South by Southwest kicks off a new edition, leaning into what works: Genre, fun and Spielberg

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Despite covering many important topics, this year’s South by Southwest festival, starting tonight, saw its programmers unexpectedly drawn to comedies. They found themselves wanting films that could make them laugh, especially with everything going on in the world.

Peter Hall, a senior programmer at SXSW, notes a trend in recent films: filmmakers seem to be responding to the seriousness of current events with more humor. He’s observed that even dramas and horror movies often include comedic elements, suggesting this might be a characteristic of this generation of filmmakers or simply a way to cope with the world’s challenges.

SXSW, the festival known for film, TV, music, and technology, kicks off its film and TV section a day early this year, on Thursday. The opening night features the world premiere of Boots Riley’s new satirical film, “I Love Boosters,” following his acclaimed 2018 film “Sorry to Bother You.” Later that evening, the Apple TV+ series “Margo’s Got Money Troubles,” with Elle Fanning, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Nicole Kidman, will also premiere.

Instead of a hectic, fast-paced festival, organizers are hoping the new SXSW format will be a welcome improvement, fostering more meaningful connections and opportunities for discovering new things.

Hall explains that the film festival has always been a core part of the entire SXSW experience. Even when SXSW lasted longer, the festival consistently ran for the full duration, and that hasn’t changed despite adjustments to the event’s dates. It’s always encompassed the whole event, philosophically speaking.

This year, a major change for the event is the demolition and rebuilding of the Austin Convention Center. It will be closed for several years, so organizers are redesigning how SXSW is laid out across the city. The film and TV festival will now focus more on the Paramount Theatre—a popular spot for exciting premieres—and a new lounge nearby for attendees.

“Everything has moved into more of a neighborhood feel,” Hall says.

According to Greg Rosenbaum, a leader at SXSW, Austin has transformed a lot over the past 15 years. He also notes that, especially since the pandemic, people have limited time to attend events, whether it’s SXSW or elsewhere. Therefore, SXSW aims to make every day of the festival the best possible experience for attendees.

This year’s new movie releases include a sequel to the 2019 thriller, “Ready or Not 2: Here I Come,” bringing back Samara Weaving. Also premiering is the action-comedy “Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice” with Vince Vaughn, and the action-horror-comedy “They Will Kill You,” starring Zazie Beetz and Myha’la.

According to Claudette Godfrey, VP of film and television at SXSW, the film “I Love Boosters” is remarkably unique. This politically charged satire, which follows a group of shoplifters and tackles themes of race and class with a bold and unconventional style, really distinguishes itself from many recent films that often feel similar.

Godfrey explains that the movie resonates with current emotions, capturing what many people are thinking about right now. He notes that while the director’s films often address political themes, audiences also want to be entertained, and that entertainment can lead to important conversations about the future.

Many of this year’s most impactful films are grappling with a rapidly changing world. As Hall points out, they’re doing so in unique and unexpected ways. He believes Boots’ film, in particular, offers a strikingly creative perspective, and that audiences will experience the same feeling of wonder and revelation that those involved with the film did.

Steven Spielberg has been added as a keynote speaker at the festival. He’ll be interviewed by Sean Fennessey for “The Big Picture” podcast. Spielberg previously showed his film “Ready Player One” at the festival in 2018, and now there’s talk that he might also preview his new movie, “Disclosure Day,” which comes out in June.

However, Godfrey and Hall both stress that there are no plans to show “Disclosure Day.”

Godfrey admits that regardless of what they say, people will likely continue to believe the rumor. He emphasizes he hasn’t seen the movie and hasn’t spoken to anyone who has, stating it’s simply not happening. He even sent a company-wide message on Slack to confirm, ‘Just so you know, even if you don’t believe me, we are definitely not playing this movie.’

“It’s not out of disinterest on our part,” Hall adds — a slight caveat.

SXSW feels like it’s entering a fresh chapter this year with a revised schedule and focus, while still staying true to its strengths – offering exciting and enjoyable film experiences.

“I think it’s going to be really cool,” Godfrey says. “But it’s definitely going to be different.”

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Eight titles to prioritize at SXSW 2026

‘I Love Boosters’

Boots Riley, known for his first film “Sorry to Bother You,” returns with another wildly imaginative and sharply critical story. Starring Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, and Demi Moore, this new film—the first from Neon to premiere at SXSW—follows a group of shoplifters battling an unfair system. It’s expected to generate significant buzz with its bold message before its release on May 22nd.

‘Brian’

Will Ropp’s first film as director (with Seth Meyers from “Late Night” helping produce) is a fresh and funny take on the classic high school movie. It realistically portrays the challenges many Gen Z students face with mental health. Ben Wang shines in the lead role as a teenager who bravely confronts his anxiety by running for class president.

‘Wishful Thinking’

The new film pairs two incredibly likable young actors, Maya Hawke and Lewis Pullman, in a unique and whimsical take on the romantic comedy. The story suggests that a couple’s relationship has a surprising impact on the world around them, and it’s a captivating concept. This film marks the directorial debut of Graham Parkes and also features comedian Kate Berlant in a dual role, playing a pair of unsettling couples-therapy influencers. It’s one of three films at the festival to showcase Berlant’s talents.

‘Plantman & Blondie: A Dress Up Gang Film’

The Dress Up Gang, a comedy group known for their unique mix of honesty, playful sarcasm, and quirky humor, have created a delightfully strange and very L.A. story. It’s about a bored person working from home who gets involved in a plan to save houseplants from neglectful owners. Starting with videos online, then moving to a TV show, and now a full-length movie, they’re exploring every avenue modern comedy has to offer.

‘The Sun Never Sets’

I’ve always felt like Joe Swanberg is SXSW – he just embodies that independent, adventurous vibe. And he’s back again with his tenth film! He’s moved away from those early, super-realistic college-age stories and is now diving into what it’s like to be in your 40s and figuring things out. This new movie centers on a woman, brilliantly played by Dakota Fanning, who’s really at a crossroads. She’s caught between an old, exciting ex and a newer, more stable guy, and it all unfolds in the unique setting of Anchorage, Alaska. It’s a really compelling story.

‘We Are the Shaggs’

I still can’t believe how incredible The Shaggs’ 1969 album, “Philosophy of the World,” is. It’s just so raw and honest, and over the years, it’s gained a dedicated following worldwide. The story of the band – three sisters from rural New Hampshire – has always been a bit of a mystery, and Ken Kwapis, the director behind films like “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,” has made a really thoughtful and understanding documentary about their surprising journey to becoming a cult favorite.

‘Over Your Dead Body’

This new version of the 2021 Norwegian film “The Trip” still manages to surprise. It follows a couple with a troubled marriage (played by Samara Weaving and Jason Segel) who both independently travel to a remote cabin intending to kill each other. However, they’re forced to team up when a larger, unexpected threat emerges. Jorma Taccone, from the comedy group Lonely Island, directs his first feature film since 2016’s “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping,” skillfully blending humor about relationships with over-the-top, violent action.

‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles’

SXSW continues its tradition of showcasing new TV shows, and this year’s opening night premiere is David E. Kelley’s adaptation of Rufi Thorpe’s novel, starring Elle Fanning as Margo, a young writer with unconventional parents (played by Michelle Pfeiffer and Nick Offerman). The story follows Margo as she navigates single motherhood and turns to OnlyFans for income. The eight-part series will debut on Apple TV on April 15th.

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2026-03-12 13:32