The Studio – SXSW 2025 – Photo by Aaron Rogosin

The Studio – SXSW 2025 – Photo by Aaron Rogosin

Film & TV Festival

March 12-18, 2026

The SXSW Film & TV Festival 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.

Submissions for SXSW 2026 open July 29, 2025


About Film & TV Festival

 

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 buzzy Hollywood project, SXSW serves as the place to be for discovery, creativity, and innovation.

Polish the audio and start exporting soon, the SXSW Film & TV Festival Submissions open July 29 and close October 1. Join the long list of legendary alumni whose career began by screening projects in Austin, TX!

See You at SXSW 2026

Join us for SXSW 2026 from March 12–18 in Austin, TX. Stay tuned for announcements throughout the season by subscribing to Event Updates and community newsletters.

2025 SXSW Film & TV Lineup

Take a look back at the incredible lineup of the 32nd edition of the SXSW Film & TV Festival! Death of a Unicorn! Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie! Good Boy! The Accountant 2! 2025 had it all!

SXSW Timeline

March 12-18, 2026

SXSW celebrates its 40th event with a reimagined experience, bringing the Conference, Film & TV Festival, and Music Festival together for the first time to run concurrently over seven exciting days and nights.

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SXSW 2026 Timeline

SXSW 2026 Timeline

Film & TV Festival Sections

 

We're pleased to count ourselves among the festivals eligible for both Oscars Shorts, BAFTA qualification, and the Film Independent Spirit Awards. Learn more here.

Feature Film Section

  • 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.

  • Visions: Audacious, risk-taking films that demonstrate innovation and creativity.

  • 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.

  • Global: Artful international films, featuring premieres, festival favorites, and more.

  • Festival Favorite: Acclaimed standouts from festivals around the world.

  • Special Event: Unexpected and unique one-off film and TV events.

    • 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 Screening Sections

  • Narrative Short Competition: Exceptional storytelling that captivates, surprises, and excites.

  • Documentary Short Competition: Authentic storytelling that captivates, surprises, and excites.

  • Animated Short Competition: A whirlwind tour of hand drawn, stop-motion, and digital revelries.

  • 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: Vibrant work filmed in, inspired by, or connected to the Lone Star State.

    • XR Experience Screening 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.

    • SXSW 2025 - Photo by Tico Mendoza

    See You Next Year

    Join us at SXSW 2026 from March 12-18 in Austin, TX. Learn more about presale badges and event updates.

    Keynote Issa Rae – SXSW 2025 – Photo by Will Blake

    SXSW Rewind

    Watch exclusive coverage from SXSW 2025, including Conference sessions, Music Festival performances, and SXSW Studio interviews.

    We Are Storror – SXSW 2025 – Photo by Shannon Johnston

    Film & TV Submissions FAQ

    Learn more about submitting your film to the SXSW Film & TV Festival.

    Film & TV News

    More News

    SXSW Film & TV Festival Archive

    Past SXSW film programs have included the world premieres of Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022), Civil War (2024), Monkey Man (2024), Us (2019), Babes (2024), Bottoms (2023), X (2022), For Sama (2019), Booksmart (2019), Immaculate (2024), Black Barbie (2023), Great Photo, Lovely Life (2023), Introducing, Selma Blair (2021) and many more.

    On the TV front, SXSW audiences have been the first in the world to experience Beef (2023), I’m A Virgo (2023), Mrs. Davis (2023), Swarm (2023), Love, Death & Robots (2019), Ramy (2019), 3 Body Problem (2024), and much more.

    Explore Archive
    Cast and Directors of

    Cast and Directors of "Everything Everywhere All at Once" World Premiere - SXSW 2022 - Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images for SXSW

    See You Next Year

    Join us at SXSW 2026 from March 12-18 in Austin, TX. Learn more about presale badges and event updates.

    Learn More
    SXSW 2025 - Photo by Tico Mendoza

    Event Access and Line Guide

    See how to access different types of events and where to join the line.

    Learn More

    Explore SXSW