Film Press
"SXSW's reputation drives from its independent, friendly spirit and its interest in catering to both first-time filmmakers and veterans. Industry veterans participate in panel discussions that offer aspiring and burgeoning filmmakers ... advice on everything from film school to finding funding to the digital revolution. Meanwhile, SXSW helps 'keep Austin weird' by preserving its creative, anti-corporate aura, and celebrating films that go where no filmmaker (and, in many instances, no other festival) has gone before." - The Independent Film & Video Monthly, May 2004
"The South by Southwest Film Festival ... is Austin's annual reminder of its status as a new American film capital." - slate.com, March 18, 2004
"Among companies that sent scouts to the fest were ThinkFilm, Miramax, Fine Line, Trio, Sundance Channel and HBO. Industry luminaries like these ensure that SXSW continues to be a draw for filmmakers. There's also the ongoing synergy found in the Austin film community, a favorite for both independent and studio shoots." - Variety, March 15, 2004
"If the Sundance Film Festival is about the industry, schmoozing and making deals, then South by Southwest Film Conference & Festival opening this week is about panel chat, schmoozing and just having fun. It's a warmer, more relaxed festival with a lot of audience participation, but hey, it's in Austin on the cusp of spring, not the Wasatch mountains in midwinter." - The Dallas Morning News, March 9, 2004
"The city bills itself as the "Live Music Capital of the World," and never is this more true than in March, when the entire entertainment industry floods into town for the annual South by Southwest film and music festival, a 10-day party that keeps every bar, coffee shop, theater and street corner downtown jumping past midnight." - Men's Journal, June, 2004
"The South by Southwest Film Festival has a laid-back atmosphere that fits its Texas setting." - Time Off, March 26, 2004
"... SXSW is the place to be. Austin is known for it's laid-back attitude and southern hospitality - industry people come because it's a great party and a casual atmosphere where they are not going to be constantly mobbed by paparazzi. That means us regular folks get a chance to meet and greet the famous, the near famous, and the wannabe famous - and talk about movies." - The Movie Chicks, March 2004
"South by Southwest is an annual conference and festival for Web, Music and Film Industries, and has grown among the ranks as a premiere industry event." - The Mac Observer, March 22, 2004
"But the availability of the filmmakers, multiple-scheduled screenings and visible, organized promotions by publicists and filmmakers make this particular film festival comfortable and a pleasure to attend." Film Festival Today, March 16, 2004
"Austin prides itself in its support for home-grown, grass-roots, people-first culture, evident not only on every level of SXSW programming - in film, music and interactive culture - it also provides the event with a kind of built-in glam-filter." - The Toronto Star, March 15, 2004
"If movies like Bush's Brain, Antone's ... and Super Size Me are hardly groundbreaking in terms of technique or budgetary expenditure, they represent a spirit of committed and vibrant anti-establishment dissent that gives this festival something you don't often identify with film festivals. It has got soul." - The Toronto Star, March 15, 2004
"...SXSW (South by Southwest) Film Festival, the well-run, highly competitive event...." - Time Off, March 26, 2004
"With a renewed sense of enthusiasm ..., the 2004 SXSW Film Conference and Festival drew large audiences and praise from locals as well as visiting industry and filmmakers alike." - indieWIRE, 3/18/04
Marketwire is the official wire service of the 2005 SXSW Film Festival.
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