Closing Night: Daniel Minahan’s "On Swift Horses"
South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference and Festivals (March 8-16, 2024) announced Daniel Minahan’s “On Swift Horses” will close the Film & TV Festival. The film follows Muriel and her husband Lee as they are about to begin a bright new life, which is upended by the arrival of Lee’s brother. Muriel embarks on a secret life, gambling on racehorses and discovering a love she never thought possible.The Sony Pictures Classics romance features Daisy Edgar-Jones, Jacob Elordi, Will Poulter, Diego Calva and Sasha Calle. Produced by Peter Spears, Daniel Minahan, Tim Headington, Mollye Asher, Theresa Steele Page, Michael D’Alto and written by Bryce Kass. The newly announced titles complete the highly anticipated lineup that includes opening night film “Another Simple Favor” and opening night TV premiere, “The Studio.”
The 20 additional projects bring the line up to 111 Features including 90 World Premieres, 3 International Premieres, 3 North American Premieres, 4 U.S. Premieres, 11 Texas Premieres + 57 Short Films and 19 Music Videos. The TV Program includes 17 TV projects, with 6 TV premieres, 4 TV Spotlight and 7 Independent TV Pilots. There are 32 projects in the XR Experience Program, including 15 in XR Experience Competition and 17 in XR Experience Spotlight.
“We’re absolutely delighted to pull back the curtain on our full SXSW 2025 program!” said Claudette Godfrey, VP Film & TV. “From boundary-pushing independent voices to major premiere events, this year’s lineup showcases storytelling at its finest. Whether you’re drawn to thought-provoking documentaries, edge-of-your-seat thrillers, innovative series, immersive XR experiences, or groundbreaking international films, there’s something here to inspire every audience member. The creative energy these filmmakers bring is exactly what makes SXSW such a special place for discovery and we hope you’ll join our community as we gather in Austin for an unforgettable festival celebration!
SXSW draws thousands of fans, film and television creators, press, and industry leaders to immerse themselves in the smartest, most innovative and entertaining new films, TV and XR projects of the year, as well as giving access to hundreds of Conference Sessions, Music and Comedy Showcases, Creative Industry Exhibitions, Mentoring, Meetups and Special Events that define the cross-industry event.
Screening Categories
Feature films in the SXSW 2025 lineup screen in the following categories: Headliner presented by Epidemic Sound; Narrative Feature Competition presented by Kickstarter; Documentary Feature Competition; Narrative Spotlight; Documentary Spotlight; Visions; Midnighter; Global presented by MUBI; 24 Beats Per Second; Festival Favorite, and Special Event. The TV program consists of TV Premiere, TV Spotlight, and the Independent TV Pilot Competition. The SXSW 2025 Shorts Film Program presented by Vimeo will present six competitive sections. XR Experience Competition, XR Spotlight and XR Special Event programming round out the Film & TV Festival program. All Categories will be eligible for section-specific Audience Awards.
NARRATIVE SPOTLIGHT
Unforgettable features receiving their World, North American, or U.S. premieres.
“Magic Hour”
Director: Katie Aselton, Producers: Emily A. Neumann, Mark Duplass, Mel Eslyn, Jay Duplass, Screenwriters: Mark Duplass, Katie Aselton
Erin and Charlie escape to the desert to navigate an unexpected and challenging new phase of their relationship. Cast: Daveed Diggs, Katie Aselton, Brad Garrett, Susan Sullivan (World Premiere)
“The Rivals of Amziah King”
Director: Andrew Patterson, Producers: David Heyman, Teddy Schwarzman, Jeffrey Clifford, Michael Heimler, James Montague, Will Greenfield, Screenwriter: James Montague
Charismatic local beekeeper Amziah King oversees a beloved honey operation in the American southwest. When his foster daughter unexpectedly returns, Amziah sets out to bring her into the family business despite facing ruthless competitors with other plans.. Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Angelina LookingGlass, Kurt Russell, Jake Horowitz, Scott Shepherd, Rob Morgan, Tony Revolori, Owen Teague, Bruce Davis, Cole Sprouse (World Premiere)
“Satisfaction” (United States, Ukraine, Greece, Italy, France)
Director/Screenwriter: Alex Burunova, Producers: Rafael Thomaseto, Alex Burunova, Kyle Stroud, Helena Sardinha, Iryna Asonova
Set against the Greek isles, British composers Lola and Philip’s relationship lingers in silence as she struggles to reclaim her voice. When she meets magnetic Elena and brings her into the fold, tensions rise, forcing Lola to confront her dark past. Cast: Emma Laird, Fionn Whitehead, Zar Amir, Adwoa Aboah (World Premiere)
“Summer of 69”
Director: Jillian Bell, Producers: Jeremy Garelick, Will Phelps, Molle DeBartolo, Jillian Bell, Breanna Bell-Singer, Matt Skiena, Adam Goodman, Lucas Carter, Screenwriters: Jillian Bell, Liz Nico, Jules Byrne
An awkward high school senior hires an exotic dancer to help seduce her longtime crush before graduation, leading to unexpected friendship and lessons in self-confidence, acceptance, and adulthood. Cast: Chloe Fineman, Sam Morelos, Matt Cornett, Nicole Byer, Liza Koshy, Natalie Morales, Alex Moffat, Fernando Carsa, Paula Pell, Charlie Day (World Premiere)
“Sweetness” (Canada)
Director/Screenwriter: Emma Higgins, Producers: Taj Critchlow, Daniel Quinn
When a chance encounter with her rockstar crush leads 16 year old Rylee to discover that he’s a dysfunctional drug addict, she takes it upon herself to help him, ultimately forcing her teenage fantasies into reality. Cast: Kate Hallett, Herman Tømmeraas, Aya Furukawa, Justin Chatwin, Amanda Brugel, Steven Ogg, Julius Cho (World Premiere)
“Trash Baby”
Director/Screenwriter: Jacy Mairs, Producers: Jacy Mairs, Karlee Boon, Cameron Holly Dexter
Stevie is stuck at home for yet another sweltering summer in Pine Park. She soon crosses paths with wild not-so-child, Edie, and finds herself grappling with the natural desire to grow up and the reality of what we lose when we do. Cast: Esther Harrison, Chloe Kramer, Eddie Lee Wollrabe, Brianna Paige Dague, Andre Wollrabe, Makenna DeCaro, Serenity Hibbard, Dominic Hendrikz, Nick Sutton, Elijah Carnazzo (World Premiere)
DOCUMENTARY SPOTLIGHT
Incredible features receiving their World, North American, or U.S. premieres.
“American Sons”
Director: Andrew James Gonzales, Producers: Laura Varela, Andrew James Gonzales, Elizabeth Avellan, Screenwriters: Laura Varela, Andrew James Gonzales
Haunted by a deadly deployment, a Brotherhood of Marines reunites to heal. (World Premiere)
“I’m Carl Lewis!” (United Kingdom)
Directors: Julie Anderson, Chris Hay, Producers: Gabriel Clarke, Ian Davies, Torquil Jones, Chris Hay, John McKenna, Screenwriters: Gabriel Clarke, Chris Hay
The uncompromising and extraordinary life of legendary athlete Carl Lewis, a nine-time Olympic Gold Medallist and voted ‘Sportsman of the Century’, who fought to revolutionize his sport and inspire change on and off the field. (World Premiere)
24 BEATS PER SECOND
Vibrant films showcasing the sounds, culture and influence of music and musicians.
“24 Hours of Grace”
Director/Screenwriter: Steven Zhu, Producers: Steven Zhu, Izvor Zivkovic, Joslyn Jacoby, Jack Murgatroyd
Follow ZHU’s journey as he sets out to reclaim his seat in dance music. Featuring ZHU, Mitch Bell, Aaron Leibowitz, Vince Fossett, Dante Jones, Rush Davis, Freddy Janney (World Premiere)
FESTIVAL FAVORITE
Acclaimed standouts from festivals around the world.
“40 Acres” (Canada)
Director: R.T. Thorne, Producer: Jennifer Holness, Screenwriter: R.T. Thorne, Glenn Taylor
Hailey Freeman and her family are the last descendants of African American farmers who settled in Canada after the Civil War. In a famine-decimated near future, they make one last stand against a vicious militia hell-bent on taking their 40 Acres. Cast: Danielle Deadwyler, Kataem O’Connor, Michael Greyeyes, Milcania Diaz-Rojas (U.S. Premiere)
“Deaf President Now!”
Directors: Nyle DiMarco, Davis Guggenheim, Producers: Nyle DiMarco, Davis Guggenheim, Amanda Rohlke, Jonathan King, Michael Harte
During eight tumultuous days in 1988 at the world’s only Deaf university, four students must find a way to lead an angry mob — and change the course of history. (Texas Premiere)
“The Librarians”
Director: Kim A. Snyder, Producers: Kim A Snyder, Janique L Robillard, Maria Cuomo Cole, Jana Edelbaum
As an unprecedented wave of book banning is sparked in Texas, Florida, and beyond, librarians under siege join forces as unlikely defenders fighting for intellectual freedom on the front lines of democracy. (Texas Premiere)
“Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore”
Director: Shoshannah Stern, Producers: Robyn Kopp, Justine Nagan, Bonni Cohen, Shoshannah Stern
In 1987, Marlee Matlin became the first Deaf actor to win an Oscar and was thrust into the spotlight at age 21. Reflecting on her life in American Sign Language, Marlee explores the complexities of what it means to be a trailblazer. Featuring Marlee Matlin, Troy Kotsur, Henry Winkler, Aaron Sorkin, Lauren Ridloff, John Maucere, Randa Haines, Sian Heder, Shoshannah Stern, Jack Jason (Texas Premiere)
“On Swift Horses”
Director: Daniel Minahan, Producers: Peter Spears, Daniel Minahan, Tim Headington, Mollye Asher, Theresa Steele Page, Michael D’Alto, Screenwriter: Bryce Kass
Muriel and her husband Lee are about to begin a bright new life, which is upended by the arrival of Lee’s brother. Muriel embarks on a secret life, gambling on racehorses and discovering a love she never thought possible. Cast: Daisy Edgar-Jones, Jacob Elordi, Will Poulter, Diego Calva, Sasha Calle (US Premiere)
“Sally”
Director/Screenwriter: Cristina Costantini, Producers: Cristina Costantini, Lauren Cioffi, Jon Bardin, Dan Cogan
Sally Ride became the first American woman to blast off into space, but beneath her unflappable composure was a secret. Sally’s life partner, Tam O’Shaughnessy, reveals their hidden romance and the sacrifices that accompanied their 27 years together. (Texas Premiere)
“Together” (Australia)
Director/Screenwriter: Michael Shanks, Producers: Alison Brie, Dave Franco, Mike Cowap, Andrew Mittman, Erik Feig, Max Silva
With a move to the countryside already testing the limits of a couple’s relationship, a supernatural encounter begins an extreme transformation of their love, their lives, and their flesh. Cast: Dave Franco, Alison Brie, Damon Herriman (Texas Premiere)
TV PREMIERE
World premieres of prestige TV series premieres from acclaimed showrunners and directors.
“The Yogurt Shop Murders”
Director: Margaret Brown, Producers: Alice Henty, Michael Bloch
In 1991, four teenage girls were brutally murdered at a frozen yogurt shop in Austin. What happened that night continues to mystify the police, the families, and the city. This series explores the complex questions and trauma left by the unsolved case. (World Premiere)
MUSIC VIDEO COMPETITION
A dynamic mix of creativity and stylish visuals where music and storytelling collide.
“Megan Thee Stallion ft. RM – ‘Neva Play'” / Director: Warren Fu, Carl Jones
XR EXPERIENCE
The immersive arts enhance and redefine how we experience the world. These projects emphasize ingenuity and storytelling across diverse industries.
XR Experience Spotlight
Masterful immersive art from around the world.
“Symphoni”
Director: Ingram Mao, Producer: Seleny Xie
Step into a world of music and magic with Symphoni, techToy Studio’s innovative mixed reality experience. “Symphoni” reimagines classical music into a rhythm adventure, where conducting meets spell-casting in a way that feels magical yet intuitive.
COMPETITION AWARDS
The Narrative Feature Competition, the Documentary Feature Competition, Poster Design, and Special Awards will be announced on Wednesday, March 12 along with all the Short Film Program winners, which are eligible for Jury Awards within their respective screening categories. 2025 Special Awards include the SXSW Best of Texas Award, Redbreast Unhidden Award, Vimeo Staff Pick Award, Agog Immersive Impact Award, and the Janet Pierson Champion Award presented by Indiewire. All film categories, except Special Events, will be eligible for category-specific Audience Awards, which will be certified by the accounting firm of Maxwell Locke & Ritter and announced via sxsw.com the following week.
SXSW is proud to be an official qualifying festival for the Academy Awards Short Film competition. Winners of our Best Animated, Best Narrative and Best Documentary Short Film categories become eligible for Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences awards (Oscars). Any British Short Film or British Short Animation that screens at SXSW is eligible for BAFTA nomination. Films are also eligible for the Independent Spirit Awards, more information on eligibility here.
About SXSW Film & TV Festival
Now in its 32nd year, SXSW Film & TV Festival brings together creatives of all stripes to experience a diverse lineup and access to the music and comedy festivals plus conference sessions with visionaries from all corners of the entertainment, media, and technology industries.
About SXSW
SXSW dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of tech, film and television, music, education, and culture. An essential destination for global professionals, the annual March event features sessions, music, and comedy showcases, film and television screenings, exhibitions, professional development, and a variety of opportunities to meet and connect with people. SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and individuals come together. SXSW 2025 will take place March 7–15 in Austin. Learn more at sxsw.com. To register for the event, please visit sxsw.com/attend.
SXSW’s expansion into the Asia Pacific region, with SXSW Sydney starting in 2023 and Europe with SXSW London in 2025, provides new possibilities at this iconic experience. These events, each with their own distinct flavor, make South By an indispensable three-stop tour for the global creative community.
SXSW 2025 Driven by Rivian. The SXSW 2025 Film & TV Festival is sponsored by Epidemic Sound, Redbreast, and The Austin Chronicle