About
The SXSW Film & TV Festival & Conference is known for launching a high caliber and diverse program of film, TV and XR projects, and serving as a global gathering for smart, enthusiastic, influential audiences that drive conversation for months to come.
Creatives of all stripes gather for the acclaimed SXSW Film & TV Festival program each March in Austin, Texas. Running concurrently with the SXSW Conference, Music, and Comedy Festivals, attendees can take advantage of the opportunity to connect with a wide array of industry experts, making the Film & TV Festival an unparalleled experience at the forefront of all things pop culture.
Whether you want to be the first to see independent films from around the world or sit front row at the world premiere of a buzzy Hollywood project, SXSW serves as the place to be for discovery, creativity, and innovation.
Polish the audio and start exporting soon, the SXSW Film & TV Submissions are now open through October 1. Join the long list of legendary alumni whose career began by screening projects in Austin, TX!
dates & deadlines
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
- Documentary Spotlight: Incredible features receiving their World, North American, or U.S. premieres.
- Visions: Audacious, risk-taking films that demonstrate innovation and creativity.
- Midnighter: Exciting after-dark features for genre lovers and the terminally curious.
Important Dates
november 6, 2025
LAST CHANCE FOR EARLY BIRD BADGE & HOTEL PRICES!
Get the best price of the season on badges and hotels! SXSW early bird pricing ends on 11/6 at 11:59 PM PST.
March 6, 2026
RESERVATIONS OPEN FOR PLATINUM BADGES HOLDERS
Discover new pilots from indie talent.
March 12, 2026
SXSW 2026: MARCH 12-18 IN AUSTIN, TX
Immerse yourself in unparalleled discovery, learning, professional development, and networking alongside creatives from across the globe at SXSW 2026 from March 12–18 in Austin, TX.
screening sections
We're pleased to count ourselves among the select festivals whose programming qualifies for both Oscars and BAFTA nominations, as well as the Film Independent Spirit Awards. Learn more here.
feature film sections
Narrative Feature Competition
World premieres showcasing the art of storytelling by emerging voices.
Documentary Feature Competition
World premieres of captivating, real stories by emerging voices.
Headliner
Big names, big talent featuring red carpet premieres and gala film events with major and rising names in cinema.
Narrative Spotlight
Unforgettable features receiving their World, North American, or U.S. premieres.
Documentary Spotlight
Incredible features receiving their World, North American, or U.S. premieres.
Midnighter
Exciting after-dark features for genre lovers and the terminally curious.
24 Beats Per Second
Vibrant films showcasing the sounds, culture and influence of music and musicians.
Visions
Audacious, risk-taking films that demonstrate innovation and creativity.
Global
Artful international films, featuring premieres, festival favorites, and more.
TV screening sections
TV Premiere
World premieres of prestige TV series premieres from acclaimed showrunners and directors.
Independent TV Pilot Competition
Discover new pilots from indie talent.
TV Spotlight
World premieres of new seasons of acclaimed shows and exciting series episodes.
short film sections
Narrative Short Competition
Exceptional storytelling that captivates, surprises, and excites.
Documentary Short Competition
Real stories to capture your attention and expand your perspective.
Animated Short Competition
Animated Short Competition
Midnight Short Competition
Indulge your cravings for horror, gore, and dark comedy.
Music Video Competition
A dynamic mix of creativity and stylish visuals where music and storytelling collide.
Texas Short Competition
Texas Short Competition
XR experience sections
XR Experience Competition
World premieres of mind bending immersive art.
XR Experience Spotlight
Masterful immersive art from around the world.
XR Experience Special Event
Radical experimentations with emerging tech.
conference
Film & TV Track
March 13-18, 2026
Dive into the full spectrum of filmmaking and television production from creative storytelling and hands-on craft to the evolving business landscape. This track offers practical insights on screenwriting, virtual production, storytelling, and post-production techniques, alongside deep dives into independent film financing, distribution strategies, and emerging industry trends. Whether you’re a creator or an industry professional, gain the knowledge and tools to bring compelling stories to screen and navigate the dynamic Film & TV world.
Film & TV Track Access
Platinum and Film & TV Badges receive access to sessions in this track.
Clubhouse
SXSW Film & TV Clubhouse
Film & TV Festival FAQ
Submissions faq
We’ve compiled a comprehensive FAQ page to cover all of your questions about SXSW Film & TV submissions.
2026 event timeline
We’ve compiled a comprehensive FAQ page to cover all of your questions about SXSW Film & TV submissions.
Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia
event access & line guide
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
- Documentary Spotlight: Incredible features receiving their World, North American, or U.S. premieres.
- Visions: Audacious, risk-taking films that demonstrate innovation and creativity.
- Midnighter: Exciting after-dark features for genre lovers and the terminally curious.
festival venues
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
Explore the Film & TV Festival archive
Meghann Fahy The Drop Film Premiere during the SXSW Conference & Festivals on March 09, 2025 in Austin, Texas.
Nicole Kidmand at the "Holland" Premiere during the SXSW Conference & Festivals held at the Paramount Theatre on March 9, 2025 in Austin, Texas.
Kari Fischer, Indy, Ben Leonbery at the "Good Boy" Premiere during the SXSW Conference & Festivals at the Alamo Drafthouse on March 8, 2025 in Austin, Texas.
SXSW Film Festival Opening Party during the 2022 SXSW Conference and Festivals at The Driskill Hotel on March 11, 2022.
Atmosphere during "The Studio" Premiere during the SXSW Conference & Festivals at Paramount Theatre on March 07, 2025 in Austin, Texas.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
sxsw film & TV news
