Austin, Texas once again became the epicenter of creativity as the 32nd SXSW Film & TV Festival unfolded from March 7–15, 2025, drawing audiences, filmmakers, and industry leaders from around the globe. With an eclectic array of narratives, documentaries, TV premieres, short films, and cutting-edge XR projects, this year’s festival celebrated a spectacular convergence of storytelling.
Audience Award Highlights
The coveted Audience Awards, certified by Maxwell Locke & Ritter LLP, gave a heartfelt nod to crowd favorites. Topping the Narrative Feature Competition was Fantasy Life by Matthew Shear, a poignant tale crafted with the magic of indie cinema. In the Documentary Feature Competition, Remaining Native by Paige Bethmann captured hearts with its compelling narrative.
The festival’s headliner, The Accountant 2, directed by Gavin O’Connor, thrilled audiences in a much-anticipated sequel. Fans also reveled in the whimsical humor of The Baltimorons (Narrative Spotlight) and the touching retrospective Deaf President Now! (Festival Favorite). Late-night revelers were charmed by the quirky Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie, adding yet another gem to the Midnight Competition.
XR and TV Excellence
SXSW isn’t just about cinema—it stretches storytelling boundaries. The XR Experience Competition award went to Face Jumping by Danny Cannizzaro and Samantha Gorman, a visionary leap into immersive narratives. Meanwhile, Spy High, a high-energy teen adventure, captured the TV Premiere Audience Award.
Showcase of Diverse Artistry
The numbers were staggering: 114 feature films, including a whopping 93 world premieres. Complementing these were 57 short films, 19 music videos, 17 TV projects, and 31 XR experiences. Each project, whether a bold studio film or a cherished indie gem, reminded attendees of the magic of shared viewing.
Among other winners were Selena y Los Dinos (24 Beats Per Second), Ben’s Sister (Narrative Short Competition), and Retirement Plan (Animated Short). With something for every cinephile and TV aficionado, the lineup cemented SXSW’s role as a barometer of the year’s entertainment pulse.
Tribute to Creativity and Community
SXSW continues to serve as an incubator for artistic vision, an official qualifying event for the Oscars, and a global hub for professional connection. As the dust settles, the SXSW 2025 leaves behind a trail of inspiration and a glimpse into the future of movie making and storytelling.
This year’s festival proved once again that the unexpected and extraordinary thrive in the heart of Austin. Whether you were dazzled by cinematic ingenuity, or transformative TV productions, SXSW 2025 once again served as a landmark festival in every sense.
For a closer look and talent interviews, visit the SXSW YouTube channel for highlights.