Highlights from the Opening Night of the 2026 SXSW Film & TV Festival: Premieres and Celebrations
AUSTIN, TEXAS — The 2026 SXSW Film & TV Festival has officially kicked off in Austin, celebrating its 40th anniversary overall and the 33rd edition dedicated to film and television. Running from March 12 to March 18, the festival showcases a vibrant fusion of technology, film, and music through various programming formats and special events.
The festivities commenced with the world premiere of NEON’s I Love Boosters, directed by Boots Riley. The film follows a group of professional shoplifters targeting a fierce fashion mogul, featuring a star-studded cast that includes Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza Gonzalez, LaKeith Stanfield, Don Cheadle, and Demi Moore. Other premieres on opening day included Perfect, starring Julia Fox, and Mile End Kicks, featuring Barbie Ferreira.
In addition to the film offerings, Apple TV+ premiered Margo’s Got Money Troubles, a comedic family drama produced by Emmy-winning David E. Kelley. The show, based on Rufi Thorpe’s best-selling novel, boasts a notable cast comprising Elle Fanning, Michelle Pfeiffer, Nick Offerman, Nicole Kidman, and Greg Kinnear, among others.
Throughout the festival, multiple world premieres in both the Narrative Feature and Documentary Feature Competitions are set to be unveiled. Notable films include Basic, Mallory’s Ghost, and Phoenix Jones: The Rise and Fall of a Real Life Superhero. The winners of each competition, alongside the Short Film Program winners eligible for Jury Awards, will be announced on March 18.
Beyond screenings, SXSW offers a wealth of events, including keynotes, featured speakers, mentor sessions, networking meet-ups, music showcases, and professional development opportunities. The Music Festival will present live performances from artists such as Jack Johnson, Ty Dolla $ign, and Alanis Morissette.
This year’s festival promises to be a dynamic celebration of creativity and collaboration across diverse media and genres.
