SXSW Film Festival

Austin, Texas, United States, North America

11 - 19 Mar, 2022

Academy Award ® Qualifying

Keywords

music video, short, academy award qualifying, feature, narrative, title design, XR project, episodic

Category

Television, Music Video, Short, Feature

Genre

Documentary, Animation, Comedy, Drama, Horror

SXSW Film Festival logo
SXSW Film Festival

Austin, Texas, United States, North America

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General Information

founded

1987

edition

33rd

Contact details

SXSW

PO Box 685289 , TX

AustinTexas, United States 78768

filmfest@sxsw.com

+1-512-467-7979

Web & social

About the festival

Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries.

South by Southwest dedicates itself to helping people achieve their creative goals.

An essential destination for global professionals, the event features sessions, showcases, screenings, exhibitions, and a variety of networking opportunities. SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together. Throughout SXSWeek®, experience unparalleled discovery, learning, and networking with creatives across interactive, film, and music industries.

Featuring provocative dramas, documentaries, comedies, genre standouts and more, the SXSW Film Festival has become known for the high caliber and diversity of films presented, and for its smart, enthusiastic audiences.

SXSW provides the game-changing buzz every filmmaker dreams about for the premiere of their feature film, short, episodic, or XR project.

 

Mission

The South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conference & Festivals celebrate the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries. Fostering creative and professional growth alike, SXSW® is the premier destination for discovery.

SXSW provides the game-changing buzz every filmmaker dreams about for the premiere of their feature film, short, episodic or XR project.

The SXSW Film Festival is the only place in the world bringing together creative people from so many different industries, making the SXSW Film Festival an unparalleled experience at the forefront of discovery, creativity, and innovation.

About

Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries.

South by Southwest dedicates itself to helping people achieve their creative goals.

An essential destination for global professionals, the event features sessions, showcases, screenings, exhibitions, and a variety of networking opportunities. SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together. Throughout SXSWeek®, experience unparalleled discovery, learning, and networking with creatives across interactive, film, and music industries.

Featuring provocative dramas, documentaries, comedies, genre standouts and more, the SXSW Film Festival has become known for the high caliber and diversity of films presented, and for its smart, enthusiastic audiences.

SXSW provides the game-changing buzz every filmmaker dreams about for the premiere of their feature film, short, episodic, or XR project.

 

Mission

The South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conference & Festivals celebrate the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries. Fostering creative and professional growth alike, SXSW® is the premier destination for discovery.

SXSW provides the game-changing buzz every filmmaker dreams about for the premiere of their feature film, short, episodic or XR project.

The SXSW Film Festival is the only place in the world bringing together creative people from so many different industries, making the SXSW Film Festival an unparalleled experience at the forefront of discovery, creativity, and innovation.

Gallery

Awards & Winners

2020

Best Episodic Pilot (Nominated)

Beached (2018)  Director(s):

24 Beats Per Second (Nominated)

24 Beats Per Second (Nominated)

24 Beats Per Second (Nominated)

24 Beats Per Second (Nominated)

24 Beats Per Second (Nominated)

24 Beats Per Second (Nominated)

24 Beats Per Second (Nominated)

24 Beats Per Second (Nominated)

24 Beats Per Second (Nominated)

Zappa ()  Director(s): Alex Winter

Texas Short (Nominated)

Texas Short (Nominated)

Texas Short (Nominated)

Texas Short (Nominated)

Texas Short (Nominated)

Zoe and Hanh (2019)  Director(s): Kim Tran

SXSW Adam Yauch Hörnblowér Award (Nominated)

SXSW Adam Yauch Hörnblowér Award (Nominated)

SXSW Adam Yauch Hörnblowér Award (Nominated)

SXSW Adam Yauch Hörnblowér Award (Nominated)

SXSW Adam Yauch Hörnblowér Award (Nominated)

SXSW Adam Yauch Hörnblowér Award (Nominated)

Make Up (2019)  Director(s): Claire Oakley

SXSW Adam Yauch Hörnblowér Award (Nominated)

SXSW Adam Yauch Hörnblowér Award (Nominated)

SXSW Adam Yauch Hörnblowér Award (Nominated)

SXSW Adam Yauch Hörnblowér Award (Nominated)

TFW NO GF ()  Director(s): Alex Lee Moyer

Title Design Competition (Nominated)

Queens of Mystery (2019)  Director(s):

Terms and rules

The SXSW Film Festival recognizes the following types of premiere status:

  • World Premiere: Your project has not screened theatrically prior to SXSW, whether at a film festival or other ticketed public theatrical exhibition, and has not been broadcast or streamed on television or the Internet or released via any home video or other public distribution platform (Blu-ray, DVD, streaming, VOD, etc.) in any country prior to SXSW.

  • International Premiere: Your project has not screened theatrically outside of its country or countries of origin prior to SXSW, whether at a film festival or other ticketed public theatrical exhibition, and has not been broadcast or streamed on television or the Internet or released via any home video or other public distribution platform (Blu-ray, DVD, streaming, VOD, etc.) in any country prior to SXSW.

  • North American Premiere: Your project has not screened theatrically in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico prior to SXSW, whether at a film festival or other ticketed public theatrical exhibition, and has not been broadcast or streamed on television or the Internet or released via any home video or other public distribution platform (Blu-ray, DVD, streaming, VOD, etc.) in any country prior to SXSW.

  • U.S. Premiere: Your project has not screened theatrically in the U.S. prior to SXSW, whether at a film festival or other ticketed public theatrical exhibition, and has not been broadcast or streamed on television or the Internet or released via any home video or other public distribution platform (Blu-ray, DVD, streaming, VOD, etc.) in any country prior to SXSW.

  • Texas Premiere: Your project has not screened theatrically in Texas prior to SXSW, whether at a film festival or other ticketed public theatrical exhibition, and has not been broadcast or streamed on television or the Internet or released via any home video or other public distribution platform (Blu-ray, DVD, streaming, VOD, etc.) in any country prior to SXSW.

  • Austin Premiere: Your project has not screened theatrically in Austin prior to SXSW, whether at a film festival or other ticketed public theatrical exhibition and has not been broadcast or streamed on television or the Internet or released via any home video or other public distribution platform (Blu-ray, DVD, streaming, VOD, etc.) in any country prior to SXSW.

  • Not a Premiere: Your project has screened theatrically in Austin at a film festival prior to SXSW, it has been released in a country other than the U.S. via television broadcast or theatrical screening before SXSW, or has been broadcast, streamed on television or the Internet as part of a limited-time virtual festival event.

The premiere status of your film is an important factor so be sure to review eligibility listed for your screening section. Explore the Film Submission Guides and the Film Submissions FAQ for specific questions about submitting your film, premiere status, eligibility, and more.

Submission Confirmation

Once you have submitted your project, you will receive a confirmation email from SXSW within 48 hours. This email will confirm that your film has been submitted correctly. If you do not receive this email within 48 hours, please follow up by emailing filmfest@sxsw.com to ensure your film has been submitted properly and is under consideration.

Ratings & Reviews

Categories and fees

SXSW Competition Award

Best Episodic Pilot
Early Bird (14th September, 2021) $0
Regular (5th October, 2021) $0
Late (14th October, 2021) $0
Age restriction No age restriction
Country Any country
Director's age No restriction
Director's gender Any gender
Student films No
First films No

A pilot showcase introducing fresh work from bright new talent, many with an eye towards finding production, completion funds, or a release platform.

Audience Award

24 Beats Per Second
Early Bird (14th September, 2021) $0
Regular (5th October, 2021) $0
Late (19th October, 2021) $0
Runtime - 10 minutes
Age restriction No age restriction
Country Any country
Director's age No restriction
Director's gender Any gender
Student films No
First films No

Showcasing the sounds, culture & influence of music & musicians, with an emphasis on documentary.

SXSW Grand Jury Award

Texas High School Short
Early Bird (14th September, 2021) $0
Regular (5th October, 2021) $0
Late (19th October, 2021) $0
Runtime 0 - 5 minutes
Age restriction No age restriction
Country United States
Director's age No restriction
Director's gender Any gender
Student films Only student films
First films No

A preview of the next filmmaking generation, as Texas High Schoolers present shorts of 5 minutes or less.

Texas Short
Early Bird (14th September, 2021) $0
Regular (5th October, 2021) $0
Late (19th October, 2021) $0
Runtime 0 - 40 minutes
Age restriction No age restriction
Country United States
Director's age No restriction
Director's gender Any gender
Student films No
First films No

An offshoot of our regular narrative shorts program, composed of work shot in, about, or somehow relating to the Lone Star state.

Title Design Competition
Early Bird (14th September, 2021) $0
Regular (5th October, 2021) $0
Late (19th October, 2021) $0
Runtime 0 - 10 minutes
Age restriction No age restriction
Country Any country
Director's age No restriction
Director's gender Any gender
Student films No
First films No

Inspired by an essential part of the theatrical experience, these are works of art in their own right.

Narrative Feature Competition
Early Bird (14th September, 2021) $0
Regular (5th October, 2021) $0
Late (19th October, 2021) $0
Runtime 40 - minutes
Age restriction No age restriction
Country Any country
Director's age No restriction
Director's gender Any gender
Student films No
First films No

Ten world premieres, ten unique ways to celebrate the art of storytelling.

Documentary Feature Competition
Early Bird (14th September, 2021) $0
Regular (5th October, 2021) $0
Late (19th October, 2021) $0
Age restriction No age restriction
Country Any country
Director's age No restriction
Director's gender Any gender
Student films No
First films No

Ten world premieres, ten real world stories that demonstrate innovation, energy and bold voices.

Narrative Spotlight
Early Bird (14th September, 2021) $0
Regular (5th October, 2021) $0
Late (19th October, 2021) $0
Runtime 40 - minutes
Age restriction No age restriction
Country Any country
Director's age No restriction
Director's gender Any gender
Student films No
First films No

High profile narrative features receiving their World, North American or U.S. premieres at SXSW.

Documentary Spotlight
Early Bird (14th September, 2021) $0
Regular (5th October, 2021) $0
Late (19th October, 2021) $0
Runtime 40 - minutes
Age restriction No age restriction
Country Any country
Director's age No restriction
Director's gender Any gender
Student films No
First films No

Shining a light on new documentary features receiving their World, North American or U.S. premieres at SXSW.

Matchmaking

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Monetary award

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