The Basics of SXSW Film

The SXSW Film Conference and Festival takes place in Austin, Texas each March. This year's Film Festival dates are March 9 - 17, 2012 with the Film Conference running Friday, March 9 - Tuesday, March 13. That's right, the Film Conference is the first 5 days of the 9 day Film Festival.

2. When are SXSW Interactive and SXSW Music?

SXSW Film and Interactive Conferences run concurrently March 9-13. SXSW Music showcases begin on Tuesday, March 13 through March 18, with the Music Conference March 14-17. The Film Festival runs for a full 9 days throughout the whole event March 9-17. The final Sunday has softball, a bbq and final music showcases.

3. What is SXSW Film?

The SXSW® Film Conference and Festival is a uniquely creative environment featuring the dynamic convergence of talent, smart audiences and industry heavyweights. A hotbed of discovery and interactivity, the event offers invaluable networking opportunities and immersion into the art and business of the rapidly evolving world of independent film. The Film Conference buzzes as world-class speakers, creative minds, and notable mentors tackle the latest filmmaking trends amidst the unmatched social atmosphere of the SXSW experience. Simultaneously, the internationally acclaimed, nine-day Festival celebrates raw innovation and emerging talent, featuring a truly diverse program that includes provocative documentaries, subversive comedies, DIY narratives, genre standouts and more.

4. Where do the events occur?

SXSW Film Conference events take place at the Austin Convention Center between Friday, March 9 - Tuesday, March 13, 2012 from 11:00am - 6:00pm. Film screenings take place daily from 11:00am through midnight shows, starting Friday, March 9 - Saturday, March 17, 2012 at the Austin Convention Center, Paramount & State Theatres, Alamo Ritz, Alamo South Lamar and other venues. Networking events and parties are held in a variety of venues in downtown Austin throughout the event.

5. How old is SXSW Film?

SXSW Film launched in 1994, so this year will be our 19th event!

6. Why should my film screen at SXSW?

SXSW Film Festival is a highly anticipated, prestigious-without-being-stuffy environment known equally for the high caliber of films we present, and our smart, enthusiastic audiences. Premiering here offers you the chance to show your work in the best possible environment, while tapping into key industry and buzz-making press, resulting in a one-of-a-kind opportunity that can truly be life changing.

7. What kind of people attend SXSW Film?

At SXSW you will find filmmakers, distributors, national and international press, critics, academics, programmers, screenwriters, agents, film crews, actors, digital creatives, film fans and fanatics, and you! And that's just the Film Registrants! SXSW Film is joined at the hip with the truly diverse populations of SXSW Interactive and Music too, consisting of digital creatives and artists from all walks of life. SXSW represents a true melting pot of creativity and entrepreneurship providing an invaluable opportunity to increase your skills, know-how, contacts and further your film horizons.

8. I am strictly a film fan and don't work in the business. How can I see films?

A SXSW Film badge is an affordable way for industry professionals and fans alike to gain priority access to screenings, full access to the Film Conference including Crossover panels with Interactive, the SXSW Trade Show, and great opportunities for networking at a host of lively parties and social events. Without a Film, Gold or Platinum Badge, you may also purchase single admission tickets at the door before individual screenings, space permitting.

9. How can I contact SXSW Film?

Email us at film@sxsw.com. Or, call SXSW Film at 512.467.7979.

Attending the 2012 SXSW Film Festival

10. Why should I register for SXSW Film? What benefits do I get?

Most importantly, SXSW Film offers invaluable networking, creative and collaborative opportunities across: 9 Days of Film Festival Screenings and Premieres, 5 Days of Film Panels, Featured Conversations, and Q&A Sessions, and 4 Days of The SXSW Trade Show. You will also receive a year's subscription to SXSWorld, as well as our custom designed "Big Bag", with a program book and access to SXSwag. There's much more besides - head here to see what each badge provides.

11. What more do I get with a Gold or Platinum Badge?

Film, Gold & Platinum Badges are equal when it comes to standing in Festival and Film Conference lines. Gold & Platinum Badges allow entry to additional events like the Interactive Conference & Parties (Gold), and Interactive & Music Showcases/Conference (Platinum).

12. I know I'm going to attend SXSW regardless of whether my film is accepted or not. Should I register for the conference now while it's cheaper, or wait until I hear whether my film has been chosen?

If your film or title sequence is selected to screen at SXSW Film, you will receive complimentary registrations to attend the festival. Feature films receive 3 badges and short films, music videos and title sequences receive 2 badges. You're welcome to buy as many more as you need at our lowest price, even though that price is no longer available online.

If you submitted to the festival, but your film or title sequence is not accepted, you will be offered the lowest registration rate regardless of your notification date. However, it's important to note, that Registrations are needed before you can make Hotel reservations, and if your work isn't chosen, you'll have no housing priority. Historically all hotels in the downtown area have sold out well before the event. Registering for SXSW gives you the ability to book a room through the SXSW Hotel Requester and Housing Desk at special SXSW discount rates.

You should weigh your choice carefully, whether to register sooner for more hotel choice or take your chances and wait. Film notifications will take place between early January and early February, 2012. There are some rooms saved for filmmaker blocks in different hotels, but it's first come, first served. Hotels booked via SXSW discounts can be cancelled up to 14 days prior to arrival. Keep in mind it's always easier to cancel or drop days than to pick them up later. Important too, SXSW does not grant registration refunds under any circumstances. Under limited circumstances, we'll allow badge registration name transfers.

13. What can you tell me about Austin?

"Austin is a culturally-diverse community with a thriving film scene. Prominent film industry professionals working and/or living in Austin include Robert Rodriguez, Richard Linklater, Mike Judge, William Broyles, Lawrence Wright and Sandra Bullock. For more information about Austin, check out Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau. If you're attending SXSW for the first time check out our First-Timers Guide.

14. What kind of weather can I expect during SXSW Film?

Although spring weather in Austin can be unpredictable, the weather is usually in the 70's during the day and in the 50's and 60's at night. Murphy's Law of Meteorological Events dictates that if you bring an umbrella, it probably won't rain, but it usually does at least one day during SXSW.

15. Where can I go for help finding a hotel room for my stay in Austin during the festival?

The SXSW Housing Desk can book the best selection of Austin hotels at the best available rates during SXSW. Badge Registration must be completed before you can access Hotel reservations. We encourage you to book your housing as soon as you can. Hotels sold out for SXSW 2011.

16. Where are the Film Festival screenings?

All theaters are within walking distance or a short cab ride from each other. The largest venue is the Paramount Theatre on Congress & 7th. Next door is the State on Congress & 8th. The Ritz 1 & 2, beloved for its full bar and tasty menu is around the corner towards the Convention Center on Sixth Street. Inside the Austin Convention Center is another great venue. A short shuttle, cab or car ride away south of the river, are the three screens at the Alamo South Lamar. For detailed directions, see the map in your program book. SXSW is planning to add additional venues for 2012. Check back for updated information.

17. Do the SXSW Film venues offer wheelchair accessible seating?

Yes. Each of our venues will have designated seating that is wheelchair accessible. For more information, please check the Alamo Drafthouse, Paramount & State Theatres, and Austin Convention Center websites.

18. Are there single-admission tickets to the Festival screenings?

Yes. These will go on sale about 15 minutes prior to screening time if there is still seating available. The single admission ticket price is $10 for all screenings. In 2011, single admission ticket buyers had great success attending all but a very few screenings.

19. The awards ceremony is Tuesday, so does the festival end?

No, SXSW Film Festival doesn't actually end on Tuesday, after the awards ceremony. The awards ceremony just marks the end of the jury competition and opening of SXSW Music. The Film Festival programming continues with plenty of premieres through Saturday, March 17.

20. What should I do to ensure that I get a seat at a Festival screening?

As SXSW Film has grown more popular, more and more screenings have sold out, and there is no absolute guarantee of admission. Seating will happen on a priority basis - badge-holders first, then pass-holders, and lastly single-admission ticket holders, if any seats remain.

Even though the lines may look long, outside of Opening Night, chances are always good at the Paramount Theatre, with ACC a close second. Lining up 30-45 minutes ahead should save you a place. The Alamo Ritz and Alamo South Lamar cinemas are highly desirable venues so your wait line will depend on the film and time. We try to seat the Alamo venues 45 minutes in advance of the screening time.

In 2012, SXSW Film will be utilizing line numbers, so that once you queue up, you'll receive a number noting your place in line. That should help on two counts:

1) It'll prevent line cutters (no saving seats!)
2) You'll know when capacity is met so there's no reason to keep waiting in line.

In 2011, audiences had great success in getting into all films and venues.

21. Where can I see some good music, for free?

On March 15, 16, and 17, SXSW hosts free shows at Auditorium Shores Stage on Lady Bird Lake. These shows often include popular artists playing in an outdoor festival setting. Check sxsw.com once the music lineup has been announced to find out who will be performing!

22. What's the difference between the Alamo Ritz and the Alamo South Lamar?

Location, location, location. The Alamo Ritz is located on 6th Street in the heart of Austin’s club district, only a few blocks away from the Austin Convention Center. The Alamo South Lamar, where we host three screens, is a few minutes in a vehicle, from downtown, easily accessible on our shuttle buses, city bus or cab at 1120 South Lamar Blvd. Both are fantastic venues, where you can eat and drink beer, milkshakes, and at the Ritz, even hard liquor is available!

23. If I have a car, where should I park when I go see films?

It depends on the theater and yes, you have to plan extra time to deal with parking. There is free parking at the Alamo South Lamar. For the Alamo Ritz, Paramount, and Austin Convention Center theaters, there are several parking options. Since these venues are downtown, there are a number of paid garages and parking lots available to you. Be mindful of the strict towing and ticketing laws for certain parking spaces, including those curbside. If you live in Austin, consider leaving the car at home and taking public transportation, or take advantage of our Film Shuttles (free for Film,Gold & Platinum Badge holders) ! Check the website for more info on transportation nearer the event.

24. How do I get a cab in this town?

The easiest way is to get the concierge at your hotel to call you a cab. From the theaters, you can call American Yellow Checker cab at 512.452.9999. Fares are fairly inexpensive in Austin. A cab from the Convention Center to the Paramount Theater normally costs around $6. For a cab from the Convention Center to the Alamo South Lamar, the fare will be closer to $8, without heavy traffic.

25. What are the convenient modes of public transport?

Watch out for info on our Film Fest Flyer (for Film, Gold & Platinum Badge holders), or take advantage of the #3 Capital Metro bus, every 15 minutes from downtown Austin to the Alamo Drafthouse on South Lamar. Use the CapMetro Route planner to see all your Austin bus options.

Panels, Workshops & Mentor Sessions

SXSW Film Panels present topics from across the film spectrum with an emphasis on where the Film and Interactive worlds intersect. Topics for 2012 will include online marketing, transmedia, social networks, and the ever evolving landscape of distribution and exhibition, as well as entertaining discussions with filmmakers and industry veterans exploring their craft. The panels at SXSW have been hailed as some of the most extensive, forward thinking, and educational forums found in a festival setting. There are also one-on-one mentor sessions and mini-meetings to offer even greater insight and training for select topics. Check out some of our recent highlighted speakers!

27. What is a Mentor Session?

Registrants may sign up for ten-minute sessions with selected panelists, who represent a wide variety of professions within the film business. This is a great opportunity to meet one-on-one with established professionals. Stay tuned to the website for the Mentor Signup form, which will become available in the weeks leading up to the conference.

Screening at the 2012 SXSW Film Festival

Read all you need to know about submitting your film to SXSW in our Film Submission FAQs

29. How does my film get chosen to screen at the SXSW Film Festival?

The SXSW Film Festival is a highly competitive program consisting of several different sections, curated in-house by SXSW Film Programmers. Submissions are accepted from August until mid November. For an idea of our programming, take a look at our 2011 line-up.

30. Any advice before I send in my film submission and related materials?

SXSW will receive over five thousand submissions. Please include everything that is requested on the online submission form including a 35 word logline, 100 word synopsis, director's bio, cast and crew lists, and list of previous and planned screenings.

Don't underestimate the importance of reading and following the instructions. Please read the Submission FAQ thoroughly for more info.

More Information & Contacting SXSW Film

Please contact Sara Barney at sara@sxsw.com.

32. How can I get more information on SXSW Film?

There's a great amount of information at sxsw.com covering all facets of SXSW. Start there.

33. You didn't give me a screening, why should I come to your conference?

SXSW provides a tremendously useful platform to launch or develop your filmmaking career. Network and converse with industry professionals, emerging and veteran filmmakers, commentators, critics, technicians, and most importantly, your potential audience. Learn how you can benefit from the creative intersection at the heart of the SXSW experience, in a city and environment that is as stimulating and inspiring as it is enjoyable.

34. How can I contact SXSW Film?

Send us an email at film@sxsw.com. Or, call SXSW Film at 512.467.7979.

35. Hey what's up? You didn't answer my question.

We're sorry! You can find more information at the Info Desk in the Registration area at SXSW HQ starting March 9 or email us at film@sxsw.com.

36. What are SXSW's accommodations for the disabled?

You can find information on all of SXSW's accommodations for the disabled at sxsw.com/accessibility.