Category: Festivals

SXSW 2023: JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4

When the programmers at Austin’s largest media and arts festival announced their schedule for this year’s Film & TV section, two “Special” unnamed screenings were programmed on Monday, March 13, and on the closing night of Saturday, March 18. These secrets lasted only briefly, as their titles were revealed days before their screening dates. The… Continue reading SXSW 2023: JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4

SXSW 2023: My Recap

SWSW 2023 was a bit different this year. Since the festival’s cancelation in 2020, organizers have worked to keep the event relevant and engaging. I wouldn’t say I liked the entirely virtual event, although there are benefits to watching screenings at home. Last year’s hybrid festival was a blur because of my health, but there… Continue reading SXSW 2023: My Recap

SWSX: Americana Offers a Twist on Traditional Western Crime Dramas

When I learned I could have an attendant accompany me to screenings at SXSW because I am ADA qualified, I enlisted my granddaughter. With her help, I would not have to carry bags or endure the pain associated with doing certain things myself. I had pre-set my schedule, so off to the movies, we went.… Continue reading SWSX: Americana Offers a Twist on Traditional Western Crime Dramas

SXSW -Flamin’ Hot More Sugary than Spicy, but FUN Nonetheless

Flamin’ Hot Cheetos! I grew up in South Texas, and I love super-spicy food. I, along with countless others, loved it when Frito-Lay launched its “Flamin’ Hot” line of products. Eva Longoria, who grew up in Corpus Christ, not as far south as I decided to make her directorial debut with the story (a version)… Continue reading SXSW -Flamin’ Hot More Sugary than Spicy, but FUN Nonetheless

SXSW 2023: RAGING GRACE

Undocumented immigration is not only a heated subject in America but also controversial in the UK. Writer/director Paris Zarcilla offers an insightful but haunting glimpse into the experience of an unauthenticated Filipina domestic employee. Joy (Max Eiggenman) struggles as a single mother to raise her daughter Grace (Jaeden Paige Boadill) and provide for both of… Continue reading SXSW 2023: RAGING GRACE

SXSW: Low-Tech Surprises Coupled with Charm Make Molli and Max in the Future FUN

We have come to expect high-dollar special effects, vivid computer-generated imagery, and wild action in movies these days, especially science fiction.  Molli and Max in the Future, which screened at SXSW 2023, from writer/director Michael Lukk Litwak, stays focused on the leads’ quirky chemistry and not on special effects, offering up an out-of-this-world rom-com filled… Continue reading SXSW: Low-Tech Surprises Coupled with Charm Make Molli and Max in the Future FUN

SXSW- Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie Inspires Audiences

I grew up with Michael J. Fox. Not literally, but certainly, I have followed his career since his early days, from sitcom phenom to full-fledged movie star. I watched and cried when he announced his diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease and hoped with all others that he would and could somehow beat the odds. Still: A… Continue reading SXSW- Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie Inspires Audiences

SXSW: Self-Reliance Not All It Could Be

The story of a man in a mess in more ways than one dropped film on day two of the festival. Written, produced, directed by, and starring Jake Johnson, Self Reliance screened at SXSW in a packed Paramount Theatre. Johnson’s effort is gallant and decently paced, but his final act falters with disjointed events and missing pieces. Again,… Continue reading SXSW: Self-Reliance Not All It Could Be

2023 SXSW FILM & TV PREVIEW

Film News: SXSW Film & TV Festival Features of InterestSouth by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conference and Festivals (March 10-19, 2023) has announced the 2023 Film & TV Festival Lineup, including all Visions, Global presented by MUBI, 24 Beats, and Festival Favorites plus numerous additions to Headliners, TV Premieres, Narrative and Documentary Spotlight, and other sections. The… Continue reading 2023 SXSW FILM & TV PREVIEW