SXSW Film Alumni Releases – August & September 2021

Here's what's next on your summertime watchlist – more SXSW Film alumni releases out this August and September.

From a surprise reunion of former polyamorous lovers in Marion Hill's Ma Belle, My Beauty to a roller skating mother doing whatever it takes to provide for her child in Kelley Kali Chatman and Angelique Molina's I’m Fine (Thanks for Asking) and the story of a professional domino artist in Lily Topples the World, learn where to watch all the latest SX releases below.

Attention filmmakers! Submissions for the 2022 SXSW Film Festival are now open. Learn about screening sections, deadlines, and more on the Film Submissions page.

Subscribe to Film Community Newsletters to keep up with Film news and more from SXSW.

Our Father

World Premiere, Narrative Feature, 2021

In a last ditch attempt to foster a meaningful bond, estranged sisters Beta and Zelda go in search of their mysterious Uncle Jerry.

On VOD September 1.

Lily Topples the World

World Premiere, Documentary Feature, 2021

This film that was a Grand Jury Award winner for Documentary Feature at this year’s SXSW Film Festival follows young sensation Lily Hevesh, the world’s most acclaimed domino toppler and the only woman in her field, as she rises as an artist and role model. Filmed for over three years across countless cities and featuring appearances by Jimmy Fallon, Katy Perry, Will Smith and a steady stream of Gen-Z creators, the documentary is a coming-of-age story cloaked with a unique portrait of an artist.

On Discovery+ August 26.

I’m Fine (Thanks for Asking)

World Premiere, Narrative Feature, 2021

When a recently widowed mother becomes houseless, she convinces her 8-year-old daughter that they are only camping for fun while working to get them off of the streets.

Debuts on BET August 7.

Not Going Quietly

World Premiere, Narrative Documentary, 2021

Ady Barkan’s life is upended when he is diagnosed with ALS, but a confrontation with a powerful Senator catapults him to national fame and ignites a once-in-a-generation political movement.

In theaters August 12.

In the Same Breath

Narrative Feature, 2021

Directed by award-winning filmmaker Nanfu Wang (One Child Nation), In the Same Breath recounts the experiences of people on the ground in the earliest days of the novel coronavirus and the way two countries dealt with its initial spread, from the first days of the outbreak in Wuhan to its rampage across the United States.

Streaming on HBO August 18.

Ma Belle, My Beauty

Narrative Feature, 2021

A surprise reunion in the South of France reignites passions and jealousies between two women who were formerly polyamorous lovers.

In theaters August 20.

The Hottest August

North American Premier, 2019

A complex portrait of a city and its inhabitants, The Hottest August gives us a window into the collective consciousness of the present. The film’s point of departure is one city over one month: New York City and its outer boroughs during August 2017. It’s a month heavy with the tension of a new President, growing anxiety over everything from rising rents to marching white nationalists, and unrelenting news of either wildfires or hurricanes on every coast. The film pivots on the question of futurity: what does the future look like from where we are standing? And what if we are not all standing in the same place? The Hottest August offers a mirror onto a society on the verge of catastrophe.

Now available on DVD.

Small Engine Repair

World Premiere, Narrative Feature, 2021

Blue collar childhood buddies Frank, Swaino, and Packie – deeply bonded over Frank’s daughter Crystal, who they helped raise – meet off-hours one night in Frank’s out-of-the-way repair shop under cloudy circumstances that only Frank seems to have a handle on. Enter Chad, a rich, college jock, whose arrival ignites a long-simmering resentment that sets this dark, twisty drama on its breathless course.

In theaters September 10.

Violation

Narrative Feature, 2021

A troubled woman on the edge of divorce returns home to her younger sister after years apart. But when her sister and brother-in-law betray her trust, she embarks on a vicious crusade of revenge.

Digital HD and Blu-ray September 21.

Stay Connected

Film Submissions open August 24 and close October 19 (Note: Texas High School Shorts close December 14). Stay tuned for 2022 SXSW registration coming later this summer.

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook for the latest SX news.

Tease image: SXSW 2021 Film Ma Belle, My Beauty - Photo by Lauren Guiteras