Between films, showcases, panels and everything in between you've got thousands of choices at SXSW. It can be a bit overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. To get help navigating the conference, stop by the Esurance Glove Box at the Austin Convention Center. Once there, answer a few simple questions to get your daily SXSW itinerary — custom built just for you.

The two films in this Filmmakers in Focus paint vivid, intimate portraits of two very different subjects. Otilia Portillo Padua's Diario a Tres Voces is a visually stunning look at how love affects three different Mexican women. Eva Orner's The Network, on the other hand, examines Afghanistan from a unique perspective, and is no less intimate.

Click on a title below to read the conversations, then head to our film schedule to start planning your SXSW!

photo by Claudette Godfrey

Welcome back to What's Happening! Ten million choices whittled down to ten handy suggestions for your pleasure. It's the first night of SXSW Film and Interactive so let's get out there and raise the roof… or something.

Bon Apetit:

• SouthBites. Gourmet #foodtruckin
  11am-2:30am, Rainey Street District.

The impressive JASH comedy collective includes Sarah Silverman, Tim & Eric, Michael Cera, Reggie Watts and Daniel Kellison. At SXSW 2013, see this talented group on Sunday, March 10 at 3:30 pm in a special session at the Long Center (701 West Riverside Drive) titled "JASH: A Comedy Platform with Full Creative Autonomy". This session will explore the intimacy and evolution of a comedian’s creative process when limitations are removed, as well as the thriving world of digital media in entertainment.

Image Courtesy of Mozilla FirefoxFirefox will have a big presence at SXSW this year, with lots of great activities planned for SXSW 2013 attendees to enjoy.

There will be some great Firefox-presented spaces, with exciting programming and features for SXSW Film, Platinum and Gold registrants. Relax in the Filmmaker’s Lounge presented by Firefox, attend the Firefox panel, “Finding Your Audience with Open Web Technologies,” or come hang out at our official SXSW Film Happy Hour. You will also be able test out some fun tools and find out more about the ‘Firefox Flicks’ film competition, at the Come & Capture Demo Pavillion.

Photo Courtesy of A&E

At the premiere of A&E’s Bates Motel, the SXSW Film Conference and Festival will converge to provide unique insight into the ideas and creative process behind the thrilling new television series – combining panel discussion, Q&A and screening.

This special event is open to all Film, Gold and Platinum registrants and also to a select number of Interactive registrants, adding yet another ingredient to this exceptional mix.

To be one of these select Interactive registrants to attend, sign up here ASAP!

Image courtesy Foda Studios

In the heart of the vibrant 2nd Street District, and a pleasant stroll from the Topfer Theater, the venue is know for its dedication to independent, documentary and international films, and SXSW will be taking advantage of that reputation.

Using all four screens, the intimate space will host many of the international films in the program including most of the SXGlobal screenings, as well as some of our more arthouse offerings.

Get your swag from SXsocial! After you pick up your big bag, don't forget to claim your SXswag! Physical inserts have been replaced by eco-friendly digital versions, eliminating excess waste.

Available via SXsocial, anyone can access swag, although registrants can unlock extra items. Offers include:

Custom business cards from moo.com

Apps from Too Far and I heart radio

A free membership to ECA

Discounted SXSW Eco registration

20% orders from sho.com by Showtime Networks

One year of web hosting for $10 from InMotion Hosting

3 months of Flickr Pro

Log in to SXsocial today and get some swag!

Kat CandlerWelcome to the first edition of Learn from a Local! Guest writer Joe Marshall talks to Austin film folks, on a mission to extract valuable intel on local tips and tricks, and how to get the best out of your SXSW experience.

Kat Candler (pictured) is a seasoned filmmaker and festival veteran whose work routinely wins showings at Sundance, Slamdance, the Los Angeles Film Festival and - of course - here. Writer and director of Black Metal (screening at SXSW 2013) , she teaches film at the University of Texas in between developing new features like the forthcoming Nikki is a Punk Rocker and Hellion (two films that make compelling cases for punk-rocking and hell-raising, respectively). Running around town shooting Black Metal seems to have taught her a thing or two about Austin cuisine. The key? Breakfast tacos.