Wow. Crazy to think SXSW is here again. Even crazier is the memory that my very first article at Big Shiny Robot was a rundown of what I’d managed to fineagle my way into at SXSW 2010.
But this year has the possibility of simply being the best yet. Here’s a few reasons why:
Thanks, Obama! President Obama will be addressing SXSW interactive tomorrow, Friday, March 10 about using technology to help government work better. As our first ever nerd president (come on, he’s totally a nerd) this is something he knows about. This forum will also be live streamed and available afterward at the Texas Tribune.
SURPRISE! STAR WARS THE FORCE AWAKENS! As of 48 hours ago, mention of this was nowhere in SXSW’s materials, but there will be a surprise showing of the documentary “Secrets of The Force Awakens: A Cinematic Journey” on Monday, March 14 at the Paramount Theater. Wild rathtars couldn’t keep me away from this and I’ll have a full review up later that day.
For those of you not in Austin, this is the documentary that will be on your blu-ray and DVD copies of “The Force Awakens” so you won’t have too long to wait. Here’s a clip to whet your appetite:
Oh yeah, and JJ Abrams is here and will be on a “convergance” panel available to both SXSW film and Interactive attendees.
If that wasn’t enough, The First Order has invaded Austin!!
If you’re in town, these troopers and their TIE Fighter are on Driskill at SouthBites. Hopefully no Resistance pilot and rogue trooper try to steal it and fly away. Speaking of flying away. . .
Powerpuff Girls!!!! Sugar, spice, everything nice, and little Chemical X will be coming to rock SXSW with its premiere of ifs first episode “Horn Sweet Horn.” Don’t have a SXSW badge and want in? You’re in luck! This is one of the festival’s free outdoor screenings at the Long Center Terrace. Get there at 6pm on Monday, March 14 and the screening will happen at 8pm. . . following a freaking Powerpuff Girls Parade!!!!! Yes, a parade. Make Monday night Family Night. I know I will. Speaking of TV premieres. . .
TV premieres: Preacher, Outcast, Pee Wee’s Big Holiday, You Me Her: Wow. For a film festival, there’s lots of TV shows premiering here at SXSW this year. No complaints here, as we’ll be the first to see the highly anticipated “Preacher” based on the magnificently offensive, violent and sacrilegious Garth Ennis comic. Those who remember issue #1 is called “Gone to Texas.” Well, here we are, baby. If I get into this, I’ll have a review.
Speaking of violent and possibly sacrilegious, Robert Kirkman’s new show Outcast will have its premiere here, as will Pee Wee’s Big Holiday. In both of these cases, you’ll get to see them for yourselves very soon after– Pee Wee starts streaming on Netflix the next day after Judd Apatow, Paul Ruebens and co unveil it at the Paramount.
On the other side of the family friendly scale is You Me Her, billed as the first “poly romantic comedy” series. It’s your classic tale of suburban couple hooks up with an escort and begin a relationship and stars Gary Poehler. This will be coming to your DirecTV if you’re a subscriber. If I see it, I’ll let you know how it is.
Suicide Squad: While nothing is officially announced, castmembers of Suicide Squad have been tweeting pictures from Harley’s Tattoo Parlour and tagging them #SXSW. No word yet on where I might be able to drop by, but we’ll find it and let you know what tricks Harley has in store for us.
And so much more. Specifically films like Midnight Special, Everybody Wants Some, Beware the Slenderman, Newtown, Operation Avalanche, Tower, Trapped, and KEANU. Yes– can’t wait to see that cute little kitty get rescued by Key and Peele (or is it the other way around? See? The cat saves THEM from boredom? Huh? Yeah?)
I’ll let you know how things go, and I’ll have reviews here and on the Bored as Hell Podcast this week and next.