Please take a moment to read this page on film access procedures. It's a great way to get the best out of your SXSW Film Festival experience!. For a great primer, check out this detailed video, then scroll down for more information.
2013 SXSW Film Access Video from SXSW on Vimeo.
Seating for each screening is subject to capacity and will occur on a priority basis approximately 30-45 minutes before the screening starts.
General Line Procedure
Filmmakers & Their Guests
Filmmakers are given Filmmaker Guest Tickets (15-50 per screening depending on the venue) that allow them priority entry to their premieres. *Good for up to 30 minutes before showtime.
SXSW Film Attendees
1 - SXSW Film, Gold & Platinum Badge holders with SXXpress passes for the screening are allowed entry.
2. The remaining Film, Gold & Platinum Badge holders are allowed entry.
3. If seats remain after all Badges have been let in, Film Wristbands Holders will be allowed entry. SXSW Film Wristbands are $80 (tax included) and on sale now (until sold out) at Waterloo Records & the Alamo Slaughter, Ritz & Village theaters. .
4. If any seats remain, single-admission tickets will be sold starting 15 minutes prior to showtime for $10. We sell tickets most often at our larger venues, The Paramount Theatre, Vimeo Theater at the Austin Convention Center
SXXpress (South by Express) PASSES
The SXXpress Pass offers Film, Gold and Platinum Badge holders the ability to pick up two passes per day that allow them to go to the head of the line at specific screenings.
A limited number of tickets are available the day of the screening only and must be used in combination with a registration badge. We allocate 20% of each venue’s capacity to these passes.
The SXXpress pass does not guarantee you a seat, so you should still plan on arriving to the theater at least 30 minutes prior to a screening to be sure you get in. SXXpress passes will be distributed March 8-16 from 9am - 4pm, on the upper level of the Austin Convention Center near the panel room 15.
Queue Cards
SXSW 2013 will continue to build on the success of the Queue Card system, first used at SXSW 2011.
Here's how: If you have a badge, and you want to ensure you get a seat at the Stateside Theatre, Rollins Theatre, Topfer Theatre at ZACH, Violet Crown Cinema or any Alamo Theater, show up early (they will be distributed starting 1 hour before screening time) to get a numbered Queue Card. This will ensure your admission as long as you stay in line at the venue.
Buffer Cards (New for 2013)
After all available Queue Cards are distributed at a screening SXSW staff will start handing out Buffer Cards.
While these cards do not guarantee entry to the theater, they will help Badge Holders secure a seat if any filmmakers guest tickets or SXXPRESS passes no-show at the screening.
VSB in action. Image
courtesy Slackerwood
Venue Status Boards
We’ll be continually updating the Venue Status Boards (or VSB) in the SXSW GO App, online at vsb.sxsw.com and at large info boards at downtown venues throughout the event with the line statuses for every screening at the festival.
Here is what to look for:
GREEN means GO! - Lots of seats left
YELLOW means HURRY! - It’s filling up fast, so hustle.
RED means FULL! - No need to try this one, it's sold out.
So before you hightail it to the Paramount or jump on a shuttle...check the board!
Questions about any of this? Just email film@sxsw.com
