Doc and Genre Films Are Booming at the Box Office – 2019 SXSW Programming Trends

Each year, the SXSW Programming Team curates a list of significant trends that provide insight into the future of tech, entertainment, and culture. From the 10 trends identified for the 2019 event, the Doc and Genre Films Are Booming at the Box Office Trend explores the rise in popularity of documentaries and genre/horror films in recent years.

Doc and Genre Films Are Booming at the Box Office Trend

Documentaries and genre/horror films have historically been seen as niche areas in the film industry, but what changed in the past few years? What led to films like A Quiet Place and Hereditary becoming such box office and critical successes? This March at SXSW 2019, dive into the film industry and learn about the creative and operational tools movie theatres and movie studios use to sell tickets, hear from two-time Academy Award-nominated and two-time Emmy and Peabody Award-winning producer Jason Blum in his Featured Session with John Pierson, and explore the changing landscape of film production in the session, The Truth About Producing.

“Programming the SXSW Midnighters section is always a favorite part of my job, and this year was no exception,” said Jarod Neece, SXSW Senior Film Programmer. “We get to peek into the collective consciousness of the world of genre filmmakers working today. This year’s selections are a mix of horror, thriller, sci-fi and fantasy with a good dose of feral children, haunted houses, extraterrestrial creatures and the undead to creep out SXSW audiences late into the night. Genre films can be found throughout the entire SXSW program, from Jordan Peele’s Us on Opening Night to our Closing Night Film, Pet Sematary!”

Get to know the industry and learn more about the defining factors leading to the recent pop interest in documentary and genre filmmaking. Be sure to add these sessions to your 2019 SXSW schedule!

Doc and Genre Films Are Booming at the Box Office Session Highlights

• Crazy Rich Wakanda: Building Buzz & Selling Seats
• Featured Speakers: Jason Blum & John Pierson
• Hereditary: The Anatomy of an Instant Horror Classic
• The Truth About Producing
• What is Impact Distribution and How Do You Do IT

Join Us for SXSW 2019

The SXSW Conference includes 10 different programming trends ranging from The Evolving Cannabis Consumer to Evolution and Transportation and Delivery. Learn and collaborate with industry leaders during this one-of-a-kind conference and get your SXSW 2019 Badge today, or consider upgrading your current badge to Platinum! Explore new opportunities over the course of 10 days filled with screenings, showcases, exhibitions, networking and more this March 8-17, deep in the heart of Austin, TX.

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Teaser Photo by Kaylin Balderrama