SXSW Hits Austin, Bigger Than Ever

It's time for that Spring influx again. Even on an average day, the Texas capital is brimming with hip new arrivals from New York, LA, and all points in between. When it's time for SXSW, Austin braces itself for a takeover like no other. Ravenous artists hunt down the best tacos and barbecue, queues wrap around the historical Paramount theater for star-studded premieres, seething masses fight their way toward the stage for big names in pop and hip hop while the indie-curious seek out new finds in a plethora of local and makeshift venues. Then there's the film menu, of course. It's the reason beneath the hype that draws this writer.

An all-encompassing SXSW experience could be overwhelming, what with ever-expanding Film, Music, and Interactive sections, as well as the numerous other areas sprouting up, such as SX Comedy and SXsports. But, hey, if you have the time, money, and energy, why not dabble in all of the festival's offerings or follow new releases and trends of various kinds from afar? Do artificial intelligence, 3-D printing, and brain hacking get you going?

Tech lovers always have something to look forward to in the Interactive section. The music section doesn't really need an intro. SXSW got its humble start as a showcase for new music, and it has rapidly grown into one of the most sought out music events of the year, with artists flying in from all over the globe to show off what they have. Canadian showcases. Swedish showcases. Japanese showcases. Plus the big domestic players (Snoop Dog is giving the Music keynote this year).

Back to the 80s

Likewise, the Film section has become an event that industry insiders look to for a sign of what is happening that year. For those who want a little taste of all three:

Convergence day is a godsend. Beginning Tuesday (March 17) at the Austin Convention Center, badge holders of any one section are given the opportunity to get a glimpse of the other sections. For example, a filmgoer might want to listen in on Astrophysics Goes Hollywood: Cinematic Science or the Bike Tech Nerd Meet up.

The festival in general has socials and panel discussions galore, so that it's not just about the screenings and the concerts but also the chance to schmooze and to learn something about your industry of interest. A fan of animation?

One of the sessions likely to be popular at the Film Conference is "10 Lessons from a Decade Behind the Scenes at Pixar." As far as the films themselves, those ailing from a case of 80s nostalgia might be drawn to the premiere of the 30th Anniversary restoration print of "The Breakfast Club."

Ryan Gosling directs

Fans of 90s Amerindie will likely be elated that the final chapter of Hal Hartley's trilogy that began with "Henry Fool" (starring Parker Posey), "Ned Rifle," is part of the Festival Favorites section this year. And there must be a Ryan Gosling fan or two among us who would be interested to know that his writing/directing debut, "Lost River," about a mother lured into a murky world as she attempts to save her family and her childhood home, is among the offerings.

Of course, there is much more to be excited about across the various film sections, including Joshua Oppenheimer's follow up to his award-winning look at Indonesian mass killers, "The Act of Killing." In "The Look of Silence" he is just as brazen, leading family members of victims to a confrontation with the ruthless perpetrators. Stay tuned for on the ground festival coverage as the Texas mayhem gets under way.

SXSW runs March through March 22. For more information visit the SXSW website.