by Ursula Rogers
This year’s festival is set to bring an amazing lineup of great films and TV series premieres, from indies, to documentaries, to big names like Michael J. Fox, William Shatner, Chris Pine, Hugh Grant, and more. We’ve picked a handful of films of interest for you to consider for your SXSW festival hit list.
Film:
Frybread Face and Me
This coming-of-age story written and directed by Billy Luther is loosely based on his life. 12-year- old Benny must go live with his grandmother on a Native American reservation in Arizona. There he learns more about himself than he could have imagined. Check out more details on SXSW.
Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
SXSW brings us what is sure to be a charmful gaze into this live action role playing game with Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Hugh Grant, Regé-Jean Page, Justice Smith, and many more. It’s the opening night film for a reason. Will make the inner or outer nerd thrilled. Directors: Jonathan Goldstein, John Francis Daley, Producers: Jeremy Latcham, Brian Goldner, Nick Meyer, Screenwriters: Jonathan Goldstein, John Francis Daley, Michael Gilio. https://schedule.sxsw.com/2023/films/2079266
Appendage
This thriller introduces us to a young fashion designer Hannah as she is faced with self-debilitating doubt to the point that it manifests itself as growth on her body. Check it out on SXSW.
If You Were the Last
One of the most buzzed about this year and having its world premier at SXSW in the documentary spotlight category. Anthony Mackie and Zoe Chao portray two astronauts lost in space with a broken down shuttle. They argue over what movies to watch. And every day, they dance. Hot fun sexy sweaty dancing – tango, hip hop, country. Then they start to fall in love.
Problemista
Julio Torres’ Problemista, introduces us to, Alejandro, a toy designer from El Salvador trying to make a mark in the U.S. but this goes deeper. Danny Philippou (Co-Director and Co-Writer), Michael Philippou (Co-Director), Sophie Wilde attending.
TV:
Daisy Jones & The Six
The hottest show premier around, (this Reese Witherspoon project just dropped the first 3 episodes this week), Daisy Jones & The Six is a limited musical-drama series detailing the rise and precipitous fall of a renowned rock band. In 1977, Daisy Jones & The Six were on top of the world. Fronted by two charismatic lead singers—Daisy Jones (Riley Keough) and Billy Dunne (Sam Claflin)—the band had risen from obscurity to fame. And then, after a sold-out show at Chicago’s Soldier Field, they called it quits. Now, decades later, the band members finally agree to reveal the truth. This is the story of how an iconic band imploded at the height of its powers.
Swarm
Prime Video has tons of fun pop-ups and fun planned this week, including this one. With the apparent rise of parasocial relationships among fans and celebrities, Swarm, comes at the perfect time. With a winning team of Donald Glover and Janine Nabers give us a psychological thriller starring Dominique Fishback as an obsessed fan who will do anything.
Watch:
American Born Chinese
Based on Gene Luen Yang’s novel, American Born Chinese, follows Jin Wang as henavigates teenage life and Chinese mythological gods. This show has the team of Fresh off the Boat and some heavy hitters such as Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, Ke Huy Quan. Watch the preview at Disney.
I’m A Virgo
Jharrel Jerome, stars in this wild coming of age story directed by Boots Riley(Sorry To Bother You), as a 13 ft tall young man living in California.
Love & Death
Based on a true story, Love and Death follows two small town, church-going couples as they end up entangled and in a dangerous situation.
Documentary
Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes
This documentary tells us about bebop legend Max Roach and his expansive career. Great for lovers of all genres.
Great Photo, Lovely Life
A photojournalist investigates her family’s intergenerational trauma.
Stay tuned for all our music and film coverage of SXSW 2023 on all our channels.
Check out the entire film festival scoop and schedule on SXSW.
