and details that go along with the SXSW experience. Take a look below to stay in the SX Know.
- Platinum and Film & TV Badges: Increase on February 6.
- Platinum and Film & TV Badges: Final increase on March 6.
- SXSW Film & TV Awards: A night of celebration begins on March 18.
Be sure and sign up for the SXSW Event Updates and Community Newsletters as well.
Important Dates
February 19, 2026
RESERVATIONS OPEN FOR PLATINUM BADGE HOLDERS
1st Window - For Platinum Badgeholders (3 per day) begins at 9AM Central.
March 12, 2026
SXSW 2026: MARCH 12-18 IN AUSTIN, TX
Immerse yourself in unparalleled discovery, learning, professional development, and networking alongside creatives from across the globe at SXSW 2026 from March 12–18 in Austin, TX.
March 18, 2026
FILM & TV AWARDS
Discover what films captured the hearts and minds of the SXSW community.
feature film sections
Narrative Feature Competition
World premieres showcasing the art of storytelling by emerging voices.
Documentary Feature Competition
World premieres of captivating, real stories by emerging voices.
Headliner
Big names, big talent featuring red carpet premieres and gala film events with major and rising names in cinema.
Narrative Spotlight
Unforgettable features receiving their World, North American, or U.S. premieres.
Documentary Spotlight
Incredible features receiving their World, North American, or U.S. premieres.
Midnighter
Exciting after-dark features for genre lovers and the terminally curious.
24 Beats Per Second
Vibrant films showcasing the sounds, culture and influence of music and musicians.
Visions
Audacious, risk-taking films that demonstrate innovation and creativity.
Global
Artful international films, featuring premieres, festival favorites, and more.
TV screening sections
TV Premiere
World premieres of prestige TV series premieres from acclaimed showrunners and directors.
Independent TV Pilot Competition
Discover new pilots from indie talent.
TV Spotlight
World premieres of new seasons of acclaimed shows and exciting series episodes.
short film sections
Narrative Short Competition
Exceptional storytelling that captivates, surprises, and excites.
Documentary Short Competition
Real stories to capture your attention and expand your perspective.
Animated Short Competition
Animated Short Competition
Midnight Short Competition
Indulge your cravings for horror, gore, and dark comedy.
Music Video Competition
A dynamic mix of creativity and stylish visuals where music and storytelling collide.
Texas Short Competition
Texas Short Competition
XR experience sections
XR Experience Competition
World premieres of mind bending immersive art.
XR Experience Spotlight
Masterful immersive art from around the world.
XR Experience Special Event
Radical experimentations with emerging tech.
conference
Film & TV Track
March 13-18, 2026
Dive into the full spectrum of filmmaking and television production from creative storytelling and hands-on craft to the evolving business landscape. This track offers practical insights on screenwriting, virtual production, storytelling, and post-production techniques, alongside deep dives into independent film financing, distribution strategies, and emerging industry trends. Whether you’re a creator or an industry professional, gain the knowledge and tools to bring compelling stories to screen and navigate the dynamic Film & TV world.
Film & TV Track Access
Platinum and Film & TV Badges receive access to sessions in this track.
Clubhouse
New for 2026, the Film & TV clubhouse will be located at 800 Congress Avenue, just steps away from the Paramount Theatre where some of the most exciting screenings of the festival are set to premiere. It will serve as the home base for film fans to gather, discuss, and plan their next move.
Film & TV Festival FAQ
Submissions faq
We’ve compiled a comprehensive FAQ page to cover all of your questions about SXSW Film & TV submissions.
2026 event timeline
We’ve created a daily calendar to highlight the SXSW Film & TV Festival to make sure the when and where is taken care of once you're out and about.
event access & line guide
For film sessions and screenings across the festival, event access depends on capacity. It will be a mix of Reservation and walkup. All our events are available to Badgeholders with and without Reservations. If you are not able to secure a Reservation for a certain event, check the event status on the SXSW Schedule or the SXSW GO App to plan accordingly.
- You are only able to request a reservation to an event that your SXSW Film & TV badge has access to. When you login to SXSW Schedule or SXSW GO, you will see available events specific to your badge type indicated with Badge Icons.
- For Film & TV Screenings and Comedy Showcases, go to the Platinum and Film & TV Badge with Reservation line at the theatre or comedy venue. You must arrive no later than 30 minutes before the listed start time for the event screening or showcase.
- For film & tv screenings, it is recommended to arrive 40 minutes before the screening start time. Join the Platinum and Film & TV Badgeholders Reservations line.
festival venues
Screenings for the Film & TV Festival will take place at numerous iconic venues throughout downtown Austin. Shuttle access will be available to take badgeholders to and from their preferred screenings.
The official venues for 2026 include the historic Paramount Theatre, ZACH Theatre, Rollins Theatre at The Long Center, Alamo Lamar, Violet Crown Cinema, AFS Cinema and the Fairmont Hotel.
Check out the official Film & TV Festival Venues page for more information.
Explore the Film & TV Festival archive
Meghann Fahy The Drop Film Premiere during the SXSW Conference & Festivals on March 09, 2025 in Austin, Texas.
Nicole Kidmand at the "Holland" Premiere during the SXSW Conference & Festivals held at the Paramount Theatre on March 9, 2025 in Austin, Texas.
Kari Fischer, Indy, Ben Leonbery at the "Good Boy" Premiere during the SXSW Conference & Festivals at the Alamo Drafthouse on March 8, 2025 in Austin, Texas.
SXSW Film Festival Opening Party during the 2022 SXSW Conference and Festivals at The Driskill Hotel on March 11, 2022.
Ben Affleck, Jon Bernthal Ben Affleck, Jon Bernthal, The Accountant 2 Premiere during the SXSW Conference & Festivals on March 08, 2025 in Austin, Texas.
The Film & TV Festival Archive is an important living document listing almost every film from SXSW's legendary programming lineup over the last few decades. With the historic 40th anniversary of the festival happening this year, the archive is a fascinating way for film fans to delve into SX history and reignite their passion for celluloid.
sxsw film & TV news
