Film News

Every March, creatives of all stripes gather in Austin to witness, share and inspire the visions that will galvanize the filmmakers and ideas of tomorrow. SXSW Film Conference & Festival champions the vitality, innovation and opportunity that drives the entertainment and media landscape, and boldly tackles the evolution of all aspects of “film” today, down to its very definition.

A nexus of discovery and collaborative energy, SXSW Film celebrates the art and business of the possible.

Recent News

Filmmaker in Focus - Documentary Spotlight: Icons and Global Crises

Created by jim on February 22, 2013

The films in today's Filmmakers in Focus come from our Documentary Spotlight section. Taking on a game-changing porn maverick, a trash icon, the future of the planet, a legendary bathhouse and a "Zen Anarchist", these filmmakers know how to tell a great story and get to the heart of their subjects. You can see the results for yourself at SXSW Film—head to the film schedule to add them do your list. Click on one of the links below to browse through these five interviews, and see all the Filmmakers in Focus to date on this page.

SXSW Comedy 2013 Lineup and Schedule

Created by Samantha on February 21, 2013
Robert Kelly at SXSW 2012 (photo by Cassie Wright) Robert Kelly at SXSW 2012, Photo by Cassie Wright


From March 9-16, SXSW Comedy is proud to present a packed schedule of standup, improv, sketch showcases, live podcast recordings, comedy-focused panels, and parties at venues across downtown Austin. For six years, SXSW Comedy events - open to all SXSW registrants - have brought some of the world’s funniest acts to the festival’s diverse audience. We’re excited to announce the 2013 preliminary lineup and schedule, and will be adding more shows and performers as the festival approaches - visit SXSW.com/comedy for the latest news.

Speaker Spotlights - Crowdfunding 2.0, Startups & Entrepreneurs, and International distribution

Created by jim on February 21, 2013

The three SXSW Film speakers in this edition of Speaker Spotlights can really help you filmmakers.

Learn about developments in Crowdfunding, navigating the world of startups, and the intricate business of international distribution and sales. Click through to add each session to your schedule, and browse the rest of the SXSW Film Conference sessions on the Film Schedule.

The SXSW Video Channel - A Rabbit Hole Par Excellence

Created by L Park on February 20, 2013

The SXSW Video Channel and its sister - brother? third cousin? - SXSW Audio are fabulous places to check out past content and future favorites like this superfun video from 2013 showcasing artist, and intern favorite, Cheers Elephant.

Or perhaps you're in the mood to check out some trailers from the sure to be chock full of fascintating SXSW Film Festival.

Filmmakers in Focus - Narrative Spotlights

Created by jim on February 20, 2013

You want more filmmaker interviews? We've got 'em! Welcome to another edition of Filmmakers in Focus, with five Narrative Spotlight films under the microscope.

Which of these talented directors is afraid of snakes? Who likes to stormchase in their filmmaking downtime? Which one thinks that movies are just plain stupid? Find out here! Hint - one of them is Joss Whedon.

Click on a title below to read the conversation, then start planning your SXSW with our film schedule.

  • Vincent Grashaw on Coldwater
  • Mitchell Altieri on Holy Ghost People
  • Joss Whedon on Much Ado About Nothing
  • Adam Rifkin on Reality Show
  • Goetz Brothers on Scenic Route
  • Pages