The scope of this year's film lineup is truly astonishing, and there's even more announcements looming on the horizon. From action-horror hybrids to soul-crushing documentaries, and short films with endless imagination to exclusive TV premieres, the 2026 SXSW Film & TV Festival & Conference will be a cinematic voyage worth remembering.

As a Film & TV Badgeholder, you can journey from red-carpet style premieres to intimate screenings to career-launching Round Tables. Keynotes and Featured Sessions, activations, and happenings at the Film & TV Clubhouse will round out your theatre time.

This guide offers insight into how to make the most of your time at SXSW as a Film & TV Badgeholder. Make sure you’ve looked at our quick-start guide for all badgeholders here: Attendee Guide.

Film & TV Badgeholders can also attend Keynotes and Featured Speakers Sessions, Mentor Sessions, Panels, Workshops, the XR Experience, as well as Innovation Sessions peppered in and around the SXSW Global Village.

Start planning what you want to see during the festival by checking out the latest additions to the Film & TV Festival lineup.

Second Window

Thursday February 26, 9am CT
Film & TV Sessions, Screenings, Showcases, Mentor Sessions, and Workshops

Third Window

Thursday March 5, 9am CT
Additional daily reservations for non-conflicting Film & TV Screenings

New for 2026, Reservations (two per day) are available for SXSW Film & TV Badges. Reservations will let you plan ahead, but there will be a combination of Reservations and walk-ups available. It's the SXSW you've always known, just a little bit easier to navigate.

When your Reservation window opens, sign in to the Schedule to reserve admittance to all Sessions, Screenings, and Comedy Festival. Mentor Sessions & Workshops require Reservations, but these don’t count against your daily limit.

Take a look at our Reservations and Walk-up Lines Guide for more information.

Film & TV Badgeholders will have multiple opportunities to reserve beyond the windows. Once more Film & TV announcements are made, you will have the chance to reserve those films as well, so keep checking the schedule if you weren't able to reserve your spot the first time around.

1. Film & TV and Platinum Badges with Reservations

• Visit the SXSW Line Guide. to learn more about how Reservations work.
• Arrive at least 40 minutes prior to the screening to guarantee entry.
• Queue Cards will still be issued to those with Reservations. Once a volunteer scans a badge they will be able to confirm whether or not they have a Reservation. Queue cards are physical and the attendee will hold on to it like a boarding pass.

2. General Admission Advance Tickets

• A very limited number of General Admission Advance Tickets may be available for the general public at select screenings. Most often they will be sold at our larger venues: Paramount Theatre, ZACH Theatre, State Theatre, Rollins Theatre at the Long Center, and AFS Cinema.
• Seated after the Reservations Access Line is admitted.
• Advance Ticket purchasers should be in line 45 mins prior to screening time. At 30 minutes prior to screening start time, their tickets lose guaranteed access.

3. Film & TV and Platinum Badges Standby Line
3a. Queue Cards

• Queue Cards are distributed to Film & TV and Platinum badgeholders who are queued in line as capacity permits.
• A Queue Card ensures your entry as long as you stay at the venue and are in line when seating begins.

3b. Buffer Cards

• Buffer Cards are handed out after Queue Cards to remaining badgeholders.
• Buffer Cards do not guarantee entry to the theater, they will help Film & TV and Platinum badge holders to secure a seat if any become available.

4. General Admission Day-of Tickets

• If seats remain, day-of tickets will be sold starting at $35 plus applicable fees 15 minutes before a screening starts.

Reach out to filmtvticketing@sxsw.com with any Film & TV ticketing questions.

Depending on your energy level, it is humanly possible to see every screening and attend a few mixers during your time at South by Southwest. Just remember to pace yourself. Every Film & TV Badgeholder may gain admittance into these celebrations throughout the week.

Crossover Day Mixer at Arriba Abajo
March 12, 5pm – 7pm

Film & TV Opening Party at Fairmont (Palm Court)
March 12, 10pm – 1am

Film & TV Industry Happy Hours at the Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta
March 12 -18, 5pm – 7pm
Giving SXSW Platinum and Film & TV attendees a chance to network.

Film & TV Wrap Party at Zach Theater
March 18, 10pm – 1am