Film Press

South By Southwest (SXSW) Film Conference and Festival - For The Working Filmmaker, The Industry Pro and The Film Buff

"Today, SXSW is a destination fest and mainstay of the independent film calendar." Variety, March 15, 2005

· Frequently Asked Questions

· View the List of 2006 Film Media Outlets and Press Quotes

· Email Elizabeth Derczo to Find out How to Obtain Press Credentials for the SXSW Film Festival

· Read the Most Recent SXSW Film Festival Press Releases

Austin, Texas, home of a large diverse community of filmmakers, annually hosts one of the most important gatherings of independent, regional and industry film people in the country. Every March at the Austin Convention Center all of these talents come together at the SXSW Film Conference and Festival. The New York Times has said, "SXSW is a magnet for indie filmmakers... it crackles with excitement." MovieMaker has said, "SXSW is an invigorating experience. From the quality of the films and panels to the equally important enthusiasm of the participants, SXSW is a great festival at which to celebrate all things indie."

The conference portion of SXSW Film has been described as a five day crash course on guerrilla filmmaking and marketing for every level of filmmaker from novice to veteran. Panels, workshops and interviews are always peopled with knowledgeable experts and entertaining speakers offering unique access to the best and the brightest of the industry. Specialized sessions such as hands on workshops, mini-meetings and one on one meetings in the Mentor Program distinguish the SXSW experience.

The film festival presents the best in new independent films as well as works from established directors who have inspired the latest generation of filmmakers. SXSW Film spotlights narrative and documentary features; narrative, documentary, animated, and experimental shorts; and music videos.

In addition to presenting the best in new independent films, providing informative panels, workshops, and mentor sessions, SXSW provides an industry trade show exhibition; program book, the online registrants directory, the Big Bag of swag, the awards presentation on the final night of the conference and numerous networking opportunities all in the congenial atmosphere of Austin, Texas.

While technically SXSW Film started in 1994, it really started much earlier than that. It started with Tobe Hooper and Kim Henkel's Texas Chainsaw Massacre and with Eagle Pennell's The Whole Shootin' Match, it started when Robert Rodriguez began to make video movies in San Antonio, and when Lee Daniel, D. Montegmery and Richard Linklater made You Can't Learn to Plow by Reading Books in Austin. It began with screenings and writing, with shorts and features, with fiction films and documentaries.

SXSW Film is still about the same thing it was in 1994 - about filmmakers determined to tell their own stories, independent filmmakers remaining true to their region, filmmakers whose main emphasis is their films.

To inquire about getting press credentials for SXSW Film, contact Elizabeth Derczo at press at sxsw.com.