Premiere Launch Schedule
The Film Festival is premiering new work every two hours from 10:00am to 8:00pm CT, every day from Tuesday, March 16 to Thursday, March 18. Learn more about How to Watch Films at SXSW Online 2021 including global and U.S. access and capacity limits or check out our handy film grid.
Film Availability
At a film’s scheduled premiere launch time, it becomes available for viewing and remains available on demand until it reaches its audience capacity or the event ends on March 20. Three exceptions with 6-hour timed windows: Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil; Tom Petty, Somewhere You Feel Free; and Under the Volcano. Please note, films will appear in your Connected TV app at their scheduled start time.
Viewing Limited Capacity Films
Some Films have limited capacity* and require advance RSVP. Film RSVPs open on Tuesday, March 9 at 11am. At that time, you may begin to RSVP for films on the SXSW Online Platform and mobile app. Once you have an RSVP to a film you have secured your seat. That means you can watch the film at any time between its scheduled premiere launch and the end of the event on March 20 on the SXSW Online Platform, mobile app, or Connected TV app.
*Limited audience capacity is determined by the rights holder for the film. Many films do not have a capacity limit.
Geofencing
While SXSW is a global event, certain films will be restricted to access in the United States due to rights and distributor requirements.
Audience Award Voting
All films are eligible for the SXSW Film Festival Audience Awards and Sunday, March 21st is Audience Awards Voting Day!
On Sunday, March 21 visit your “My SXSW” page to look back at the films you’ve watched (you must be registered or have RSVP’ed for them in order to vote). Use the “Give Your Feedback” feature on each film’s event page to cast your votes by 11:59 pm CT on Sunday!
If you’ve already voted, your vote is in the system and will be counted.
Audience Award Winners
The “Give Your Feedback” feature will be used to determine winners. Audience Award results for all categories will be certified by the accounting firm of Maxwell Locke & Ritter.
Join the Live Discussion Chat on SXSW Online
Each film has its own page on the SXSW Online Platform with its own Discussion Chat. Chat about a film with other participants, the filmmakers themselves (on select films), ask questions, give feedback, or write a note to the makers of a film you really loved.
Filmmaker in Focus
Get to know the filmmakers by watching these video series linked on each film page in the SXSW Online Platform.
Film Festival at SXSW Online XR
Select SXSW Music Film Festival content can be seen at SXSW Online XR, hosted on VRChat. SXSW Online XR can be experienced on PC, PCVR and Oculus Quest headsets.