Showcasing Austin’s standing as a world‑class creative hub, the SXSW Film &TV Festival and Conference attracts filmmakers and attendees from around the globe for an unmatched, Academy Award–qualifying celebration where star‑studded premieres meet the next wave of emerging talent. Explore this year’s lineup featuring diverse narratives, visionary documentaries, industry‑leading keynotes, and something electric for SXSW veterans and newcomers alike.

Films with Ties to Austin

Family Movie
World Premiere, Narrative Feature
When: March 13, 14 & 16, 2026
A filmmaking family ends up in a real-life horror movie when a body is discovered on the set of their low-budget slasher. Shot in Texas, including Austin Studios. Co-Directed by Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick, who star alongside kids Travis and Sosie Bacon; Produced by Austin-based Russell Groves, and Ben Fuqua, with many more local ties.

American Dollhouse
World Premiere, Narrative Feature
When: March 14, 16 & 17, 2026
A woman's search for a fresh start in her hometown is violently interrupted by a psychopathic neighbor. Shot in Texas; Austin-based cast and crew include Writer/ Director (John Valley), Producers (Amado DeHoyos, Christian Sosa), Actors (Richard C. Jones, Kelsey Pribilski), with many more local ties. The film was finished at Austin’s TBD Post.  

The Last Critic
World Premiere, Documentary Feature
When: March 14, 16 & 18, 2026
60 years and a million records ago, Robert Christgau invented Rock music criticism. But in a world where algorithms have eclipsed critics, what’s next—for Robert and music criticism? Partially shot in Austin; Director (Matty Wishnow), Producer/ Editor (Paul Lovelace) and Producer/ Cinematographer (Ben Wu) are Austin-based.

The Way We Move
World Premiere, Documentary Feature
When: March 15, 16 & 17, 2026
Amber Galloway, a trailblazer in ASL interpretation, takes us on a journey into the deep bond between the Deaf world and music. Texan subjects featured in the spotlight with Austin playing a central role via Austin City Limits music festival.

The Shitheads
Texas Premiere, Narrative Feature
When: March 15 & 18, 2026
Austin-based Director Macon Blair’s new comedy, starring Dave Franco, Mason Thames, Kiernan Shipka, and Peter Dinklage. Two rock-bottom drivers transport a wealthy teen to rehab, but their job spirals into a chaotic journey as their passenger derails their plans.

A Cowboy in London
Texas Premiere, Documentary Feature
When: March 18, 2026
A rare portrait of global star and Austin area musician Charley Crockett; the film by Texas filmmaker Jared Christopher follows Crockett during a whirlwind tour in London.

Keep an eye out for these additional films, made by Austinites, filmed in and around Austin, and/or featuring Austin talent!

Feature Films

I Love Boosters
Opening Night Film, World Premiere, Narrative Feature
Anchored by powerhouse performances from LaKeith Stanfield and Keke Palmer, the film follows a crew of professional shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven in this bold, surrealist comedy helmed by filmmaker Boots Riley.

Chilli Finger
World Premiere, Narrative Feature
A small-town lawyer threatens to blackmail a restaurant, and the situation quickly spirals out of control as her life descends into chaos. This pitch-black comedy co-stars Judy Greer, Sean Astin, Bryan Cranston, and John Goodman.

Pretty Lethal
World Premiere, Narrative Feature
A ballerina‑survival thriller that takes center stage featuring Uma Thurman, Iris Apatow, Lana Condor, and Millicent Simmonds.

Summer of ’94
World Premiere, Documentary Feature
Underdog U.S. soccer team advances in record-breaking 1994 World Cup on home soil, featuring the team's two-year camp journey, rare footage, and player interviews.

Hokum
World Premiere, Narrative Feature
A genre standout from Director Damian McCarthy headlining the festival’s Midnighter section. It’s also one of two SXSW 2026 features starring Adam Scott, adding to its buzz.

Browse the full list of feature films from industry-leading talent and independent voices alike premiering at this year’s festival here.

Short Films

We Were Here
Narrative Short Competition
In a crumbling Indian town, three retired men stage a protest against machines taking over human jobs, by pretending to be household appliances.

I Got My Brother
Documentary Short Competition
Two brothers reflect on their memories of surviving the foster care system and prison, realizing along the way that their path to healing has always been each other. 

Wax
Midnight Short Competition
With finals approaching, a university student ignores a growing ear infection, spiraling into psychological distress as the pressure mounts.

Tell Me When You Get Home
Animation Short Competition
During a reggae house party, 15-year-old Honest Cardamom encounters the spirit of a lost loved one. 

Explore the 50+ short films premiering from filmmakers around the world at this year’s festival here.

Television Premieres

The Comeback – Season 3
World Premiere
The long-awaited comeback of The Comeback is a SXSW must-see for fans of Lisa Kudrow and the cult HBO comedy now in its 3rd season.

The Audacity
World Premiere
Set inside the Silicon Valley bubble, this new darkly comedic drama from AMC takes on the warped dreams, outsized egos, and ethical lapses of the would-be inventors of the future. Stars Billy Magnussen, Sarah Goldberg, and Zach Galifianakis.

Margo’s Got Money Troubles
World Premiere
Slated as the festival’s Opening Night TV Premiere, this new Apple TV series was created by David E. Kelley and stars Elle Fanning, Michelle Pfeiffer, Nick Offerman, and Nicole Kidman.

Discover additional TV premieres and TV conference programming here, including conversations with Bill Lawrence (Ted Lasso, Shrinking), Steve Carell, Vince Gilligan (Breaking Bad, Pluribus), Larry David, and more.

Ticketing Information

To purchase a SXSW badge/wristband or find more info on screenings and the conference, head to www.sxsw.com/festivals/film.

Which films are you planning on seeing while in town for SXSW? Follow us on Instagram at @filmatx for the inside scoop on all things film-related during the festival and after!