A bunch of fives in today's Filmmakers in Focus! Five Texas films, that is.
The Texas talent just keeps rolling, and the interviews in today's edition highlight the minds behind a mere handful of the many notable films coming from the Lone Star State.
Click on a title below to read the conversation, and head to the this page now to start building your SXSW Film schedule. Don't forget, schedules will sync with our SXSW GO mobile app, so head to the apps page to download now!
Interested in reading more great Filmmakers in Focus? Head to this page for a list of all the interviews to date!
Andrew Kolker on Getting Back to Abnormal
Image courtesy Andrew Kolker
Tell us a little about your film.
Getting Back to Abnormal is an unorthodox look and race and politics in that most unorthodox of American cities, New Orleans. Among the stories the film tells -- a city council election featuring a polarizing white woman running for re-election in a majority black district, a former resident of a housing project that was torn down after Katrina who is trying to put her community back together and the pros and cons of a starchitect designed housing development being bult in a devastated neighborhood. This being New Orleans, however, nothing is quite what it seems and the good guys are not always good, and the bad guys not always so bad and the film plays around a bit with the viewers' preconceived ideas of who best to root for.
Why did you start making films? 
(L-R) Louis Alvarez, Andrew
Kolker, Paul Stekler
& Peter Odabashian,
courtesy the filmmakers
Other than odd jobs like working in a box factory for a few days (I got fired), I don't think I've really ever done anything else. I started making documentary films because it gave me the opportunity to peak my nose into other people's business with relative impunity. Thirty years ago making documentaries was still somewhat novel; large cameras parted crowds and people were often surprised and flattered that you wanted to find out about them and tell their stories. (I think my UPS guy has an agent now). I started my career in New Orleans where there was a mother-load of undocumented cultural wonder and where I met a like-minded cohort in Louis Alvarez and we formed a partnership which has lasted to this day.
Have you been to SXSW before? What are you most looking forward to?
This will be the fourth film that we've had a SXSW, the last one being in 2005. Although the festival was plenty big back then, it has grown terrifically in size and stature and I'm looking forward to seeing what's up and I'm wondering if "li'l" Austin can still feel as homey as it did when we started coming here. Back then, we took it upon ourselves to organize publicity (there were no questionnaires like this one), which is of course, still the way to best get the word out about your film especially with the fierce competition these days with so many films being made.
Tell us a random fact (or two!) that would help our attendees get a better idea of who you are.
A few years after my father died some twenty years ago now, I discovered some 8mm film that he had shot of one of our extended family get togethers when I was a kid. The camera work was so rotten -- his panning/tilting/wobbling paused on no person or object. I am much better.
- Add Getting Back to Abnormal to your schedule here
- Click here to read all Filmmakers in Focus interviews to date
Jeff Nichols on Mud
Image courtesy James BridgesTell us a little about your film.
Two boys find a man hiding out on an island in the Mississippi River. The boys decide to help the man reunite with the love of his life.
Why did you start making films? 
Jeff Nichols, courtesy
James Bridges
I attended film school directly out of high school. So, the choice to make films was made from a fairly naive place. It wasn't until college that I really understood what it meant to "make" a film. That said, I've always loved movies and I've always had a desire to tell stories. Even before film school, I was drawn to writing and short fiction. I like and admire a well told story, and ultimately that is what I strive to do.
Have you been to SXSW before? What are you most looking forward to?
Yes. I've participated in panels, but I've never actually had one of my films play in the festival. I'm excited to see what the SXSW audience thinks of my film. As for tips, I can't offer any other than to have fun and enjoy the ride. It is a crazy, busy festival.
Tell us a random fact (or two!) that would help our attendees get a better idea of who you are.
I have a dog named Mud. This in no way was an attempt to aggrandize or promote my film. A crew member found a sack of four puppies in the back of a truck and decided to save them. They named the puppies after characters in the film, and all but one was adopted by the time we wrapped. I decided to take it, and it happened to be called Mud. At first, I thought this was cute. During the editing, Mud was a puppy. I'd spend all day listening to the characters talk about Mud, and then have to come home and deal with a puppy by the same name eating my shoes. Mud. Mud. Mud. Honestly, I've heard the word more than I ever need to for the rest of my life.
Yen Tan on Pit Stop
Image courtesy HutcHTell us a little about your film.
Pit Stop takes an understated approach in telling the parallel stories of two working class gay men in a small Texas town that touches on the universal themes of finding, losing and rediscovering love.
When did you start making films? 
Yen Tan,
courtesy HutcH
In my head: age 12. For real: age 26.
Have you been to SXSW before?
Yes. Stay for the Q&As. There's always something fun and insightful to learn about the films. And don't forget the panels!
Tell us a random fact (or two!) that would help our attendees get a better idea of who you are.
The very first soundtrack I owned was An American Tail. The very first film that made me cry was The Elephant Man.
Josh Johnson on Rewind This
Image courtesy Rewind ThisTell us a little about your film.
Rewind This! is the story of the home video revolution and how it transformed the world. It swings back and forth between personal observations and an overview of the industry itself. It's a nostalgic tribute to the magic of the video store, as well as a look at how that impact continues today in newer forms.
Why did you start making films? 
Josh Johnson,
courtesy Rewind This!
I always wanted to make films, but the opportunity to actually pursue my interest came at age 7, when my uncle purchased a VHS camcorder. I immediately started making stop-motion shorts and live action time travelling epics. I've never considered another career.
Have you been to SXSW before?
I've attended several times in the past, but this will be my first time with a film in the festival. I'm looking forward to seeing amazing movies, meeting new friends, and eating lots of BBQ. The thing I'm looking forward to more than anything else is watching our documentary with an audience.
Tell us a random fact (or two!) that would help our attendees get a better idea of who you are.
I'm a hugger. I will always accept cake.
- Add Rewind This! to your schedule here
- Click here to read all Filmmakers in Focus interviews to date
Katie Andrew & Graham Matthews on Zero Charisma
Image courtesy Zero CharismaTell us a little about your film.
Metal-loving gamer geek Scott Weidemeyer cherishes his role as the Game Master. But when neo-nerd hipster Miles joins his game, Scott's insecurities drive him to the brink.
Katie Andrew & Graham
Matthews, courtesy
Zero CharismaHave you been to SXSW before?
We came to SXSW in 2009 as DP (Graham) and Editor (Matthews) on Michael Stephenson's documentary Best Worst Movie. It was an absolute blast! Don't forget to attend a panel or two. Also don't forget to bring hand sanitizer.
Tell us a random fact (or two!) that would help our attendees get a better idea of who you are.
We moved from Los Angeles to Austin in 2009 to be a part of the independent film community. Now, we're not sure if we'll ever leave this incredible town.
Neither of us snowboard.
