The days of chaos are upon us! Just kidding. Well, it’s South by Southwest, so actually, not kidding at all. SXSW will swallow you whole if you show up without a game plan. Even the Marauders’ Map couldn’t chart everything that happens at the big bad Festival, so consider these avenues while you’re mapping out your week. Be safe and happy watching!
SXSW dedicates two blocks to short films connected to Texas. The Texas Shorts Competition is made up of films shot in or connected to the Lone Star State, while Texas High School Shorts is dedicated exclusively to films of five minutes or less from Texas high school filmmakers. Not into short films? Screenwriters and UT alums Kirk Johnson and Will Elliott are bringing their latest feature, THE UNICORN, into town for the Narrative Feature Competition. With a cast that includes Nicholas Rutherford, Lauren Lapkus, Lucy Hale, and Beck Bennett, the World Premiere will be a sell-out. Get in line early!
Well, you could just walk up and down Congress with your eyes open. Or you could keep an eye on this year’s Headliners category, which features BLOCKERS (starring Leslie Mann and John Cena), A QUIET PLACE (directed by and starring John Krasinski with his wife Emily Blunt), and ISLE OF DOGS (directed by Wes Anderson and starring literally everyone). Be ready with your SXXpress Passes if you’re hoping to get into one of these.
2018 is going to be a good year for you. CHI-TOWN is premiering as part of the Documentary Feature Competition. ALI & CAVETT: THE TALE OF THE TAPES is featured in the Documentary Spotlight Category, along with DAUGHTERS OF THE SEXUAL REVOLUTION: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE DALLAS COWBOYS CHEERLEADERS. If you want something a little more gritty, check out the Muay Thai-centered drama, A PRAYER BEFORE DAWN. Based on the true story of boxer Billy Moore, this Midnighters selection was shot in an actual Thai prison.
We hear ya! Get started with AGAVE: THE SPIRIT OF A NATION and BREWMASTER, World Premieres in the Documentary Spotlight category. Then move on to CHEF FLYNN, about culinary prodigy Flynn McGarry. Finish with CONSTRUCTING ALBERT, a Festival Favorite about the Adrià family and their famous elBulli restaurant in Catalonia, Spain.
Hey, we get it: those badges don’t come cheap. But that’s not a reason for you to be left out of the action. Director Olivier Assayas (PERSONAL SHOPPER, CLOUDS OF SILS MARIA) will be speaking with Richard Linklater at the film conference, but you can hear him first at Austin Film Society’s Artist Spotlight event. AFS has programmed seven of his films that will run this coming week at the AFS Cinema, and Mr. Assayas will be on hand to present three of them himself. Interested? Get to Austin Film Society’s website and get your tickets NOW.
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New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…
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