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{{Short description|American annual film and music festival held in Austin}}{{About|the annual festival}}{{Use American English|date=March 2020}}{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2020}}

factoids

| first = 1987| founders = Roland Swenson, Louis Jay Meyers, Louis Black, Nick Barbaro| dates = March (dates vary but generally coinciding with University of Texas at Austin spring break and also usually includes St. Patrick’s Day)| frequency = Annual| next = 7–15 March 2025SXSW Music: 28,119SXSW Film: 16,297Other Exhibits/Parties: 152,000}}| genre = Conference and festival| budget = | patron = | organized = SXSW, LLCsxsw.com}}}}South by Southwest (SXSW) is an annual conglomeration of parallel film, interactive media, and music festivals and conferences organized jointly that take place in mid-March in Austin, Texas, United States. It began in 1987 and has continued growing in both scope and size every year. In 2017, the conference lasted for 10 days with the interactive track lasting for five days, music for seven days, and film for nine days. There was no in-person event in 2020 and 2021 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in Austin, Texas;WEB,www.theverge.com/2020/3/6/21162247/sxsw-2020-cancelled-coronavirus-austin-texas-virus-fears-public-health-event, SXSW 2020 canceled due to coronavirus, Statt, Nick, March 6, 2020, The Verge, en, March 9, 2020, March 12, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200312115702/https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/6/21162247/sxsw-2020-cancelled-coronavirus-austin-texas-virus-fears-public-health-event, live, WEB,www.kvue.com/article/entertainment/events/sxsw/sxsw-austin-2020-cancelled-petition-coronavirus/269-3423a862-7cd7-49be-8125-41d84b8c6a13, SXSW canceled: Austin officials end 2020 festival amid coronavirus concerns, KVUE, March 6, 2020, March 9, 2020, March 8, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200308172426/https://www.kvue.com/article/entertainment/events/sxsw/sxsw-austin-2020-cancelled-petition-coronavirus/269-3423a862-7cd7-49be-8125-41d84b8c6a13, live, in both years there was a smaller online event instead.WEB,www.sxsw.com/news/2020/announcing-sxsw-online-a-digital-experience-from-march-16-20-2021/, Announcing SXSW Online: A Digital Experience from March 16–20, 2021, Roberts, Jordan, October 6, 2020, SXSW, en, March 18, 2021, March 17, 2021,web.archive.org/web/20210317154148/https://www.sxsw.com/news/2020/announcing-sxsw-online-a-digital-experience-from-march-16-20-2021/, live, SXSW is run by the company SXSW, LLC, which organizes conferences, trade shows, festivals, and other events.WEB,sxswedu.com/about/history, Sxsw Inc, Sxswedu.com, March 25, 2014, October 22, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20201022083850/https://www.sxswedu.com/about/history/, live, In addition to SXSW, the company runs the conference SXSW EDU and the SXSW Sydney festival (from 2023, in Sydney, Australia) and co-runs North by Northeast in Toronto. It has previously run or co-run the events North by Northwest (1995–2001), West by Southwest (2006–2010), SXSW Eco (2011–2016), SXSW V2V (2013–2015), and the me Convention (2017–2019). In addition, a large number of other events, past and present, sometimes collectively referred to as “four-letter festivals”, have been inspired by SXSW.The Austin Convention Center in Downtown Austin functions as the “hub” of the festival; most events associated with the festival take place at venues in and around Downtown Austin.WEB, Getting Around Austin {{!, SXSW Conference & Festivals |url=https://www.sxsw.com/hotels/getting-around/ |access-date=2023-03-13 |publisher=SXSW |language=en-US |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309193435www.sxsw.com/hotels/getting-around/ |url-status=live }}In April 2021, Penske Media Corporation purchased a 50% stake in SXSW.NEWS, Alpert, Lukas I., 2021-04-19, South by Southwest Stake Is Sold to Owner of Rolling Stone in Effort to Keep Festival Alive, en-US, The Wall Street Journal,www.wsj.com/articles/south-by-southwest-stake-is-sold-to-owner-of-rolling-stone-in-effort-to-keep-festival-alive-11618797941, 2021-04-19, 0099-9660, April 19, 2021,web.archive.org/web/20210419034711/https://www.wsj.com/articles/south-by-southwest-stake-is-sold-to-owner-of-rolling-stone-in-effort-to-keep-festival-alive-11618797941, live,

Divisions

File:Sixth Street SXSW 2013-025426539592444897.jpg|thumb|A view of 6th Street in downtown Austin, Texas, during SXSW 2013]]

Music

SXSW Music is the largest music festival of its kind in the world, with more than 2,000 acts as of 2014.WEB, SXSW 2015: The festival changes, but for the better?,www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-sxsw-music-wrap-20150323-story.html, Los Angeles Times, November 16, 2015, March 23, 2015, November 17, 2015,www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-sxsw-music-wrap-20150323-story.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20151117095154www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-sxsw-music-wrap-20150323-story.html,">web.archive.org/web/20151117095154www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-sxsw-music-wrap-20150323-story.html, live, SXSW Music offers artist-provided music and video samples of featured artists at each festival via their official YouTube channel.WEB, Birney, Adrienne, SXSW Technical Coordinator,sxsw.com/, November 28, 2011, March 29, 2010,sxsw.com/," title="web.archive.org/web/20100329072916sxsw.com/,">web.archive.org/web/20100329072916sxsw.com/, live, WEB,sites.sxsw.com/, The Official SXSW site, Sites.sxsw.com, August 13, 2015, {{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}The music event has grown from 700 registrants in 1987, the first year of the conference, to over 161,000 attendees in 2018.NEWS,www.cnn.com/2013/09/13/us/south-by-southwest-fast-facts/index.html, CNN, South by Southwest Fast Facts, September 13, 2013, February 21, 2020, February 21, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200221195839/https://www.cnn.com/2013/09/13/us/south-by-southwest-fast-facts/index.html, live, SXSW Film and SXSW Interactive events have grown every year, bringing over 32,000 registrants to Austin in March 2013.WEB,sxsw.com/about/history,sxsw.com/about/history," title="web.archive.org/web/20110813151035sxsw.com/about/history,">web.archive.org/web/20110813151035sxsw.com/about/history, August 13, 2011, About SXSW, March 8, 2009, Bands must cover their own expenses for travel and lodging at the event. All performers are offered a cash payment or a wristband package that allows access to all music events.MAGAZINE,www.forbes.com/sites/zackomalleygreenburg/2013/03/18/why-most-acts-dont-get-paid-at-south-by-southwest/, Why Most Acts Don’t Get Paid At South By Southwest, Forbes, March 18, 2013, March 17, 2014, April 20, 2021,web.archive.org/web/20210420175530/https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackomalleygreenburg/2013/03/18/why-most-acts-dont-get-paid-at-south-by-southwest/, live,

Film

SXSW Film Conference spans five days of conference panels and sessions, and welcomes filmmakers of all levels. Programming consists of keynote speakers, panels, workshops, mentor sessions and more, with expert filmmakers and industry leaders.WEB,sxsw.com/film/history,sxsw.com/film/history," title="web.archive.org/web/20150404164219sxsw.com/film/history,">web.archive.org/web/20150404164219sxsw.com/film/history, April 4, 2015, History, SXSW.com, April 4, 2015, In 2015, the SXSW Film Conference programmed over 250 sessions with 735 speakers. Past speakers included Jon Favreau, Mark Duplass, Ava DuVernay, Ryan Gosling, Nicolas Cage, Alejandro Jodorowsky, Tilda Swinton, Amy Schumer, Sally Field, Joss Whedon, Christine Vachon, RZA, Matthew McConaughey, Danny Boyle, Seth MacFarlane, Catherine Hardwicke, Richard Linklater, David Gordon Green, Harmony Korine, Henry Rollins, Sarah Green and Robert Rodriguez.WEB,www.sxsw.com/film/conference/past-speakers, SXSW LLC., sxsw.com, July 14, 2015, March 9, 2016,www.sxsw.com/film/conference/past-speakers," title="web.archive.org/web/20160309210424www.sxsw.com/film/conference/past-speakers,">web.archive.org/web/20160309210424www.sxsw.com/film/conference/past-speakers, live, Although the film festival highlights independently produced films and emerging directing talent with unique visions,WEB, Peters, Yves, Man & Gun and Les Bleus de Ramville Win SXSW Film Design Awards,fontfeed.com/archives/man-film-design-awards/, The Font Feed, January 11, 2013, March 31, 2012, June 20, 2017,fontfeed.com/archives/man-film-design-awards/," title="web.archive.org/web/20170620012940fontfeed.com/archives/man-film-design-awards/,">web.archive.org/web/20170620012940fontfeed.com/archives/man-film-design-awards/, dead, the festival has long served studios as a barometer for their comedies, with enthusiastic fans indicating how they might play in wide release.NEWS, Murphy, Mekado, SXSW 2015: Films That Were the Talk of the Festival,artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/03/19/sxsw-2015-films-that-were-the-talk-of-the-festival/, The New York Times, July 11, 2015, March 19, 2015, September 8, 2015,artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/03/19/sxsw-2015-films-that-were-the-talk-of-the-festival/," title="web.archive.org/web/20150908174447artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/03/19/sxsw-2015-films-that-were-the-talk-of-the-festival/,">web.archive.org/web/20150908174447artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/03/19/sxsw-2015-films-that-were-the-talk-of-the-festival/, live, The SXSW Film Festival runs nine days, simultaneously with the SXSW Film Conference, and celebrates raw innovation and emerging talent both behind and in front of the camera.WEB,www.sxsw.com/film/about, SXSW LLC., sxsw.com, July 14, 2015, March 2, 2016,www.sxsw.com/film/about," title="web.archive.org/web/20160302062017www.sxsw.com/film/about,">web.archive.org/web/20160302062017www.sxsw.com/film/about, live, Festival programming categories include: Special Events, Headliners, Narrative Spotlight, Documentary Spotlight, Narrative Competition, Documentary Competition, Visions, Midnighters, 24 Beats Per Second, SXGlobal, Episodic, Festival Favorites, and Short Film Programs. The SXSW Film Awards, which occur on the last day of the Film Conference, honor films selected by the Feature and Short Film Juries.In 2015, the SXSW Film Festival programmed 150 feature films and 106 short films, selected from 7,361 submissions.WEB,www.sxsw.com/sites/default/files/attachments/SXSW-FILM-FESTIVAL-ANNOUNCES-2015%20COMPLETE-CONFERENCE-LINEUP-AND-ADDITIONAL-FESTIVAL-TITLES-IMMEDIATE.pdf, SXSW LLC., sxsw.com, July 14, 2015, dead,www.sxsw.com/sites/default/files/attachments/SXSW-FILM-FESTIVAL-ANNOUNCES-2015%20COMPLETE-CONFERENCE-LINEUP-AND-ADDITIONAL-FESTIVAL-TITLES-IMMEDIATE.pdf," title="web.archive.org/web/20150924112924www.sxsw.com/sites/default/files/attachments/SXSW-FILM-FESTIVAL-ANNOUNCES-2015%20COMPLETE-CONFERENCE-LINEUP-AND-ADDITIONAL-FESTIVAL-TITLES-IMMEDIATE.pdf,">web.archive.org/web/20150924112924www.sxsw.com/sites/default/files/attachments/SXSW-FILM-FESTIVAL-ANNOUNCES-2015%20COMPLETE-CONFERENCE-LINEUP-AND-ADDITIONAL-FESTIVAL-TITLES-IMMEDIATE.pdf, September 24, 2015, Past world premieres included Furious 7, Neighbors, Chef, 21 Jump Street, The Cabin in the Woods, Dance of the Dead, Bridesmaids and Insidious, and the TV series Girls, Silicon Valley, and Penny Dreadful.WEB,sxsw.com/film/screenings/past-films, Past Films at SXSW | South by Southwest 2016 Music, Film and Interactive Festivals – Austin Texas, Sxsw.com, August 13, 2015, dead,www.sxsw.com/film/screenings/past-films," title="web.archive.org/web/20150609232442www.sxsw.com/film/screenings/past-films,">web.archive.org/web/20150609232442www.sxsw.com/film/screenings/past-films, June 9, 2015,

Interactive

SXSW Interactive focuses on emerging technology.WEB,sxsw.com/interactive/about, Interactive News | SXSW 2013, Sxsw.com, April 15, 2013, June 28, 2016,www.sxsw.com/interactive/about," title="web.archive.org/web/20160628033531www.sxsw.com/interactive/about,">web.archive.org/web/20160628033531www.sxsw.com/interactive/about, live, The festival includes a trade show, speakers, parties, and a startup accelerator.WEB,sxsw.com/interactive/accelerator, March 8–9: SXSW Accelerator Presented by Oracle Helps Uncover Amazing New Startups | SXSW 2014, Sxsw.com, November 10, 2013, March 25, 2014, June 28, 2015,www.sxsw.com/interactive/accelerator," title="web.archive.org/web/20150628152818www.sxsw.com/interactive/accelerator,">web.archive.org/web/20150628152818www.sxsw.com/interactive/accelerator, live,

History

(File:SXSW2020CommunityMeetupWeWorkTheHub.jpg|thumb|SXSW employee giving an introduction of the event)

Inauguration in the 1980s

In July 1986, the organizers of the New York City music festival New Music Seminar contacted Roland Swenson, a staffer at the alternative weekly The Austin Chronicle, to talk about organizing an extension of that festival into Austin. They thereafter announced they were going to hold a “New Music Seminar Southwest”.WEB, van Arts Labor,www.youtube.com/watch?v=iH02tbDy_6M&t=1m19s&list=UUgk1rvr62MBcRrTBgI4oEUg,ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/iH02tbDy_6M, 2021-10-30, SXSW documentary ‘Outside Industry’, Youtube.com, February 28, 2014, March 25, 2014, {{cbignore}} The plans did not materialize, however, so Swenson decided to instead co-organize a local music festival, with the help of two other people at the Chronicle: editor and co-founder Louis Black, and publisher Nick Barbaro. Louis Meyers, a booking agent and musician, was also brought on board.A Guide to the South By Southwest, Inc., Records, 1987–1997 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114213252www.lib.utexas.edu/taro/utcah/01476/cah-01476.html |date=November 14, 2017 }}, Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin Black came up with the name, as a play on the name of the 1959 Alfred Hitchcock film North by Northwest. (While Southwest by South is an actual point on a compass, South by Southwest is not.SWbS is a heading of 213.75 degrees.)The event was first held in March 1987. The organizers considered it a regional event and expected around 150 attendees to show up, but over 700 came, and according to Black “it was national almost immediately.“www.dailytexanonline.com/content/sxsw-stays-course-continues-growth" title="web.archive.org/web/20110311034107www.dailytexanonline.com/content/sxsw-stays-course-continues-growth">SXSW stays course, continues growth, Alex Geiser, The Daily Texan, March 18, 2010 Meyers left Austin and the festival in the early 1990s, but Black, Barbaro and Swenson remained the festival’s key organizers as of 2010.

1990s

Singer-songwriter Michelle Shocked was the keynote speaker at the 1992 South by Southwest. She caused controversy by delivering a speech, written by her then-husband Bart Bull, criticizing white musicians for stealing music from African American artists; and then later during the same conference when she tried to kick the band Two Nice Girls off of a benefit concert, a move that some called anti-gay, due to Two Nice Girls’ overtly lesbian image.The Education of Michelle Shocked {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317080211www.dallasobserver.com/1996-04-25/music/the-education-of-michelle-shocked/ |date=March 17, 2014 }}, Robert Wilonsky, Dallas Observer, April 25, 1996In 1993, SXSW moved into the Austin Convention Center, where it is still held.weblink {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322004257sxsw.com/node/5521|date=March 22, 2012}}In 1994, SXSW added a component for film and other media, named the “SXSW Film and Multimedia Conference”. Johnny Cash was the keynote speaker.NEWS, Cohen, Jason, SXSW: The Ten Best Music Keynote Speakers,www.texasmonthly.com/story/sxsw-ten-best-music-keynote-speakers, June 13, 2014, Texas Monthly, Emmis Publishing, L.P., March 15, 2012, March 17, 2015,www.texasmonthly.com/story/sxsw-ten-best-music-keynote-speakers," title="web.archive.org/web/20150317131529www.texasmonthly.com/story/sxsw-ten-best-music-keynote-speakers,">web.archive.org/web/20150317131529www.texasmonthly.com/story/sxsw-ten-best-music-keynote-speakers, live, That year, the three brothers of the band Hanson were brought to SXSW by their father in order to perform impromptu auditions for music executives, in the hopes of getting industry attention. Among the people who heard them was A&R executive Christopher Sabec, who became their manager, and would soon afterward get them signed to Mercury Records.WEB,www.oklahomatoday.com/Site/pdf/1997Hanson.pdf,www.oklahomatoday.com/Site/pdf/1997Hanson.pdf," title="web.archive.org/web/20101104185941www.oklahomatoday.com/Site/pdf/1997Hanson.pdf,">web.archive.org/web/20101104185941www.oklahomatoday.com/Site/pdf/1997Hanson.pdf, November 4, 2010, 1997 Oklahoman of the Year, Oklahoma Today, November 4, 2010, In 1995, the SXSW Film and Multimedia Conference was split into two separate events, “SXSW Film” and “SXSW Multimedia”. In 1999, SXSW Multimedia was renamed “SXSW Interactive”.

2000s

Singer-songwriter John Mayer’s performance at the 2000 SXSW Music festival led to his signing soon thereafter with Aware Records, his first record label.A performance by the band The Polyphonic Spree at the 2002 SXSW Music festival helped bring them to national attention before they had signed with a major label.WEB,www.vh1.com/news/articles/1471511/20030424/polyphonic_spree.jhtml, Polyphonic Spree: From Voices In A Singer’s Head To Voices On The Stage – News – VH1.com, October 19, 2011, bot: unknown,www.vh1.com/news/articles/1471511/20030424/polyphonic_spree.jhtml," title="web.archive.org/web/20111019215642www.vh1.com/news/articles/1471511/20030424/polyphonic_spree.jhtml,">web.archive.org/web/20111019215642www.vh1.com/news/articles/1471511/20030424/polyphonic_spree.jhtml, October 19, 2011, At the 2002 SXSW Film Festival, the film Manito won the jury award for narrative feature, while the documentary Spellbound won the jury award for documentary feature.British singer James Blunt was discovered by producer Linda Perry while playing a small show at the 2004 SXSW Music festival, and was signed to Perry’s Custard Records soon thereafter,MAGAZINE, Miller, Nancy,www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,1174154,00.html, Five rounds with James Blunt, EW.com, March 17, 2006, August 13, 2015, April 7, 2014,www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,1174154,00.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20140407073024www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,1174154,00.html,">web.archive.org/web/20140407073024www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,1174154,00.html, dead, where he would go on to release all three of his subsequent albums.The 2005 SXSW Film is considered by some to be the origin of the mumblecore film genre. A number of films now classified as mumblecore, including The Puffy Chair, Kissing on the Mouth, Four Eyed Monsters and Mutual Appreciation, were screened, and Eric Masunaga, a musician and the sound editor on Mutual Appreciation, is credited with coining the term “mumblecore” at a bar while at the festival.Lim, Dennis (August 19, 2007). “Mumblecore – The New Talkies: Generation DIY {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701071726www.nytimes.com/2007/08/19/movies/19lim.html?8dpc |date=July 1, 2017 }}”. The New York Times.The film Hooligans won both the Feature Film Jury Award and the Feature Film Audience Award for narrative feature, while The Puffy Chair won the Feature Film Audience Award in the “Emerging Visions” category. The documentary film Cowboy del Amor won the SXSW Competition Award and the Audience Award.File:Blackalicious and Lateef SXSW 2006.jpg|thumb|right|BlackaliciousBlackaliciousA secret concert at the 2006 SXSW Music by the band The Flaming Lips was called one of the “Top 10 Music-Festival Moments” of all time by Time magazine in 2010.www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1885895_1885893_1885860,00.html" title="web.archive.org/web/20090322024810www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1885895_1885893_1885860,00.html">Top 10 Music-Festival Moments: Flaming Lips at SXSW – 2006, Dan Fletcher, Time, March 18, 2010The 2006 SXSW Interactive featured a keynote panel of Pseudopedia co-founder Jimmy Wales and Craigslist founder Craig Newmark.SXSW 2006 Panel: Craig Newmark & Jimmy Wales Keynote {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224125245www.auscillate.com/post/95 |date=February 24, 2021 }}, Auscillate blog, March 13, 2006That year, “Screenburn at SXSW”, a component for video games, was added to SXSW Interactive.

2007

The 2007 music festival took place from March 14 to 18, and more than 1,400 acts performed. Two of the top film premieres that year were Elvis and Anabelle and Skills Like This.The social media platform Twitter notably gained a good deal of early traction and buzz at the 2007 SXSW Interactive,JOURNAL, Fujiwara, Thomas, Müller, Karsten, Schwarz, Carlo, 2020, The Effect of Social Media on Elections: Evidence from the United States,www.ssrn.com/abstract=3719998, SSRN Electronic Journal, en, 10.2139/ssrn.3719998, 228961780, 1556-5068, May 22, 2021, April 20, 2023,web.archive.org/web/20230420210002/https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3719998, live, though it did not launch at SXSW 2007 as is sometimes reported.

2008

The 2008 SXSW Interactive got media attention due to a keynote interview of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg by technology journalist Sarah Lacy that was considered by some observers to be a “train wreck” due to an audience perception that Lacy was asking uninteresting questions, as well as mocking or terse answers in response from Zuckerberg.A journalist becomes the story at Mark Zuckerberg SXSWi keynote {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203074238news.cnet.com/8301-13772_3-9889528-52.html |date=February 3, 2014 }}, Daniel Terdiman, CNET “Geek Gestalt” blog, March 9, 2008In 2008, a comedy element was added to SXSW; it was held for one night. (By 2012, comedy performances occurred on all nights of the festival.)WEB, Messin’ with Texas: Why Doesn’t SXSW Pay its Comedians?,splitsider.com/2012/01/messin-with-texas-why-doesnt-sxsw-pay-its-comedians/, Splitsider, Richard, Morgan, January 23, 2012, February 5, 2014, February 22, 2014,splitsider.com/2012/01/messin-with-texas-why-doesnt-sxsw-pay-its-comedians/," title="web.archive.org/web/20140222030750splitsider.com/2012/01/messin-with-texas-why-doesnt-sxsw-pay-its-comedians/,">web.archive.org/web/20140222030750splitsider.com/2012/01/messin-with-texas-why-doesnt-sxsw-pay-its-comedians/, dead,

2009

The 2009 festival was held March 13–22. The Interactive section of SXSW in particular drew larger attendance levels; the influx strained the networks of providers such as AT&T (primarily due to heavy iPhone usage).NEWS,blog.wired.com/business/2009/03/sxsw-atts-spott.html, SXSW: IPhone Influx Pushes AT&T to the Limit, Epicenter (blog.wired.com), Condé Nast Publications, Conde Nast, March 14, 2009, Michael, Calore, March 19, 2009, March 18, 2009,blog.wired.com/business/2009/03/sxsw-atts-spott.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20090318221813blog.wired.com/business/2009/03/sxsw-atts-spott.html,">web.archive.org/web/20090318221813blog.wired.com/business/2009/03/sxsw-atts-spott.html, live, Also new was the founding of an international organization for those not attending, dubbed NotAtSXSW. Coordinating through Twitter and other online tools, notatsxsw events were held in London, New York, Wisconsin, Portland, Oregon and Miami.NEWS,www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2009/mar/18/notatsxsw-festival-twitter, Can’t make it to SXSW this year? Go to #notatsxsw instead, March 18, 2009, The Guardian, London, May 23, 2010, Ruth, Jamieson, February 28, 2014,www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2009/mar/18/notatsxsw-festival-twitter," title="web.archive.org/web/20140228153118www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2009/mar/18/notatsxsw-festival-twitter,">web.archive.org/web/20140228153118www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2009/mar/18/notatsxsw-festival-twitter, live, (File:Foursquare-logo.png|thumb|The mobile app, Foursquare, was launched at SXSW 2009)The 2009 SXSW Interactive saw the launch of the Foursquare application, which was called “the breakout mobile app” of the event by the Mashable blog.WEB, Van, Jennifer,mashable.com/2009/03/16/foursquare/, Foursquare is the Breakout Mobile App at SXSW, Mashable.com, March 16, 2009, August 13, 2015, June 23, 2015,mashable.com/2009/03/16/foursquare/," title="web.archive.org/web/20150623171305mashable.com/2009/03/16/foursquare/,">web.archive.org/web/20150623171305mashable.com/2009/03/16/foursquare/, live, In 2009 the first Indian classical music artists performed at SXSW: Canadians Cassius Khan and Amika Kushwaha.The 2009 SXSW Film screened 250 films, including 54 world premieres. The event was notable for having the United States premiere of the film The Hurt Locker, which went on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2010. The winners of the feature jury awards were, for documentary feature, 45365, and for narrative feature, Made in China.NEWS,www.indiewire.com/article/made_in_china_and_45365_take_top_sxsw_jury_prizes/, “Made in China” and “45365” Take Top SXSW Jury Prizes, Indiewire, March 18, 2009, February 22, 2011, June 29, 2011,www.indiewire.com/article/made_in_china_and_45365_take_top_sxsw_jury_prizes/," title="web.archive.org/web/20110629071600www.indiewire.com/article/made_in_china_and_45365_take_top_sxsw_jury_prizes/,">web.archive.org/web/20110629071600www.indiewire.com/article/made_in_china_and_45365_take_top_sxsw_jury_prizes/, live,

2010s

2010

The 2010 music festival, which took place March 12–21, was dedicated to Alex Chilton, who died shortly before he was to perform with Big Star.MAGAZINE,www.rollingstone.com/music/news/big-star-singer-and-cult-icon-alex-chilton-dead-at-59-20100317, Big Star Singer and Cult Icon Alex Chilton Dead at 59, Rolling Stone, March 17, 2010, September 24, 2014, May 17, 2014,www.rollingstone.com/music/news/big-star-singer-and-cult-icon-alex-chilton-dead-at-59-20100317," title="web.archive.org/web/20140517041313www.rollingstone.com/music/news/big-star-singer-and-cult-icon-alex-chilton-dead-at-59-20100317,">web.archive.org/web/20140517041313www.rollingstone.com/music/news/big-star-singer-and-cult-icon-alex-chilton-dead-at-59-20100317, live, A tribute concert was performed in his honor on March 20, 2010.WEB,sxsw.tewspaper.com/at-the-big-star-tribute-to-alex-chilton-sxsw-32010, SXSW Tribute Concert for Alex Chilton, March 20, 2010, March 24, 2010, dead,sxsw.tewspaper.com/at-the-big-star-tribute-to-alex-chilton-sxsw-32010," title="web.archive.org/web/20110716212414sxsw.tewspaper.com/at-the-big-star-tribute-to-alex-chilton-sxsw-32010,">web.archive.org/web/20110716212414sxsw.tewspaper.com/at-the-big-star-tribute-to-alex-chilton-sxsw-32010, July 16, 2011, At the 2010 festival, nearly 2,000 bands were officially scheduled to perform,WEB,www.nbcnewyork.com/entertainment/music/SXSW-2010-Draws-to-a-Close-88819997.html, SXSW 2010 Draws to a Close, nbcnewyork.com, March 22, 2010, April 8, 2010, March 30, 2012,www.nbcnewyork.com/entertainment/music/SXSW-2010-Draws-to-a-Close-88819997.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20120330235336www.nbcnewyork.com/entertainment/music/SXSW-2010-Draws-to-a-Close-88819997.html,">web.archive.org/web/20120330235336www.nbcnewyork.com/entertainment/music/SXSW-2010-Draws-to-a-Close-88819997.html, live, and festival reps estimated that over 13,000 industry representatives attended.WEB,www.dailyfinance.com/story/media/scenes-from-the-geekfest-at-sxsw-interactive/19398388, Scenes From the Geekfest at SXSW, DailyFinance.com, March 14, 2010, April 8, 2010, April 6, 2010,www.dailyfinance.com/story/media/scenes-from-the-geekfest-at-sxsw-interactive/19398388/," title="web.archive.org/web/20100406063656www.dailyfinance.com/story/media/scenes-from-the-geekfest-at-sxsw-interactive/19398388/,">web.archive.org/web/20100406063656www.dailyfinance.com/story/media/scenes-from-the-geekfest-at-sxsw-interactive/19398388/, live, Though traditionally the Austin Music Awards kick off the festival, that year organizers slated it as the closing act. Local musician Bob Schneider earned 6 awards, including Song of the Year, Singer of the Year, and Band of the Year (with Lonelyland.) The 2010 festival was also notable for appearances by the surviving members of the band Moby Grape.Raul Hernandez, Live Shots: SXSW Music 2010 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225025137www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Issue/review?oid=oid%3A985722 |date=February 25, 2014 }}, Austin Chronicle, March 26, 2010.At the 2010 Film festival, Magnolia Pictures bought the film rights to the science-fiction film Monsters on the night it screened, in what was the first-ever “overnight acquisition” at SXSW. Journalist Meredith Melnick of Time magazine called this purchase a turning point for SXSW, leading to a greater interest among film studio executives in attending the festival in person.www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,2062263,00.html" title="web.archive.org/web/20110402233840www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,2062263,00.html">Art of the Film Deal: Is South by Southwest Becoming the New Sundance?, Meredith Melnick, Time, April 1, 2011 That year also saw the premiere of the indie favorite Tiny Furniture, which won the award for Best Narrative Feature.The 2010 Interactive festival had an estimated 12–13,000 paying attendees, which represented a 40% jump over the previous year.Confirmed: SXSW Interactive paid registration surpasses Music {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160114222647www.austin360.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/digitalsavant/entries/2010/03/17/confirmed_sxsw.html |date=January 14, 2016 }}, Omar L. Gallaga, Austin360.com, March 17, 2010 This was the first year in which the interactive festival’s attendance surpassed the music festival’s. The keynote presentation was an interview of then-Twitter CEO Evan Williams by Umair Haque, an interview that many in the audience found disappointingly superficial.SXSW organizers concede keynote flubs with Twitter Q&A {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110502230150www.statesman.com/business/sxsw-organizers-concede-keynote-flubs-with-twitter-q-374628.html |date=May 2, 2011 }}, Omar L. Gallaga, Austin American-Statesman, March 16, 2010 Also during the interactive festival, the first-ever (and so far only) “Hive Awards For the Unsung Heroes of the Internet” were held.

2011

File:Conan O’Brien - SXSW - Mar 2011.jpg|thumb|Conan O’Brien promoting Conan O’Brien Can’t StopConan O’Brien Can’t StopThe 2011 SXSW festival ran from March 11 to 20.The keynote presenter for SXSW Interactive was Seth Priebatsch, founder and CEO of the mobile-gaming platform SCVNGR.WEB,www.cnet.com/8301-14013_1-20042504-284.html, SCVNGR at SXSW—high-flying, or head in the clouds?, March 12, 2011, March 12, 2011, March 13, 2011,www.cnet.com/8301-14013_1-20042504-284.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20110313232710www.cnet.com/8301-14013_1-20042504-284.html,">web.archive.org/web/20110313232710www.cnet.com/8301-14013_1-20042504-284.html, live, The 2011 Interactive festival was by far the largest it had ever been, with an estimated 20,000 attendees.Where the Geeks Are: Dispatches From the Largest SXSW Interactive Ever {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110319050430www.dailyfinance.com/story/where-the-geeks-are-dispatches-from-the-largest-sxsw-interactiv/19880235/ |date=March 19, 2011 }}, L. A. Lorek, Daily Finance, March 15, 2011Also in attendance at SXSW was boxing legend Mike Tyson, promoting his new iPhone game with RockLive at the Screenburn Arcade.WEB, McCarthy, Caroline,www.cnet.com/8301-14013_1-20042682-284.html, Mike Tyson wants to be an iPhone knockout | SXSW – CNET Blogs, Cnet.com, March 13, 2011, April 15, 2013, March 11, 2013,www.cnet.com/8301-14013_1-20042682-284.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20130311070740www.cnet.com/8301-14013_1-20042682-284.html,">web.archive.org/web/20130311070740www.cnet.com/8301-14013_1-20042682-284.html, live, At least two films screened at the SXSW Film festival gained distribution deals: the documentary Undefeated (which went on to win the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature) and the thriller The Divide. As a result, film critic Christopher Kelly wrote that in 2011, SXSW Film went from being “a well-regarded but fundamentally regional event” to having “joined the big leagues of film festivals around the world.“Commentary: South by Southwest is in danger of losing its indie film cred {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315165235www.dfw.com/2011/03/17/424689/commentary-south-by-southwest.html |date=March 15, 2012 }}, Christopher Kelly, DFW.com, March 17, 2011 That festival was also notable for having the premiere of the film Bridesmaids.SXSW: ‘21 Jump St.,’ ‘Cabin in the Woods’ eye ‘Bridesmaids’ bouquet {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327044635latimesblogs.latimes.com/movies/2012/03/sxsw-2012-21-jump-street-cabin-in-the-woods-aspire-to-bridesmaids-style-success-.html |date=March 27, 2012 }}, Mark Olsen, 24 Frames (Los Angeles Times blog), March 8, 2012The March 15 screening of the Foo Fighters documentary Back and Forth was followed by a surprise live performance by the band itself, with a setlist that included the entirety of the then-upcoming album Wasting Light.WEB,blog.vh1.com/2011-03-16/foo-fighters-documentary-premiere-followed-by-surprise-show/, Foo Fighters Documentary Premiere Followed By Surprise Show, VH1 Blog Reality TV News and Gossip, December 4, 2011,blog.vh1.com/2011-03-16/foo-fighters-documentary-premiere-followed-by-surprise-show," title="web.archive.org/web/20120208075146blog.vh1.com/2011-03-16/foo-fighters-documentary-premiere-followed-by-surprise-show,">web.archive.org/web/20120208075146blog.vh1.com/2011-03-16/foo-fighters-documentary-premiere-followed-by-surprise-show, February 8, 2012, dead,

2012

SXSW 2012 ran from March 9 to 18.The standout technology of the 2012 SXSW Interactive was generally stated to be “social discovery” mobile apps, which let users locate other nearby users. Social discovery apps that had a presence at SXSW included Highlight, Glancee, Sonar and Kismet.Hottest new apps out of SXSW 2012 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317080249news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57393877-94/hottest-new-apps-out-of-sxsw-2012/ |date=March 17, 2014 }}, Jaymar Cabebe and Jason Parker, CNET, March 12, 2012SXSW 2012: The ‘Highlight’ of the festival {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420175652content.usatoday.com/communities/livefrom/post/2012/03/sxsw-2012-the-highlight-of-the-festival/1#.T8SqJUWmgrU |date=April 20, 2021 }}, Jon Swartz, USA Today, March 13, 2012SXSW Film saw the premiere of two major Hollywood films: The Cabin in the WoodsIn shadows of hype, dialogue of ‘too much’ at SXSW, Jake Coyle, ‘“The Associated Press” March 13, 2012 {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} and 21 Jump Street. Two films obtained distribution deals: Girls Against Boys and The Tall Man.SXSW Features ‘Girls Against Boys’ and ‘The Tall Man’ Picked Up For Distribution; ‘Barrymore’ To Finally See Light Of Day {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717214625thefilmstage.com/news/sxsw-features-girls-against-boys-and-the-tall-man-picked-up-for-distribution-barrymore-to-finally-see-light-of-day/ |date=July 17, 2012 }}, Amanda Waltz, The Film Stage, March 13, 2012 Another film, Gimme the Loot, which won the SXSW Narrative Feature Grand Jury Prize, got a distribution deal a week after the festival.SXSW: ‘Gimme the Loot’ director Adam Leon on winning big, landing distribution deal {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120516130448insidemovies.ew.com/2012/03/19/sxsw-gimme-the-loot-adam-leon-sundance-select/ |date=May 16, 2012 }}, Karen Valby, Entertainment Weekly: Inside Movies, March 19, 2012 Bay of All Saints received the Audience Award for Best Feature Documentary.NEWS,www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/bay-all-saints-sxsw-film-review-301724, Bay of All Saints: SXSW Review, John DeFore, The Hollywood Reporter, March 19, 2012, February 20, 2020, August 4, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200804235418/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/bay-all-saints-sxsw-film-review-301724, live, 2012 was also the first year the music portion was expanded to Tuesday. The musical festival included rappers such as Talib Kweli and Lil’ Wayne, along with surprise appearances by Big Sean and Kanye West; indie bands that appeared included MENEW and The Shins. Bruce Springsteen was the keynote speaker for the music festival.MAGAZINE,www.billboard.com/articles/events/sxsw/501218/bruce-springsteens-sxsw-keynote-stay-hard-stay-hungry, Bruce Springsteen’s SXSW Keynote: ‘Stay Hard, Stay Hungry’, Billboard, March 15, 2012, April 15, 2013, May 9, 2013,www.billboard.com/articles/events/sxsw/501218/bruce-springsteens-sxsw-keynote-stay-hard-stay-hungry," title="web.archive.org/web/20130509050008www.billboard.com/articles/events/sxsw/501218/bruce-springsteens-sxsw-keynote-stay-hard-stay-hungry,">web.archive.org/web/20130509050008www.billboard.com/articles/events/sxsw/501218/bruce-springsteens-sxsw-keynote-stay-hard-stay-hungry, live,

2013

SXSW 2013 ran from March 8 to 17.The big-budget films The Incredible Burt Wonderstone and Evil Dead premiered at the 2013 SXSW Film, and Spring Breakers had its U.S. premiere.SXSW 2013 Brings ‘Burt Wonderstone,’ Spring Breakers,’ ‘Evil Dead,’ ‘Drinking Buddies’ & More To Austin {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309022128blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/sxsw-2013-brings-burt-wonderstone-spring-breakers-evil-dead-drinking-buddies-more-to-austin-20130115 |date=March 9, 2013 }}, Kevin Jagernauth, Indiewire, January 15, 2013 The film Short Term 12 won the grand jury award for Best Narrative Feature. The films Awful Nice, Cheap Thrills, and Haunter received distribution deals,NEWS, SXSW 2013: ‘Short Term 12’ wins feature prize,www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/moviesnow/la-et-mn-sxsw-wrapup-20130313,0,1786750.story, Los Angeles Times, March 12, 2013, Mark, Olsen, February 20, 2020, April 8, 2013,www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/moviesnow/la-et-mn-sxsw-wrapup-20130313,0,1786750.story," title="web.archive.org/web/20130408144257www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/moviesnow/la-et-mn-sxsw-wrapup-20130313,0,1786750.story,">web.archive.org/web/20130408144257www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/moviesnow/la-et-mn-sxsw-wrapup-20130313,0,1786750.story, live, and Drinking Buddies obtained a distribution deal several days later.MAGAZINE, Magnolia Acquires SXSW Pic ‘Drinking Buddies’,www.deadline.com/2013/03/drinking-buddies-magnolia-pictures-acquired-sxsw-joe-swanberg/, March 19, 2013, Jen, Yamato, Deadline, February 20, 2020, February 3, 2014,www.deadline.com/2013/03/drinking-buddies-magnolia-pictures-acquired-sxsw-joe-swanberg/," title="web.archive.org/web/20140203021049www.deadline.com/2013/03/drinking-buddies-magnolia-pictures-acquired-sxsw-joe-swanberg/,">web.archive.org/web/20140203021049www.deadline.com/2013/03/drinking-buddies-magnolia-pictures-acquired-sxsw-joe-swanberg/, live, MAGAZINE, Todd Sklar’s ‘Awful Nice’ Gets U.S. Distribution,variety.com/2013/film/news/todd-sklars-awful-nice-gets-u-s-distribution-1200560667/, Variety, April 2, 2019, April 2, 2019,web.archive.org/web/20190402180913/https://variety.com/2013/film/news/todd-sklars-awful-nice-gets-u-s-distribution-1200560667/, live, The 2013 SXSW Interactive saw another huge jump in registration, now with 30,621 paying attendees.Nicole Villalpando, “Biggest Interactive yet as SXSW begins Music, hands out Film Awards” {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222133116www.statesman.com/news/events/biggest-interactive-yet-as-sxsw-begins-music-hands/nWqPc/ |date=February 22, 2014 }}, Austin American Statesman, March 12, 2013. Retrieved on March 13, 2013 This was over three times the number that had attended in 2008 (9,000), just five years previously.2008 SXSW Interactive Festival Wraps Up Strong Year {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507133830www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2008-sxsw-interactive-festival-wraps-up-strong-year-57369557.html |date=May 7, 2013 }}, PRNewswire, March 31, 2008 The keynote talk for the 2013 SXSW Interactive was given by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.SXSW 2013: This revolution is brought to you by... {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722061155www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/innovations/post/sxsw-2013-this-revolution-is-brought-to-you-by/2013/03/11/b47dfa10-8a95-11e2-8d72-dc76641cb8d4_blog.html |date=July 22, 2017 }}, Hamdan Azhar, Washington Post ideas@innovations blog, March 11, 2013 The “Screenburn” and “Arcade” components were renamed to “SXSW Gaming” and “SXSW Gaming Expo”, respectively.SXSW Interactive: A Growing Outlet For Video Games, Matt Clark, ‘iQU’, March 14, 2012 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524055251iqu.com/blog/south-by-southwest-interactive-video-games |date=May 24, 2013 }} The Interactive conference had an increased corporate presence, featuring major participation by Samsung, 3M, Target, American Airlines, Adobe Systems and AT&T, among others.At South by Southwest, fewer startups, more marketers and media {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305152219www.reuters.com/article/us-sxsw-startups-idUSBRE92A10I20130311 |date=March 5, 2022 }}, Gerry Shih, Reuters, March 11, 2013 According to CNN, CBS and CNET called Grumpy Cat the undisputed “biggest star” of SXSW Interactive over Musk, Al Gore and Neil Gaiman.NEWS,www.cnn.com/2013/03/10/tech/web/grumpy-cat-sxsw/index.html, The unlikely star of SXSW: Grumpy Cat, CNN.com, November 14, 2011, March 11, 2013, March 13, 2013,www.cnn.com/2013/03/10/tech/web/grumpy-cat-sxsw/index.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20130313090551www.cnn.com/2013/03/10/tech/web/grumpy-cat-sxsw/index.html,">web.archive.org/web/20130313090551www.cnn.com/2013/03/10/tech/web/grumpy-cat-sxsw/index.html, live, NEWS,www.cbsnews.com/8301-205_162-57573676/as-sxsw-interactive-winds-down-grumpy-cat-is-clear-winner/, As SXSW Interactive winds down, Grumpy cat is clear winner, CBS News, March 3, 2013, March 13, 2013,www.cbsnews.com/8301-205_162-57573676/as-sxsw-interactive-winds-down-grumpy-cat-is-clear-winner/," title="web.archive.org/web/20130313070155www.cbsnews.com/8301-205_162-57573676/as-sxsw-interactive-winds-down-grumpy-cat-is-clear-winner/,">web.archive.org/web/20130313070155www.cbsnews.com/8301-205_162-57573676/as-sxsw-interactive-winds-down-grumpy-cat-is-clear-winner/, live, WEB, Terdiman, Daniel,news.cnet.com/8301-14013_3-57573517/if-grumpy-cat-is-the-biggest-news-of-all-is-sxsw-in-trouble/, If Grumpy Cat is the biggest news of all, is SXSW in trouble? | SXSW – CNET News, News.cnet.com, January 23, 2013, March 13, 2013, May 2, 2013,news.cnet.com/8301-14013_3-57573517/if-grumpy-cat-is-the-biggest-news-of-all-is-sxsw-in-trouble/," title="web.archive.org/web/20130502115913news.cnet.com/8301-14013_3-57573517/if-grumpy-cat-is-the-biggest-news-of-all-is-sxsw-in-trouble/,">web.archive.org/web/20130502115913news.cnet.com/8301-14013_3-57573517/if-grumpy-cat-is-the-biggest-news-of-all-is-sxsw-in-trouble/, live,

2014

SXSW 2014 ran from March 7 to 16.SXSW Film had premieres of the big-budget films Neighbors, Veronica Mars and Chef, and Cesar Chavez had its North American premiere.NEWS, South by Southwest Adds a TV Section,www.nytimes.com/2014/01/31/business/media/south-by-southwest-festival-adds-a-tv-section.html, The New York Times, Michael, Cieply, January 30, 2014, February 23, 2017, July 9, 2017,web.archive.org/web/20170709120506/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/31/business/media/south-by-southwest-festival-adds-a-tv-section.html, live, NEWS, SXSW 2014: Five movie stories, including ‘Chef’ and ‘Veronica Mars’,www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-sxsw-film-festival-reviews-chef-neighbors-veronica-mar-20140310,0,5139256.story, Los Angeles Times, Oliver, Gettell, March 10, 2014, February 20, 2020, April 24, 2014,www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-sxsw-film-festival-reviews-chef-neighbors-veronica-mar-20140310,0,5139256.story," title="web.archive.org/web/20140424190453www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-sxsw-film-festival-reviews-chef-neighbors-veronica-mar-20140310,0,5139256.story,">web.archive.org/web/20140424190453www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-sxsw-film-festival-reviews-chef-neighbors-veronica-mar-20140310,0,5139256.story, live, A clip for the big-budget film Godzilla was also screened. The films Space Station 76WEB,www.socialitelife.com/matt-bomers-space-station-76-lands-a-distribution-deal-at-sxsw-03-2014, Matt Bomer’s ‘Space Station 76′ Lands A Distribution Deal At SXSW – Socialite Life Socialite Life, Socialite Life, March 16, 2015,www.socialitelife.com/matt-bomers-space-station-76-lands-a-distribution-deal-at-sxsw-03-2014," title="web.archive.org/web/20150402103719www.socialitelife.com/matt-bomers-space-station-76-lands-a-distribution-deal-at-sxsw-03-2014,">web.archive.org/web/20150402103719www.socialitelife.com/matt-bomers-space-station-76-lands-a-distribution-deal-at-sxsw-03-2014, April 2, 2015, dead, and Exists got distribution deals at the festival, while Fort Tilden (which won the Narrative Feature Grand Jury Prize) and Open Windows got distribution deals shortly afterward.NEWS, Elijah Wood-Sasha Grey’s South by Southwest Thriller Gets U.S. Distribution,bostonherald.com/entertainment/movies/movie_news/2014/04/elijah_wood_sasha_greys_south_by_southwest_thriller_gets_us, Boston Herald, April 1, 2014, Dave, McNary, April 6, 2014, April 6, 2014,bostonherald.com/entertainment/movies/movie_news/2014/04/elijah_wood_sasha_greys_south_by_southwest_thriller_gets_us," title="web.archive.org/web/20140406113526bostonherald.com/entertainment/movies/movie_news/2014/04/elijah_wood_sasha_greys_south_by_southwest_thriller_gets_us,">web.archive.org/web/20140406113526bostonherald.com/entertainment/movies/movie_news/2014/04/elijah_wood_sasha_greys_south_by_southwest_thriller_gets_us, live, NEWS,variety.com/2015/film/news/fort-tilden-distribution-sxsw-orion-1201455504/, Variety, Dave, McNary, SXSW 2014 Winner ‘Fort Tilden’ Gets U.S. Distribution From Orion, March 18, 2015, December 9, 2017, January 9, 2018,web.archive.org/web/20180109063840/https://variety.com/2015/film/news/fort-tilden-distribution-sxsw-orion-1201455504/, live, A new section, “Episodic” (on television programming), was introduced to SXSW Film. Television series that previewed at the festival include Silicon Valley and (From Dusk till Dawn: The Series). The talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live! was taped for a week at the festival; it joined the talk show (Watch What Happens: Live), which began taping at SXSW in 2013.WEB, Move over, Jimmy Kimmel: SXSW welcomes back Bravo’s Andy Cohen – and his show,austin.culturemap.com/news/entertainment/01-20-14-hey-jimmy-kimmel-bravo-tv-host-andy-cohen-sxsw/, CultureMap Austin, John, Egan, January 21, 2014, March 21, 2014, March 11, 2014,austin.culturemap.com/news/entertainment/01-20-14-hey-jimmy-kimmel-bravo-tv-host-andy-cohen-sxsw/," title="web.archive.org/web/20140311040320austin.culturemap.com/news/entertainment/01-20-14-hey-jimmy-kimmel-bravo-tv-host-andy-cohen-sxsw/,">web.archive.org/web/20140311040320austin.culturemap.com/news/entertainment/01-20-14-hey-jimmy-kimmel-bravo-tv-host-andy-cohen-sxsw/, live, SXSW Interactive featured a keynote speech by NSA leaker Edward Snowden, via streaming video, about privacy rights. The festival also featured a talk from another famous leaker, Julian Assange, also speaking remotely.WEB,articles.philly.com/2014-03-12/news/48122662_1_edward-snowden-nsa-leaker-snowden-southwest-interactive, Philadelphia Inquirer, Dan, DeLuca, March 12, 2014, NSA leaker Snowden is the rock star of SXSW Interactive, March 14, 2014, March 29, 2016,articles.philly.com/2014-03-12/news/48122662_1_edward-snowden-nsa-leaker-snowden-southwest-interactive," title="web.archive.org/web/20160329235420articles.philly.com/2014-03-12/news/48122662_1_edward-snowden-nsa-leaker-snowden-southwest-interactive,">web.archive.org/web/20160329235420articles.philly.com/2014-03-12/news/48122662_1_edward-snowden-nsa-leaker-snowden-southwest-interactive, live, Besides privacy issues, another major focus of the Interactive festival was wearable technology, including devices for augmented reality, activity tracking, identity authentication, charging cell phones and others.NEWS, 5 things we learned at SXSW Interactive,www.cnn.com/2014/03/13/tech/web/sxsw-wrapup/, CNN, Gross, Doug, Griggs, Brandon, March 13, 2014, March 14, 2014, March 4, 2016,www.cnn.com/2014/03/13/tech/web/sxsw-wrapup/," title="web.archive.org/web/20160304035236www.cnn.com/2014/03/13/tech/web/sxsw-wrapup/,">web.archive.org/web/20160304035236www.cnn.com/2014/03/13/tech/web/sxsw-wrapup/, live, Computerworld magazine called the Oculus Rift, a virtual reality gaming headset, the “sleeper hit” of the festival, although it was displayed not at the Interactive but at the Film portion, as part of a Game of Thrones exhibit.WEB, Oculus Rift is the sleeper hit of SXSW,blogs.computerworld.com/computer-peripherals/23634/oculus-rift-sleeper-hit-sxsw-itbwgk, Computerworld, Richi, Jennings, March 10, 2014, dead,blogs.computerworld.com/computer-peripherals/23634/oculus-rift-sleeper-hit-sxsw-itbwgk," title="web.archive.org/web/20140316165841blogs.computerworld.com/computer-peripherals/23634/oculus-rift-sleeper-hit-sxsw-itbwgk,">web.archive.org/web/20140316165841blogs.computerworld.com/computer-peripherals/23634/oculus-rift-sleeper-hit-sxsw-itbwgk, March 16, 2014, The SXSW Gaming section introduced its SXSW Gaming Awards to recognize achievement in video and other types of gaming, which has continued through future SXSW festivals.The keynote presenter and headline act this year for Stubb’s was Lady Gaga.MAGAZINE,www.billboard.com/articles/news/5930106/lady-gaga-to-headline-stubbs-at-sxsw, Billboard.com, Andrew, Hampp, March 11, 2014, Lady Gaga to Headline Stubb’s at SXSW, February 20, 2020, August 11, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200811015217/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5930106/lady-gaga-to-headline-stubbs-at-sxsw, live, MAGAZINE, Lady Gaga to Present Keynote Address at SXSW,www.billboard.com/articles/news/5930300/lady-gaga-to-present-keynote-address-at-sxsw, Billboard.com, Rutherford, Halperin, March 11, 2014, February 20, 2020, August 19, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200819212053/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5930300/lady-gaga-to-present-keynote-address-at-sxsw, live, To promote her upcoming album, Food, Kelis cooked and served barbecue-style food from a food truck to festival attendees.WEB,www.theguardian.com/culture/video/2014/mar/14/sxsw-2014-kelis-food-van-austin-texas-video, SXSW 2014: Kelis takes her food van to the streets of Austin, Texas – video, The Guardian, March 14, 2014, March 14, 2014, March 14, 2014,www.theguardian.com/culture/video/2014/mar/14/sxsw-2014-kelis-food-van-austin-texas-video," title="web.archive.org/web/20140314174556www.theguardian.com/culture/video/2014/mar/14/sxsw-2014-kelis-food-van-austin-texas-video,">web.archive.org/web/20140314174556www.theguardian.com/culture/video/2014/mar/14/sxsw-2014-kelis-food-van-austin-texas-video, live, WEB,www.rap-up.com/2014/03/14/kelis-serves-up-jerk-ribs-at-sxsw-food-truck/, Kelis Serves Up Jerk Ribs at SXSW Food Truck, Rap-Up, March 14, 2014, March 14, 2014, March 15, 2014,www.rap-up.com/2014/03/14/kelis-serves-up-jerk-ribs-at-sxsw-food-truck/," title="web.archive.org/web/20140315014746www.rap-up.com/2014/03/14/kelis-serves-up-jerk-ribs-at-sxsw-food-truck/,">web.archive.org/web/20140315014746www.rap-up.com/2014/03/14/kelis-serves-up-jerk-ribs-at-sxsw-food-truck/, live, On March 13, 2014, a drunk driver, Rashad Charjuan Owens, drove his car into a crowd of festival attendees while trying to evade a traffic stop.NEWS, Man who drove car into SXSW festival was wannabe rapper with six kids,www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2014/03/14/man-who-drove-car-into-swsx-festival-was-wannabe-rapper-with-six-kids/?tid=pm_national_pop, Washington Post, Lindsey, Bever, March 14, 2014, September 14, 2017, July 22, 2017,web.archive.org/web/20170722010432/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2014/03/14/man-who-drove-car-into-swsx-festival-was-wannabe-rapper-with-six-kids/?tid=pm_national_pop, live, Two people were killed immediately, another two died later from their injuries and another 21 were injured but survived.NEWS, 4th Person Dies After SXSW Car Crash,www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/27/sxsw-crash-death_n_5044750.html, Huffington Post, March 27, 2014, March 29, 2014, March 29, 2014,www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/27/sxsw-crash-death_n_5044750.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20140329050555www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/27/sxsw-crash-death_n_5044750.html,">web.archive.org/web/20140329050555www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/27/sxsw-crash-death_n_5044750.html, live, Owens was convicted of capital murder charges after a November 2015 trial in which eyewitnesses testified that about “a chaotic and harrowing scene” on the night, as hundreds of people ran and screamed as the car sped through crowds of people.Philip Jankowski & Jazmine Ulloa, Rashad Owens guilty of capital murder in deadly SXSW crash {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312135350www.statesman.com/news/news/crime-law/three-new-pieces-of-evidence-in-the-rashad-owens-c/npHXR/ |date=March 12, 2016 }}, Austin American-Statesman (November 6, 2016).Philip Jankowski & Jazmine Ulloa, Sixteen people, most eyewitnesses, testify in Rashad Owens trial {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312133219www.statesman.com/news/news/crime-law/follow-the-capital-murder-trial-of-sxsw-crash-susp/npDh4/ |date=March 12, 2016 }}, Austin American-Statesman (November 2, 2016). Owens was given an automatic sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.Ralph Ellis, Man who plowed car into SXSW festival crowd given life sentence {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305093007www.cnn.com/2015/11/06/us/texas-sxsw-crash/ |date=March 5, 2016 }}, CNN (November 6, 2015).On March 15, 2014, rapper Tyler, the Creator was arrested on misdemeanor charges of “inciting to riot” after yelling to fans to push their way past security guards at a sold-out show the previous day.NEWS, Rapper Tyler, The Creator arrested at South By Southwest,www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2014/03/16/rapper-tyler-creator-arrested-at-south-by-southwest/, Associated Press, March 16, 2014, March 16, 2014, March 6, 2016,www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2014/03/16/rapper-tyler-creator-arrested-at-south-by-southwest/," title="web.archive.org/web/20160306013346www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2014/03/16/rapper-tyler-creator-arrested-at-south-by-southwest/,">web.archive.org/web/20160306013346www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2014/03/16/rapper-tyler-creator-arrested-at-south-by-southwest/, live, In February 2016, the riot charges were dropped against Tyler, The Creator pursuant to a plea agreement with prosecutors (under which the rapper pleaded guilty to the lesser offense of disorderly conduct and paid a $100 fine, with the case to be dismissed if he stays out of trouble for three months).Jazmine Ulloa, As rapper’s riot charge is dropped, legal experts question arrest {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312132215www.mystatesman.com/news/news/crime-law/prosecutors-drop-riot-charge-against-rapper-tyler-/nqRYL/ |date=March 12, 2016 }}, Austin American-Statesman (February 17, 2016). His mugshot later gained notoriety as an internet meme.

2015

File:Crayon Pop filming at SXSW Austin Texas 2015 --2.jpg|thumb|Crayon Pop filming “Can’t Stop Crayon Pop” for Funny or Die before K-Pop Night Out at SXSWK-Pop Night Out at SXSWSXSW 2015 took place from March 13 to 22.SXSW Film screened 145 feature films, an all-time high for the festival.NEWS, SXSW 2015 film lineup adds mainstream appeal,www.theguardian.com/film/2015/feb/03/sxsw-2015-film-lineup-mainstream-appeal, February 6, 2015, February 3, 2015, February 6, 2015,www.theguardian.com/film/2015/feb/03/sxsw-2015-film-lineup-mainstream-appeal," title="web.archive.org/web/20150206081906www.theguardian.com/film/2015/feb/03/sxsw-2015-film-lineup-mainstream-appeal,">web.archive.org/web/20150206081906www.theguardian.com/film/2015/feb/03/sxsw-2015-film-lineup-mainstream-appeal, live, The big-budget films Furious 7 (which was a last-minute addition to the lineup),MAGAZINE, Setoodeh, Ramin,variety.com/2015/film/news/furious-7-premieres-at-sxsw-to-cheers-for-paul-walker-1201453405/, ‘Furious 7’ Premieres at SXSW to Cheers for Paul Walker, Variety, March 16, 2015, August 13, 2015, December 4, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20201204003346/https://variety.com/2015/film/news/furious-7-premieres-at-sxsw-to-cheers-for-paul-walker-1201453405/, live, Get Hard, Spy, a rough cut of Trainwreck, Moonwalkers and The Final GirlsWEB,consequence.net/2015/03/10-most-anticipated-films-at-sxsw-2015/full-post/, 10 Most Anticipated Films at SXSW 2015, Consequence of Sound, March 9, 2015, January 17, 2023, January 17, 2023,web.archive.org/web/20230117204632/https://consequence.net/2015/03/10-most-anticipated-films-at-sxsw-2015/full-post/, live, had their world premieres, as did the documentaries Danny Says,WEB,schedule.sxsw.com/2015/events/event_FS18314, Danny Says – SXSW 2015 Event Schedule, SXSW Schedule 2015, February 2, 2016, September 5, 2015,schedule.sxsw.com/2015/events/event_FS18314," title="web.archive.org/web/20150905081248schedule.sxsw.com/2015/events/event_FS18314,">web.archive.org/web/20150905081248schedule.sxsw.com/2015/events/event_FS18314, live, (Steve Jobs: The Man in the Machine) and (Brand: A Second Coming).NEWS, SXSW Premieres Include Judd Apatow’s ‘Trainwreck,’ Melissa McCarthy in ‘Spy’,www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/sxsw-premieres-include-judd-apatows-769769, The Hollywood Reporter, Seth, Abramovitch, February 3, 2015, February 20, 2020, May 19, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200519001437/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/sxsw-premieres-include-judd-apatows-769769, live, Ex Machina had its North American premiere. 6 Years, Manson Family Vacation and Steve Jobs: The Man in the Machine all got distribution deals at the festival.NEWS, SXSW 2015: Films That Were the Talk of the Festival,artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/03/19/sxsw-2015-films-that-were-the-talk-of-the-festival/, The New York Times, Mekado, Murphy, March 19, 2015, April 8, 2015, September 8, 2015,artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/03/19/sxsw-2015-films-that-were-the-talk-of-the-festival/," title="web.archive.org/web/20150908174447artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/03/19/sxsw-2015-films-that-were-the-talk-of-the-festival/,">web.archive.org/web/20150908174447artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/03/19/sxsw-2015-films-that-were-the-talk-of-the-festival/, live, The 2015 festival hosted the swearing-in ceremony of Michelle K. Lee as the new head of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker administered the oath of office to Lee at the festival on Friday, March 13.NEWS, Schwartz, Eric Hal, New Patent Office Director Sworn In by Commerce Secretary at SXSW,dcinno.streetwise.co/2015/03/13/new-us-patent-chief-sworn-in-at-sxsw/, March 16, 2015, DCInno, Streetwise Media, March 13, 2015, April 2, 2015,dcinno.streetwise.co/2015/03/13/new-us-patent-chief-sworn-in-at-sxsw/," title="web.archive.org/web/20150402135846dcinno.streetwise.co/2015/03/13/new-us-patent-chief-sworn-in-at-sxsw/,">web.archive.org/web/20150402135846dcinno.streetwise.co/2015/03/13/new-us-patent-chief-sworn-in-at-sxsw/, live, Various sources called Meerkat, an iOS app that had launched two weeks earlier that lets users livestream video via Twitter, the breakout technology of SXSW Interactive.NEWS, Flying cars, tracking chips: The near future, from SXSW,www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2015/03/18/sxsw-flying-cars-tracking-chips-wearables-meerkat/24926781/, USA Today, Jefferson, Graham, March 18, 2015, September 14, 2017, July 11, 2017,web.archive.org/web/20170711234834/https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2015/03/18/sxsw-flying-cars-tracking-chips-wearables-meerkat/24926781/, live, WEB, SXSW 2015: 5 Standout Moments in Technology,abcnews.go.com/Technology/sxsw-2015-standout-moments-technology/story?id=29722900, ABC News, Alyssa, Newcomb, March 18, 2015, April 16, 2020, May 27, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200527151238/https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/sxsw-2015-standout-moments-technology/story?id=29722900, live, Another product that got significant buzz was a prototype of the roadable aircraft AeroMobil.

2016

SXSW 2016 began on March 11 and ended on March 20.WEB,www.sxsw.com/schedule, Schedule, SXSW.com, March 13, 2016, March 14, 2016,www.sxsw.com/schedule," title="web.archive.org/web/20160314052741www.sxsw.com/schedule,">web.archive.org/web/20160314052741www.sxsw.com/schedule, live, On March 11, President Barack Obama gave a speech at SXSW Interactive in which he called on the technology industry to help solve many of America’s problems, such as upgrading outdated networks, helping balance security and privacy, and the FBI–Apple encryption dispute.WEB,www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2016/03/11/obama-tech-sxsw-apple-fbi/81628850/, Obama calls on tech industry at SXSW to help solve nation’s problems, USA Today, March 11, 2016, March 13, 2016, Jervis, Rick, March 13, 2016,www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2016/03/11/obama-tech-sxsw-apple-fbi/81628850/," title="web.archive.org/web/20160313102220www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2016/03/11/obama-tech-sxsw-apple-fbi/81628850/,">web.archive.org/web/20160313102220www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2016/03/11/obama-tech-sxsw-apple-fbi/81628850/, live, Films that premiered at SXSW Film include Everybody Wants Some!!, Keanu, Sausage Party, Pee-wee’s Big Holiday and Don’t Think Twice.MAGAZINE, The 16 Buzziest Movies at SXSW Film Festival,variety.com/2016/film/news/sxsw-buzziest-movies-2016-festival-1201728130/, Variety, Setoodeh, Ramin, Chang, Justin, Leydon, Joe, Barker, Andrew, March 11, 2016, December 9, 2017, March 11, 2018,variety.com/2016/film/news/sxsw-buzziest-movies-2016-festival-1201728130/," title="web.archive.org/web/20180311214748variety.com/2016/film/news/sxsw-buzziest-movies-2016-festival-1201728130/,">web.archive.org/web/20180311214748variety.com/2016/film/news/sxsw-buzziest-movies-2016-festival-1201728130/, live, On the night of March 20, gunshots rang out on 6th Street causing mass hysteria and panic. No injuries were reported and a man from Memphis was arrested with discharging a firearm and disturbing the peace.{{citation needed|date=March 2019}}

2017

Films that premiered at SXSW Film include Song to Song, Baby Driver, Atomic Blonde, Gemini,MAGAZINE, SXSW: Ryan Gosling, Charlize Theron Take Austin for ‘Song to Song,’ ‘Atomic Blonde’ Premieres,www.hollywoodreporter.com/gallery/sxsw-2017-movie-tv-premieres-gallery-song-song-baby-driver-atomic-blonde-american-gods-985632/1-song-to-song, Hollywood Reporter, March 14, 2017, February 20, 2020, August 4, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200804235229/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/gallery/sxsw-2017-movie-tv-premieres-gallery-song-song-baby-driver-atomic-blonde-american-gods-985632/1-song-to-song, live, The Ballad of Lefty Brown. Spettacolo and The Disaster Artist.MAGAZINE, James Franco’s ‘The Disaster Artist’ to Premiere at SXSW,variety.com/2017/film/festivals/james-franco-the-disaster-artist-premiering-at-sxsw-1201979745/, Dave, McNary, Variety, February 7, 2017, December 9, 2017, March 15, 2017,variety.com/2017/film/festivals/james-franco-the-disaster-artist-premiering-at-sxsw-1201979745/," title="web.archive.org/web/20170315174350variety.com/2017/film/festivals/james-franco-the-disaster-artist-premiering-at-sxsw-1201979745/,">web.archive.org/web/20170315174350variety.com/2017/film/festivals/james-franco-the-disaster-artist-premiering-at-sxsw-1201979745/, live, Television series that previewed include The Son, Dear White People and American Gods. To promote the Hulu original series The Handmaid’s Tale, dozens of actresses silently walked the streets of downtown Austin costumed in red “handmaid” dresses.NEWS,adage.com/article/special-report-sxsw/sxsw-hulu-make-a-political-statement-handmaids-tale/308253/, SXSW: Hulu Says It’s Not Making a Political Statement With ‘Handmaids Tale’, July 22, 2017, en, August 21, 2017,adage.com/article/special-report-sxsw/sxsw-hulu-make-a-political-statement-handmaids-tale/308253/," title="web.archive.org/web/20170821212606adage.com/article/special-report-sxsw/sxsw-hulu-make-a-political-statement-handmaids-tale/308253/,">web.archive.org/web/20170821212606adage.com/article/special-report-sxsw/sxsw-hulu-make-a-political-statement-handmaids-tale/308253/, live, To promote the third season of the AMC original series Better Call Saul (a spin-off prequel of Breaking Bad), a pop-up “Los Pollos Hermanos” restaurant, representing the fictional fast food chain featured in both series, appeared in downtown Austin.WEB,www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2017/03/10/sxsw-insider-why-the-los-pollos-hermanos-pop-up.html, SXSW Insider: Why the Los Pollos Hermanos pop-up came to Austin, Anderson, Will, March 10, 2017, www.bizjournals.com, August 22, 2017, August 22, 2017,web.archive.org/web/20170822221720/https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2017/03/10/sxsw-insider-why-the-los-pollos-hermanos-pop-up.html, live, NEWS,www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/have-a-look-inside-amcs-perfect-replica-of-breaking-bads-los-pollos-hermanos-at-sxsw/, Have a Look Inside AMC’s Perfect Replica of Breaking Bad’s Los Pollos Hermanos at SXSW, Maskeroni, Alfred, March 10, 2017, Adweek, August 22, 2017, en, August 22, 2017,www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/have-a-look-inside-amcs-perfect-replica-of-breaking-bads-los-pollos-hermanos-at-sxsw/," title="web.archive.org/web/20170822224846www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/have-a-look-inside-amcs-perfect-replica-of-breaking-bads-los-pollos-hermanos-at-sxsw/,">web.archive.org/web/20170822224846www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/have-a-look-inside-amcs-perfect-replica-of-breaking-bads-los-pollos-hermanos-at-sxsw/, live, Guest speakers included former mayor of Newark, NJ and current Senator Cory Booker (D-New Jersey),WEB,money.cnn.com/2017/03/10/technology/sxsw-cory-booker/index.html, Cory Booker: We need to love each other, O’Brien, Sara Ashley, March 10, 2017, CNNMoney, July 22, 2017, August 21, 2017,money.cnn.com/2017/03/10/technology/sxsw-cory-booker/index.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20170821171400money.cnn.com/2017/03/10/technology/sxsw-cory-booker/index.html,">web.archive.org/web/20170821171400money.cnn.com/2017/03/10/technology/sxsw-cory-booker/index.html, live, political activist and commentator Van JonesNEWS,www.austinchronicle.com/daily/screens/2017-03-11/sxsw-panel-the-messy-truth-with-van-jones/, SXSW Panel: The Messy Truth With Van Jones, July 22, 2017, en, August 21, 2017,web.archive.org/web/20170821171243/https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/screens/2017-03-11/sxsw-panel-the-messy-truth-with-van-jones/, live, and former Vice President Joe Biden,NEWS,www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-joe-biden-cancer-sxsw-trump-2017-story.html, Joe Biden calls for SXSW tech innovators to join ‘the only bipartisan thing left in America’, March 12, 2017, Los Angeles Times, July 22, 2017, en, 0458-3035, July 21, 2017,www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-joe-biden-cancer-sxsw-trump-2017-story.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20170721204854www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-joe-biden-cancer-sxsw-trump-2017-story.html,">web.archive.org/web/20170721204854www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-joe-biden-cancer-sxsw-trump-2017-story.html, live, who spoke about his cancer research initiative. Nile Rodgers gave the keynote address for the music portion of the festival,MAGAZINE,www.billboard.com/articles/events/sxsw/7727781/sxsw-nile-rodgers-keynote-address, Nile Rodgers Talks Making Hits & Not Being a Music Snob During SXSW Keynote Address, Billboard, July 22, 2017, July 18, 2017,www.billboard.com/articles/events/sxsw/7727781/sxsw-nile-rodgers-keynote-address," title="web.archive.org/web/20170718220151www.billboard.com/articles/events/sxsw/7727781/sxsw-nile-rodgers-keynote-address,">web.archive.org/web/20170718220151www.billboard.com/articles/events/sxsw/7727781/sxsw-nile-rodgers-keynote-address, live, while filmmakers Gareth EdwardsNEWS,variety.com/2017/film/news/gareth-edwards-rogue-one-sxsw-1202007727/, SXSW: Gareth Edwards Explains How a Starbucks Cup Influenced ‘Rogue One’, Valentini, Valentina I., March 13, 2017, Variety, July 22, 2017, en, August 21, 2017,variety.com/2017/film/news/gareth-edwards-rogue-one-sxsw-1202007727/," title="web.archive.org/web/20170821172342variety.com/2017/film/news/gareth-edwards-rogue-one-sxsw-1202007727/,">web.archive.org/web/20170821172342variety.com/2017/film/news/gareth-edwards-rogue-one-sxsw-1202007727/, live, and Lee DanielsNEWS,www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/sxsw-lee-daniels-explains-why-trump-will-be-good-hollywood-details-childhood-ghetto-985428, SXSW: Lee Daniels Explains Why Trump Will Be Good for Hollywood, Details Childhood in “the Ghetto”, The Hollywood Reporter, July 22, 2017, en, August 21, 2017,www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/sxsw-lee-daniels-explains-why-trump-will-be-good-hollywood-details-childhood-ghetto-985428," title="web.archive.org/web/20170821171620www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/sxsw-lee-daniels-explains-why-trump-will-be-good-hollywood-details-childhood-ghetto-985428,">web.archive.org/web/20170821171620www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/sxsw-lee-daniels-explains-why-trump-will-be-good-hollywood-details-childhood-ghetto-985428, live, gave the keynote presentations for the film portion.Major companies and brands which exhibited at SXSW (many with standalone “brand activation” pavilions) included IBM, Intel, Panasonic, Nintendo, GE, Giorgio Armani, Mazda and National Geographic.Major performers during the music component of the festival included Garth Brooks, Lana Del Rey, Lil Yachty, The Roots, The Avett Brothers, Willie Nelson, Solange Knowles, Rae Sremmurd, Cardiel, Migos, and The Chainsmokers, among others.En route to SXSW 2017, Italian post-punk band Soviet Soviet, traveling on the Visa Waiver Program, was denied entry to the United States, detained overnight and deported after an immigration officer at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport claimed they were planning on conducting a paid performance, which would have required a work visa. The band presented a letter from their American record label stating that both their performances at KEXP (which was what had brought the band to Seattle) and at SXSW were for promotional purposes only, but this failed to convince officials at the airport.WEB, Tsioulcas, Anastasia, Italian Band Soviet Soviet Denied Entry To The U.S., Jailed And Then Deported,www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2017/03/10/519707931/italian-band-soviet-soviet-denied-entry-to-the-u-s-jailed-and-then-deported, NPR, March 13, 2017, March 12, 2017,www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2017/03/10/519707931/italian-band-soviet-soviet-denied-entry-to-the-u-s-jailed-and-then-deported," title="web.archive.org/web/20170312222348www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2017/03/10/519707931/italian-band-soviet-soviet-denied-entry-to-the-u-s-jailed-and-then-deported,">web.archive.org/web/20170312222348www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2017/03/10/519707931/italian-band-soviet-soviet-denied-entry-to-the-u-s-jailed-and-then-deported, live, There was a “Contrabanned” showcase on March 17, featuring various artists and musicians (residents of the U.S. and Canada) who are natives of, or have family connections to, countries affected by the 2017 U.S. travel ban.NEWS,www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/music/ct-sxsw-contrabanned-showcase-20170318-column.html, SXSW: Artists representing Muslim-majority countries band together, Kot, Greg, chicagotribune.com, August 22, 2017, en, August 22, 2017,www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/music/ct-sxsw-contrabanned-showcase-20170318-column.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20170822220720www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/music/ct-sxsw-contrabanned-showcase-20170318-column.html,">web.archive.org/web/20170822220720www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/music/ct-sxsw-contrabanned-showcase-20170318-column.html, live, WEB,www.npr.org/2017/03/19/520752751/faarrow-joins-south-by-southwest-bands-in-drawing-attention-to-travel-ban, FAARROW Joins SXSW Bands In Drawing Attention To Travel Ban, NPR.org, August 22, 2017, August 22, 2017,www.npr.org/2017/03/19/520752751/faarrow-joins-south-by-southwest-bands-in-drawing-attention-to-travel-ban," title="web.archive.org/web/20170822221243www.npr.org/2017/03/19/520752751/faarrow-joins-south-by-southwest-bands-in-drawing-attention-to-travel-ban,">web.archive.org/web/20170822221243www.npr.org/2017/03/19/520752751/faarrow-joins-south-by-southwest-bands-in-drawing-attention-to-travel-ban, live, Uber and Lyft were not available to attendees because they had pulled out of Austin in May 2016 as a result of a city ordinance mandating fingerprint-based background checks for drivers of any ridesharing company.NEWS,www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2016/05/07/uber-lyft-defeated-in-prop-1-referendum.html, Uber, Lyft defeated in Prop. 1 referendum, Theis, Michael, American City Business Journals, May 7, 2016, August 22, 2017, August 22, 2017,web.archive.org/web/20170822215626/https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2016/05/07/uber-lyft-defeated-in-prop-1-referendum.html, live, However, other services such as (locally based) RideAustin, Fasten and Fare, were available, although in high demand. Uber and Lyft resumed service in Austin in May 2017.NEWS,www.economist.com/blogs/gulliver/2017/05/not-missed, An inglorious return to Austin for Uber and Lyft, The Economist, May 26, 2017, February 11, 2018, February 12, 2018,web.archive.org/web/20180212083343/https://www.economist.com/blogs/gulliver/2017/05/not-missed, live,

2018

File:(L to R) IGN’s Laura Prudom, Dan Jurgens, Jim Lee, Frank Miller, Brian Michael Bendis at SXSW 2018.jpg|alt=The panel seated in director’s chairs|thumb|IGN’s Laura Prudom (far left) hosts a panel at 2018’s South by Southwest convention discussing Superman’s eightieth anniversary and the release of Action Comics #1000, with (left to right): Dan Jurgens, Jim Lee, Frank Miller, and Brian Michael BendisBrian Michael BendisSXSW 2018 ran from March 9 to 18.Finalists of the 2018 SXSW Accelerator Pitch Event included Cambridge Cancer Genomics and Bluefield Technologies.WEB,www.sxsw.com/interactive/2018/50-startup-finalists-announced-for-2018-sxsw-accelerator-pitch-event/, SXSW 2018, January 16, 2018, www.sxsw.com, January 16, 2018, January 16, 2018,web.archive.org/web/20180116214256/https://www.sxsw.com/interactive/2018/50-startup-finalists-announced-for-2018-sxsw-accelerator-pitch-event/, live, Two winners of the event were Austin-based: GrubTubs (in the Hyper-Connected Communities category) and ICON 3D (in the Social and Culture category).NEWS,www.512tech.com/technology/two-austin-startups-win-big-sxsw-accelerator-pitch-event/OBntFCMxvqyf4wwYgmqegM/, Two Austin startups win big at SXSW Accelerator pitch event, 512 tech (Austin American-Statesman), March 18, 2018, March 19, 2018,web.archive.org/web/20180319084907/https://www.512tech.com/technology/two-austin-startups-win-big-sxsw-accelerator-pitch-event/OBntFCMxvqyf4wwYgmqegM/, live, Guest speakers included politicians Bernie Sanders, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sadiq Khan; journalists Christiane Amanpour and Ta-Nehisi Coates; filmmakers Barry Jenkins, Darren Aronofsky and Steven Spielberg; and others including Elon Musk and David Banner. Actor and comedian Bill Murray appeared at several unofficial functions during SXSW.Major performers during SXSW Music included Tinashe, Rae Sremmurd, Rita Coolidge, Salt-N-Pepa and Khalid. There was an apparent increased emphasis on locally based performers, international acts and relative unknowns.WEB, Bagot, Hayden, Announcing 200+ Showcasing Artists for the 2018 SXSW Music Festival,www.sxsw.com/music/2017/2018-music-festival-artist-announcement-round-one/, SXSW, July 10, 2019, October 11, 2017, July 10, 2019,web.archive.org/web/20190710052648/https://www.sxsw.com/music/2017/2018-music-festival-artist-announcement-round-one/, live, New games announced during the 2018 SXSW Gaming Expo included Sonic Mania Plus.NEWS,www.bleedingcool.com/2018/03/16/sonic-mania-plus-announced-at-sxsw-with-physical-edition-and-new-characters/, Sonic Mania Plus Announced at SXSW with Physical Edition and New Characters, March 16, 2018, Bleeding Cool News And Rumors, March 17, 2018, en-US, March 17, 2018,web.archive.org/web/20180317232854/https://www.bleedingcool.com/2018/03/16/sonic-mania-plus-announced-at-sxsw-with-physical-edition-and-new-characters/, live, At the SXSW Gaming Awards (held March 17), the award for Game of the Year went to (The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild).NEWS,www.512tech.com/technology/pubg-and-legend-zelda-take-top-prizes-2018-sxsw-gaming-awards/aP9g20knujXrF5T2CfxcbJ/, ‘Legend of Zelda’ and ‘PUBG’ top winners at SXSW Gaming Awards, 512tech (Austin American-Statesman), March 18, 2018, March 19, 2018,web.archive.org/web/20180319004218/https://www.512tech.com/technology/pubg-and-legend-zelda-take-top-prizes-2018-sxsw-gaming-awards/aP9g20knujXrF5T2CfxcbJ/, dead, Films that premiered at the 2018 South By Southwest Film Festival include A Quiet Place, Blockers, Ready Player One and the documentary feature and winner of a Special Jury Prize, Garry Winogrand: All Things Are Photographable.MAGAZINE, SXSW Unveils 2018 Festival Lineup, With John Krasinski’s ‘A Quiet Place’ Opening-Night Film,deadline.com/2018/01/sxsw-2018-south-by-southwest-features-lineup-john-krasinksi-a-quiet-place-1202274955/, Deadline, Dino-Ray, Ramos, January 31, 2018, February 20, 2020, August 7, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200807071736/https://deadline.com/2018/01/sxsw-2018-south-by-southwest-features-lineup-john-krasinksi-a-quiet-place-1202274955/, live, Films that had their U.S. premiere include Final Portrait and Who We Are Now. The film Thunder Road won the grand jury prize. TV series that previewed include Barry, Krypton, The Last O.G. and Cloak & Dagger.WEB, Marvel’s ‘Cloak & Dagger’ holds watch party at SXSW,www.kvue.com/article/life/events/sxsw/marvels-cloak-dagger-holds-watch-party-at-sxsw/269-527699516, KVUE, Knight, Drew, Yeates, Daysi, March 11, 2018, March 14, 2018, March 14, 2018,www.kvue.com/article/life/events/sxsw/marvels-cloak-dagger-holds-watch-party-at-sxsw/269-527699516," title="web.archive.org/web/20180314174124www.kvue.com/article/life/events/sxsw/marvels-cloak-dagger-holds-watch-party-at-sxsw/269-527699516,">web.archive.org/web/20180314174124www.kvue.com/article/life/events/sxsw/marvels-cloak-dagger-holds-watch-party-at-sxsw/269-527699516, live, To promote the second season of the HBO series Westworld, a recreation of the show’s fictional Western “town” of Sweetwater was built on two acres of open land just outside Austin. Fans took shuttles to the site, which was dressed in the Old West style, with over 60 actors playing the parts of the android “hosts”.NEWS,www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/inside-hbo-and-giant-spoons-massive-immersive-westworld-activation-at-sxsw/, Inside HBO and Giant Spoon’s Massive Immersive Westworld Activation at SXSW, March 11, 2018, en-US, December 8, 2018,web.archive.org/web/20181208160310/https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/inside-hbo-and-giant-spoons-massive-immersive-westworld-activation-at-sxsw/, live, NEWS,www.cnet.com/news/hbo-brings-westworld-to-sxsw/, ‘Westworld’s gritty western fantasy comes to life at SXSW, March 9, 2018, CNET, March 11, 2018, en, June 24, 2018,web.archive.org/web/20180624175134/https://www.cnet.com/news/hbo-brings-westworld-to-sxsw/, live, SXSW 2018 coincided with a string of bombings in Austin, which had begun on March 2 and ended on March 21, when the presumed perpetrator, Mark Anthony Conditt, blew himself up after being discovered by police.NEWS,www.statesman.com/news/crime--law/the-suspect-family-mark-conditt-grieving-and-shock/CQUCcXNJ9nb2iFs8sSq0pK/, THE SUSPECT: Family of Mark A. Conditt ‘grieving’ and ‘in shock’, Austin American-Statesman, March 22, 2018,web.archive.org/web/20180322214622/https://www.statesman.com/news/crime--law/the-suspect-family-mark-conditt-grieving-and-shock/CQUCcXNJ9nb2iFs8sSq0pK/, March 22, 2018, dead, Two of the bombings occurred during SXSW. On March 17, Live Nation Music, a company organizing events for SXSW, received a bomb threat via email. Police searched the area mentioned in the email and found nothing of concern, but planned performances by The Roots and Ludacris, among others, were canceled.NEWS,variety.com/2018/music/news/the-roots-sxsw-concert-cancelled-due-to-security-concern-1202729636/, The Roots’ SXSW Concert Canceled Due to ‘Security Concern’, March 18, 2018, Variety, March 22, 2018, en-US, March 22, 2018,variety.com/2018/music/news/the-roots-sxsw-concert-cancelled-due-to-security-concern-1202729636/," title="web.archive.org/web/20180322094100variety.com/2018/music/news/the-roots-sxsw-concert-cancelled-due-to-security-concern-1202729636/,">web.archive.org/web/20180322094100variety.com/2018/music/news/the-roots-sxsw-concert-cancelled-due-to-security-concern-1202729636/, live, NEWS,www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2018/03/18/594776934/man-arrested-for-bomb-threat-at-sxsw-festival-in-austin-texas, Austin Police Warn People To Avoid Packages After 4th Explosion Injures 2, NPR.org, March 22, 2018, en, March 22, 2018,web.archive.org/web/20180322043222/https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2018/03/18/594776934/man-arrested-for-bomb-threat-at-sxsw-festival-in-austin-texas, live, Police arrested 26-year-old Trevor Weldon Ingram the next day; Ingram was charged with making a terroristic threat, a third-degree felony, in connection with the email.NEWS,www.cbsnews.com/news/trevor-weldon-ingram-arrested-for-austin-sxsw-bomb-threat/, Man arrested for bomb threat that shut down Roots concert at South by Southwest in Austin, March 18, 2018, CBS News, March 22, 2018, en, March 19, 2018,web.archive.org/web/20180319213743/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trevor-weldon-ingram-arrested-for-austin-sxsw-bomb-threat/, live,

2019

(File:SXSW2019 (32385606837).jpg|thumb|right|A logo used for the 2019 event)South by Southwest 2019 ran from March 8 to 17.Films entered at SXSW Film included Us, The Beach Bum, Long Shot, Booksmart and The Highwaymen.MAGAZINE, ‘The Beach Bum,’ ‘Us,’ Johnny Cash Doc Lead 2019 SXSW Film Festival,www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-news/the-beach-bum-us-johnny-cash-doc-2019-sxsw-film-festival-780147/, January 16, 2019, Daniel, Kreps, Rolling Stone, March 7, 2019, March 7, 2019,web.archive.org/web/20190307112342/https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-news/the-beach-bum-us-johnny-cash-doc-2019-sxsw-film-festival-780147/, live, TV series that previewed included FX’s What We Do in the Shadows, Hulu’s Shrill and OWN’s David Makes Man.At the SXSW Gaming Awards (held March 16), the award for Game of the Year went to God of War.WEB,www.austin360.com/news/20190317/god-of-war-takes-top-honor-at-sxsw-gaming-awards, ‘God of War’ takes top honor at SXSW Gaming Awards, Gonzales, Chloe, March 17, 2019, Austin 360, en, March 18, 2019, August 7, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200807202610/https://www.austin360.com/news/20190317/god-of-war-takes-top-honor-at-sxsw-gaming-awards, live, Major performers for SXSW Music included Edie Brickell & New Bohemians (their first-ever appearance at SXSW).MAGAZINE,www.billboard.com/articles/events/sxsw/8502481/edie-brickell-new-bohemians-first-sxsw-set, Edie Brickell & New Bohemians Play Tight, Career-Spanning Set at SXSW, Graff, Gary, March 14, 2019, Billboard, March 15, 2019, March 15, 2019,web.archive.org/web/20190315121929/https://www.billboard.com/articles/events/sxsw/8502481/edie-brickell-new-bohemians-first-sxsw-set, live, Winners of the 2019 SXSW Pitch event, in which emerging startups pitch to potential investors, included Derq, Pathway and ENZO Tyres. The “Best In Show” winner was Nebula Genomics;WEB,www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/11/15/667946213/startup-offers-to-sequence-your-genome-free-of-charge-then-let-you-profit-from-i, Startup Offers To Sequence Your Genome Free Of Charge, Then Let You Profit From It, Harris, Richard, November 15, 2018, NPR.org, en, 2019-03-15, March 15, 2019,web.archive.org/web/20190315090542/https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/11/15/667946213/startup-offers-to-sequence-your-genome-free-of-charge-then-let-you-profit-from-i, live, the “Best Bootstrap” award went to TwentyTables and the “Best Speed Pitch” went to Xplosion Tech.WEB,www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sxsw-announces-2019-winners-of-11th-annual-pitch-event-300809776.html, SXSW Announces 2019 Winners of 11th Annual Pitch Event, March 11, 2019, PR Newswire, en, March 15, 2019, March 31, 2019,web.archive.org/web/20190331223031/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sxsw-announces-2019-winners-of-11th-annual-pitch-event-300809776.html, live, Some of the first forums of the 2020 presidential race took place at SXSW, with Democratic presidential candidates Pete Buttigieg, Julian Castro, John Delaney, Tulsi Gabbard, John Hickenlooper, Jay Inslee, Amy Klobuchar, Beto O’Rourke, Elizabeth Warren and Andrew Yang all making appearances at the festival (though some had not yet announced their candidacy at the time).NEWS,apnews.com/united-states-presidential-election-784d94d3ce68439581db6b6ebc4d0c0c, 2020 Democrats flock to trendy SXSW festival in Texas, Weber, Paul J., AP News, March 9, 2019, en-US, live,web.archive.org/web/20240221195003/https://apnews.com/united-states-presidential-election-784d94d3ce68439581db6b6ebc4d0c0c, Feb 21, 2024, NEWS, Democratic Candidates Target Tech Giants, Who Are Major Party Donors,www.npr.org/2019/03/11/702102576/democratic-candidates-target-tech-giants-who-are-major-party-donors, Aarti, Shahani, March 11, 2019, NPR, March 11, 2019, March 12, 2019,web.archive.org/web/20190312040843/https://www.npr.org/2019/03/11/702102576/democratic-candidates-target-tech-giants-who-are-major-party-donors, live, WEB,www.freep.com/story/news/nation/2019/03/07/sxsw-austin-politics-president-2020-race-candidates-trump/3050647002/, The new Iowa? 2020 presidential candidates descend on Austin for SXSW conference, Detroit Free Press, en, March 20, 2019, May 18, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200518020924/https://www.freep.com/story/news/nation/2019/03/07/sxsw-austin-politics-president-2020-race-candidates-trump/3050647002/, live, Other scheduled guest speakers included politicians Mazie Hirono and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez; musicians David Byrne and Wyclef Jean; actors and comedians Aidy Bryant, Kathy Griffin, Ethan Hawke, Trevor Noah and Zoe Saldana; businesspeople Tim Ferriss, Jeffrey Katzenberg and Guy Kawasaki; and others including Priscilla Chan, Neil Gaiman, Valerie Jarrett, Michael Mignano, Bill Nye, Dawn Ostroff, Robert Rodriguez and Maria Shriver.To promote the final season of Game of Thrones, HBO organized a blood drive with the American Red Cross titled “Bleed for the Throne” which included actors in costumes similar to those on the series.NEWS,www.adweek.com/digital/snap-and-hbo-use-ar-at-game-of-thrones-sxsw-experience/, Snap and HBO Use AR at Game of Thrones SXSW Experience, Swant, Marty, March 7, 2019, Adweek, March 8, 2019, en-US, April 20, 2023,web.archive.org/web/20230420210002/https://www.adweek.com/, live, WEB,www.texasmonthly.com/the-culture/at-sxsw-hbo-and-amazon-go-over-the-top-on-immersive-experiences/, At SXSW, HBO and Amazon Go Over-the-Top on “Immersive Experiences”, Solomon, Dan, March 8, 2019, Texas Monthly, en, March 10, 2019, August 7, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200807093748/https://www.texasmonthly.com/the-culture/at-sxsw-hbo-and-amazon-go-over-the-top-on-immersive-experiences/, live, To promote the Amazon Prime original limited series Good Omens, a brand activation experience called “Garden of Earthly Delights” was installed in downtown Austin.WEB,cbsaustin.com/news/local/amazon-prime-brings-a-garden-of-earthly-delights-to-sxsw, Amazon Prime brings a Garden of Earthly Delights to SXSW, Cross, Bettie, March 9, 2019, KEYE, March 10, 2019, May 15, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200515135257/https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/amazon-prime-brings-a-garden-of-earthly-delights-to-sxsw, live, WEB,deadline.com/2019/03/good-omens-sxsw-activation-amazon-prime-video-neil-gaiman-terry-pratchett-michael-cheen-david-tennant-1202572210/, ‘Good Omens’ Celebrates End Of Times With Elixirs, Manicures And Puppies At SXSW, Ramos, Dino-Ray, March 8, 2019, Deadline, en, March 10, 2019, August 7, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200807203929/https://deadline.com/2019/03/good-omens-sxsw-activation-amazon-prime-video-neil-gaiman-terry-pratchett-michael-cheen-david-tennant-1202572210/, live,

2020s

2020

South by Southwest 2020 was scheduled to run from March 13 to 22, but was officially canceled on March 6 due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Austin, Texas,WEB,www.buzzfeednews.com/article/ryanhatesthis/sxsw-canceled-coronavirus, SXSW 2020 Has Been Cancelled Following Coronavirus Fears, BuzzFeed News, March 6, 2020, March 6, 2020, April 8, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200408220705/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/ryanhatesthis/sxsw-canceled-coronavirus, live, the result of an order by the city of Austin.WEB,www.sxsw.com/2020-event-update/, City of Austin Cancels SXSW March Events, March 6, 2020, March 6, 2020, March 6, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200306220834/https://www.sxsw.com/2020-event-update/, live, The city’s Mayor Steve Adler announced the cancellation of the 2020 SXSW and also declared a local disaster area.WEB,www.nbcdfw.com/news/coronavirus/austin-considers-spring-festivals-sxsw-in-light-of-covid-19-spread/2325885/, Austin Cancels SXSW in Light of COVID-19 Spread, NBC DFW, March 6, 2020, July 30, 2021, live, April 20, 2021,web.archive.org/web/20210420175659/https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/coronavirus/austin-considers-spring-festivals-sxsw-in-light-of-covid-19-spread/2325885/, In the month prior to the conference, SXSW organizers had resisted calls to cancel the conference. On February 28, a spokesperson said:{{BlockquoteDATE=2020-02-28ACCESS-DATE=2020-02-28ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20200228040557/HTTPS://WWW.VOX.COM/RECODE/2020/2/27/21156676/CORONAVIRUS-FACEBOOK-F8-CANCELED-MAJOR-TECH-CONFERENCES-COVID-19, live, }}However, in the run up to the conference, numerous companies and organizations canceled their SXSW attendance, including Twitter-,WEB,cbsaustin.com/news/local/twitter-cancels-sxsw-appearance-over-coronavirus-concerns, Twitter CEO cancels SXSW appearance over coronavirus concerns, March 2, 2020, CBS Austin, March 2, 2020, March 2, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200302144707/https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/twitter-cancels-sxsw-appearance-over-coronavirus-concerns, live, WEB,blog.twitter.com/en_us/topics/company/2020/keeping-our-employees-and-partners-safe-during-coronavirus.html, Keeping our employees and partners safe during #coronavirus, March 1, 2020, Twitter, March 1, 2020, March 2, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200302004847/https://blog.twitter.com/en_us/topics/company/2020/keeping-our-employees-and-partners-safe-during-coronavirus.html, live, Facebook,WEB,www.theverge.com/2020/3/2/21162250/facebook-pulls-out-sxsw-conference-coronavirus-concerns, Facebook pulls out of the SXSW conference citing coronavirus concerns, March 2, 2020, The Verge, March 2, 2020, March 3, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200303010242/https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/2/21162250/facebook-pulls-out-sxsw-conference-coronavirus-concerns, live, Vevo,WEB,adage.com/article/digital/facebook-and-vevo-cancel-sxsw-plans-amid-coronavirus-fears/2241951, FACEBOOK AND VEVO CANCEL SXSW PLANS AMID CORONAVIRUS FEARS, March 2, 2020, Ad Age, March 2, 2020, March 3, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200303085844/https://adage.com/article/digital/facebook-and-vevo-cancel-sxsw-plans-amid-coronavirus-fears/2241951, live, Intel,WEB,www.kxan.com/news/coronavirus/facebook-intel-join-twitter-in-pulling-out-of-sxsw-over-coronavirus-fears/,web.archive.org/web/20200303145813/https://www.kxan.com/news/coronavirus/facebook-intel-join-twitter-in-pulling-out-of-sxsw-over-coronavirus-fears/, dead, March 3, 2020, Facebook, Intel join Twitter in pulling out of SXSW over coronavirus fears, March 3, 2020, KXAN, March 3, 2020, Mashable,WEB,twitter.com/mashable/status/1234878736832647172, We’ve decided to cancel the Mashable House and MashBash at SXSW, March 3, 2020, Twitter, March 3, 2020, March 3, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200303163430/https://twitter.com/mashable/status/1234878736832647172, live, Universal Music Group,MAGAZINE,www.billboard.com/articles/business/record-labels/9327781/record-labels-travel-coronavirus, Record Labels Restrict Travel Amid Escalating Coronavirus Threat, March 3, 2020, Billboard, March 3, 2020, March 4, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200304091858/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/record-labels/9327781/record-labels-travel-coronavirus, live, Amazon, Entertainment Weekly,WEB,deadline.com/2020/03/amazon-studios-sxsw-2020-cancellation-coronavirus-1202873881/, Amazon Studios Pulls Out Of Fest Over Coronavirus Concerns, March 3, 2020, Deadline, March 3, 2020, March 4, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200304095006/https://deadline.com/2020/03/amazon-studios-sxsw-2020-cancellation-coronavirus-1202873881/, live, TikTok,MAGAZINE,www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/tiktok-pulls-out-sxsw-amid-coronavirus-961657/, TikTok Is Pulling Out of SXSW Amid the Coronavirus Scare, March 3, 2020, Rolling Stone, March 3, 2020, March 4, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200304065127/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/tiktok-pulls-out-sxsw-amid-coronavirus-961657/, live, SAP,WEB,twitter.com/SAP/status/1235012712209567744, We have made the decision to cancel all SAP in-person events for the month of March 2020, March 4, 2020, Twitter, March 4, 2020, March 4, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200304012900/https://twitter.com/SAP/status/1235012712209567744, live, Netflix,WEB,variety.com/2020/tv/news/netflix-cancels-sxsw-2020-1203524545/, Netflix Cancels SXSW 2020 Screenings, Panels Amid Coronavirus Fears (Exclusive), Low, Elaine, March 5, 2020, Variety, en, March 5, 2020, March 8, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200308153452/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/netflix-cancels-sxsw-2020-1203524545/, live, Apple,WEB,variety.com/2020/digital/news/apple-cancels-sxsw-2020-coronavirus-1203524430/, Apple Pulls Out of SXSW 2020 Over Coronavirus Concerns, Spangler, Todd, March 5, 2020, Variety, en, March 5, 2020, March 5, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200305102941/https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/apple-cancels-sxsw-2020-coronavirus-1203524430/, live, Indeed,WEB,www.statesman.com/business/20200304/as-virus-concerns-swirl-austin-based-indeed-tells-employees-to-work-from-home,web.archive.org/web/20200305101441/https://www.statesman.com/business/20200304/as-virus-concerns-swirl-austin-based-indeed-tells-employees-to-work-from-home, dead, March 5, 2020, Austin-based Indeed tells employees to work from home, March 4, 2020, Statesman, en, March 4, 2020, WarnerMedia,WEB,www.kxan.com/news/sxsw/warnermedia-joins-list-of-companies-pulling-out-of-sxsw/,web.archive.org/web/20200306091637/https://www.kxan.com/news/sxsw/warnermedia-joins-list-of-companies-pulling-out-of-sxsw/, dead, March 6, 2020, WarnerMedia joins list of companies pulling out of SXSW, March 5, 2020, KXAN.com, en-US, March 5, 2020, The Washington Post,WEB,twitter.com/davejorgenson/status/1235200866715566080, The Post has cancelled all non-essential business travel, March 4, 2020, Twitter, en, March 4, 2020, March 4, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200304135214/https://twitter.com/davejorgenson/status/1235200866715566080, live, and IBM.WEB,www.statesman.com/business/20200304/ibm-to-skip-on-sxsw-after-issuing-travel-restrictions-due-to-coronavirus,web.archive.org/web/20200305101903/https://www.statesman.com/business/20200304/ibm-to-skip-on-sxsw-after-issuing-travel-restrictions-due-to-coronavirus, dead, March 5, 2020, IBM to skip on SXSW after issuing travel restrictions due to coronavirus, March 4, 2020, Statesman, en, March 4, 2020, Additionally, many individual attendees, headliners and speakers had decided not to attend, including keynote speaker Tim FerrissWEB,www.austin360.com/entertainment/20200303/sxsw-2020-and-coronavirus-herersquos-whos-not-coming,web.archive.org/web/20200304090009/https://www.austin360.com/entertainment/20200303/sxsw-2020-and-coronavirus-herersquos-whos-not-coming, dead, March 4, 2020, SXSW 2020 and coronavirus: Here’s who’s not coming, March 3, 2020, Austin 360, March 3, 2020, and artists such as the Beastie Boys, Ozzy Osbourne and Trent Reznor.WEB,pitchfork.com/news/beastie-boys-ozzy-osbourne-trent-reznor-pull-out-of-sxsw/, Beastie Boys, Ozzy Osbourne, Trent Reznor Pull Out of SXSW Due to Coronavirus, Bloom, Madison, March 6, 2020, Pitchfork, en, March 7, 2020, March 7, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200307023148/https://pitchfork.com/news/beastie-boys-ozzy-osbourne-trent-reznor-pull-out-of-sxsw/, live, An online petition called for SXSW 2020 to be canceled due to health concerns; by the time of the cancellation, it exceeded 50,000 signatures.WEB,www.businessinsider.com/10000-call-for-sxsw-to-be-canceled-over-coronavirus-fears-2020-3, Nearly 15,000 sign petition calling for SXSW to be canceled over mounting coronavirus worries, March 2, 2020, Business Insider, March 2, 2020, March 1, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200301231243/https://www.businessinsider.com/10000-call-for-sxsw-to-be-canceled-over-coronavirus-fears-2020-3, live, WEB,eu.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/02/coronavirus-outbreak-fears-spurs-petition-calling-halt-sxsw/4930937002/, Fears of coronavirus prompt online petition to cancel SXSW gathering in Austin, March 2, 2020, USA Today, March 2, 2020, March 6, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200306032006/https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/02/coronavirus-outbreak-fears-spurs-petition-calling-halt-sxsw/4930937002/, live, SXSW organizers said that they were “devastated” by the cancellation, stating that, {{“’}}The show must go on’ is in our DNA.” They wrote that they were attempting to reschedule the event, and were at the same time working to create an online SXSW for 2020.SXSW co-founder Nick Barbaro said the organization did not have cancellation insurance relating to a disease pandemic or triggered by the city declaring a “local state of disaster.“WEB,www.austinchronicle.com/daily/news/2020-03-06/sxsw-cancellation-not-covered-by-insurance/, SXSW Cancellation Not Covered by Insurance, Curtin, Kevin, February 6, 2020, The Austin Chronicle, en-US, March 7, 2020, March 7, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200307070427/https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/news/2020-03-06/sxsw-cancellation-not-covered-by-insurance/, live, Various unofficial SXSW events, as well as “alternative” SXSW events, did occur, in an attempt to help local workers and businesses who would be hurt most by the cancellation.WEB,www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/despite-sxsw-cancellation-unofficial-and-alternative-events-look-to-gain-momentum/, Despite SXSW cancellation, ‘unofficial’ and ‘alternative’ events look to gain momentum, KXAN, Goard, Alyssa, March 9, 2020, July 30, 2021, live, March 10, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200310161850/https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/despite-sxsw-cancellation-unofficial-and-alternative-events-look-to-gain-momentum/, The Austin Community Foundation also launched a “Stand with Austin Fund” for donations to “individuals and small businesses most negatively impacted by the cancellation of SXSW and least able to recover on their own.“WEB,www.austincf.org/Stand-with-Austin, Stand With Austin Fund, Austin Community Foundation, July 30, 2021, live, March 14, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200314033349/https://www.austincf.org/Stand-with-Austin/, On March 13, 2020, festival organizers announced that they would proceed with juried and special awards, with judges viewing submissions online.NEWS, SXSW Revives Film Competition Digitally After Festival Cancellation,www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/sxsw-revives-film-competition-digitally-festival-cancellation-1284529, The Hollywood Reporter, March 13, 2020, March 14, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200314060808/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/sxsw-revives-film-competition-digitally-festival-cancellation-1284529, live, WEB,collider.com/sxsw-2020-film-competition-digital-details/, SXSW Film Competition Going Digital in the Wake of Festival Cancellation, March 13, 2020, Collider (website), Collider, March 13, 2020, March 14, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200314152425/https://collider.com/sxsw-2020-film-competition-digital-details/, live, On March 24, the winners of the 2020 SXSW Gaming Awards were announced on the SXSW website, and the honorees recorded acceptance messages for the SXSW YouTube channel and website.WEB,www.sxsw.com/news/2020/announcing-the-2020-sxsw-gaming-awards-winners/, Announcing the 2020 SXSW Gaming Awards Winners, March 24, 2020, SXSW, en-US, April 3, 2020, April 8, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200408220706/https://www.sxsw.com/news/2020/announcing-the-2020-sxsw-gaming-awards-winners/, live, (Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice) was awarded Video Game of the Year.On April 2, SXSW announced a joint venture with Amazon Prime Video to launch a film festival collection. Filmmakers scheduled to screen films at SXSW were given the option to have their films play exclusively, and for free, on Prime Video in the U.S. for a 10-day “virtual film festival”.WEB,www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/amazon-teams-sxsw-launch-a-virtual-fest-1288163, Amazon Teams With SXSW to Launch a Virtual Fest, The Hollywood Reporter, April 2, 2020, en, April 3, 2020, April 3, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200403000446/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/amazon-teams-sxsw-launch-a-virtual-fest-1288163, live, In May, SXSW organizers announced “SXSW Sessions Online,” a weekly series of online discussions to run through June, with some of the previously announced guest speakers; each video session was streamed online with Q&A portions made available initially to those originally registered for the festival. All sessions were posted afterwards on the SXSW YouTube channel.WEB, SXSW Sessions Online: A Weekly Virtual Event,www.sxsw.com/news/2020/sxsw-sessions-online/, Roberts, Jordan, May 18, 2020, SXSW, en-US, May 18, 2020, May 21, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200521002140/https://www.sxsw.com/news/2020/sxsw-sessions-online/, live,

2021

Using a combination of technologies from Brightcove for B2C, and Shift72 for B2B, SXSW ran a virtual event from March 16 to 20.WEB, Akbar, Rachel, November 9, 2021, SXSW Video On Demand Case Study,www.shift72.com/resource/sxsw, 2023-08-02, www.shift72.com, en, Films and miniseries that premiered at SXSW include (Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil), Hysterical, Jakob’s Wife, Violet,WEB,www.indiewire.com/2021/01/sxsw-2021-film-tv-lineup-1234609191/, SXSW Sets Demi Lovato Doc as 2021 Opener, Plus New Joe Berlinger and Olivia Munn Projects, Lindahl, Chris, January 14, 2021, January 14, 2021, IndiWire, January 14, 2021,web.archive.org/web/20210114190208/https://www.indiewire.com/2021/01/sxsw-2021-film-tv-lineup-1234609191/, live, Dear Mr. Brody, Here Before, The Fallout, The Lost Sons, Introducing, Selma Blair, Lily Topples the World, Not Going Quietly, (The Return: Life After ISIS), Fruits of Labor and United States vs. Reality Winner.WEB, Kohn, Eric, Erbland, Kate, 2021-02-10, SXSW 2021 Announces Full Feature Film Lineup, All Available for Online Viewing,www.indiewire.com/2021/02/sxsw-2021-film-lineup-online-viewing-1234615769/, 2021-02-11, IndieWire, en, February 11, 2021,web.archive.org/web/20210211052753/https://www.indiewire.com/2021/02/sxsw-2021-film-lineup-online-viewing-1234615769/, live, Featured speakers included Samantha Bee, Richard Branson, Chiquis Rivera, Tim Ellis, Laurieann Gibson, Taraji P. Henson, Rana el Kaliouby, Matthew McConaughey, Adriene Mishler, and Alexi Pappas. Keynote addresses were given by Stacey Abrams, Pete Buttigieg and Willie Nelson.WEB,www.sxsw.com/news/2021/willie-nelson-the-chainsmokers-queen-latifah-more-join-sxsw-online-2021/, Willie Nelson, The Chainsmokers, Queen Latifah & More Join SXSW Online 2021, Roberts, Jordan, January 13, 2021, January 14, 2021, SXSW, January 13, 2021,web.archive.org/web/20210113215444/https://www.sxsw.com/news/2021/willie-nelson-the-chainsmokers-queen-latifah-more-join-sxsw-online-2021/, live,

2022

South by Southwest 2022 ran from March 11 to 20. The SXSW Conference & Festivals and SXSW EDU drew total participation totalling approximately 278,681.WEB, SXSW 2022 Event Statistics,explore.sxsw.com/hubfs/2023/Facts%20and%20Figures%20PDFs/2022_SXSW_Event-Stats.pdf, 2023-08-31, SXSW, en-US, March 23, 2023,web.archive.org/web/20230323013736/https://explore.sxsw.com/hubfs/2023/Facts%20and%20Figures%20PDFs/2022_SXSW_Event-Stats.pdf, live, Organizers of SXSW planned for a hybrid event (in-person with online viewing and participation options); all registered in-person participants and attendees were required to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19, or a recent negative COVID-19 test, as a condition of receiving their badge. All on-site SXSW staff and volunteers also needed proof of vaccination. Masks were required in several critical indoor spaces (including areas for registration and exhibitions), physical distancing strongly recommended whenever possible, and hand sanitizing stations provided throughout the conference and exhibition venues. The Austin Convention Center, along with other event venues, upgraded air filtration and increased the cleaning and sanitizing frequency of high touch surfaces, including using UV light technology.WEB, SXSW 2022 Covid-19 Guidelines,www.sxsw.com/covid19-guidelines/, 2022-02-19, SXSW, en-US, February 19, 2022,web.archive.org/web/20220219160325/https://www.sxsw.com/covid19-guidelines/, live, Overall the event was slightly smaller than in previous (in-person) years with the core downtown area not quite as crowded (and therefore easier and faster to get around) and a smaller number of musical artists and overall content; significantly fewer major celebrities (especially musical acts) appeared than in previous years, although the film component seemed to celebrate a strong comeback after two years of virtual festivals.WEB, Mekelburg, Peter Blackstock, Lori Hawkins, Shonda Novak and Madlin, All Eyes on Texas: SXSW’s starry in-person return makes news and money for Austin,www.austin360.com/story/entertainment/2022/03/20/sxsw-2022-return-gives-austin-much-needed-boost/7091590001/, 2022-03-23, austin360, en-US, March 23, 2022,web.archive.org/web/20220323024857/https://www.austin360.com/story/entertainment/2022/03/20/sxsw-2022-return-gives-austin-much-needed-boost/7091590001/, live, WEB, Solomon, Dan, 2022-03-22, SXSW 2022 Felt Like SXSW, and That’s Impressive,www.texasmonthly.com/arts-entertainment/sxsw-2022-actually-felt-like-sxsw/, 2022-03-28, Texas Monthly, en, March 28, 2022,web.archive.org/web/20220328091648/https://www.texasmonthly.com/arts-entertainment/sxsw-2022-actually-felt-like-sxsw/, live, Films that premiered at SXSW Film were Everything Everywhere All at Once, The Lost City, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, Bodies Bodies Bodies, X, (Apollo 10 1⁄2: A Space Age Childhood), I Love My Dad, Master of Light (winner of the documentary competition), and What We Leave Behind (winner of the Louis Black “Lone Star” and Fandor New Voices Awards).WEB, Lattanzio, Ryan, 2022-03-16, SXSW Unveils 2022 Award Winners for Feature Film, Shorts, Episodic, and More,www.indiewire.com/2022/03/sxsw-2022-award-winners-full-list-1234708363/, 2022-03-21, IndieWire, en, March 16, 2022,web.archive.org/web/20220316133014/https://www.indiewire.com/2022/03/sxsw-2022-award-winners-full-list-1234708363/, live, TV series previewed include WeCrashed (Apple TV+), the third season of FX’s Atlanta, Halo (Paramount+), and The Last Movie Stars (CNN+).At the SXSW Gaming Awards (held March 12), the award for Game of the Year went to (Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker) (Square Enix); it also took home awards for Excellence in Narrative and Excellence in Original Score.WEB, Rosario, Alexandra Del, 2022-03-13, SXSW Gaming Awards Winners: ‘Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker’ Scores Video Game Of The Year; ‘Kena’, ‘It Takes Two’ Among 2022 Honorees,deadline.com/2022/03/sxsw-gaming-awards-winners-list-2022-final-fantasy-kena-honorees-1234976625/, 2022-03-21, Deadline, en-US, March 15, 2022,web.archive.org/web/20220315142801/https://deadline.com/2022/03/sxsw-gaming-awards-winners-list-2022-final-fantasy-kena-honorees-1234976625/, live, (2022 would be the final year to date for the SXSW Gaming Awards; the event would not be held in 2023.)Major performers for SXSW Music included Ashanti,WEB, Garcia, Christina, March 16, 2022, In SXSW Performance Ashanti Sang Hit After Hit and Talked “Real Life Shit”,www.austinchronicle.com/daily/music/2022-03-16/in-sxsw-performance-ashanti-sang-hit-after-hit-and-talked-real-life-shit/, 2022-03-21, The Austin Chronicle, en-US, March 21, 2022,web.archive.org/web/20220321145507/https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/music/2022-03-16/in-sxsw-performance-ashanti-sang-hit-after-hit-and-talked-real-life-shit/, live, Dolly Parton (her first time at SXSW; the appearance was to promote Run, Rose, Run, her new album (and companion novel written in collaboration with James Patterson)),WEB, Webb, Eric, Dolly Parton came to SXSW, rhinestoned the blockchain and gave Austin an eternal memory,www.austin360.com/story/entertainment/music/sxsw/2022/03/19/dolly-parton-sxsw-austin-texas-blockchain-nft-acl-live-setlist-2022/7102608001/, Mar 19, 2022, 2022-03-23, austin360, en-US, March 23, 2022,web.archive.org/web/20220323024857/https://www.austin360.com/story/entertainment/music/sxsw/2022/03/19/dolly-parton-sxsw-austin-texas-blockchain-nft-acl-live-setlist-2022/7102608001/, live, Shawn Mendes, Beck (who was also a keynote speaker) and Oleksandra “Sasha” Zaritska, the frontperson of Ukrainian band KAZKA, who planned to make their U.S. debut at SXSW, but the other two members were drafted into military service due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Zaritska performed as part of a special “Austin Stands With Ukraine” musical showcase.WEB, Curtin, Kevin, March 17, 2022, Ukrainian Vocalist Whose Band Missed SXSW for Military Service Gets Assist From Austin’s Music Community,www.austinchronicle.com/daily/music/2022-03-17/ukrainian-vocalist-whos-band-missed-sxsw-for-military-service-gets-assist-from-austins-music-community/, 2022-03-21, The Austin Chronicle, en-US, March 21, 2022,web.archive.org/web/20220321145508/https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/music/2022-03-17/ukrainian-vocalist-whos-band-missed-sxsw-for-military-service-gets-assist-from-austins-music-community/, live, Winners of the 2022 SXSW Pitch event, in which emerging startups pitch to potential investors, included Syrup Tech, Anthill, and Sonavi Labs. The “Best In Show” winner was Hilos, the “Best Bootstrap” award went to Kiro Action, and the “Best One-Minute Speed Pitch” went to Unpacking.PRESS RELEASE, SXSW 2022 Announces Winners of 14th Annual Pitch Event,www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sxsw-2022-announces-winners-of-14th-annual-pitch-event-301501523.html, 2022-03-21, PR Newswire, March 13, 2022, en, March 21, 2022,web.archive.org/web/20220321145723/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sxsw-2022-announces-winners-of-14th-annual-pitch-event-301501523.html, live, Major organizations and brands which exhibited at SXSW (many with standalone “brand activation” pavilions) included Porsche,WEB, Porsche unveils creative highlights at South by Southwest®,newsroom.porsche.com/en/2022/company/porsche-partnership-south-by-southwest-sxsw-festival-austin-texas-usa-27689.html, 2022-03-23, Porsche Newsroom, en, March 16, 2022,web.archive.org/web/20220316153728/https://newsroom.porsche.com/en/2022/company/porsche-partnership-south-by-southwest-sxsw-festival-austin-texas-usa-27689.html, live, the University of Arizona, Amazon Prime Video (including a promotion for Lizzo’s reality competition series, Watch Out for the Big Grrrls), Peacock, Paramount+, and several galleries devoted to NFTs, including the Doodles project, co-created by artist Evan Keast.Promoting its new Halo series (based on the video game franchise), Paramount+ deployed a swarm of 400 purple-lighted drones in the nighttime skies above Austin, spelling out a scannable QR code as well as “#HaloTheSeries Streams Mar 24” and the Paramount+ logo.WEB, Aghadjanian, Nina, 2022-03-15, Paramount+ Deploys 400 Drones At SXSW To Promote “Halo” Series,www.alistdaily.com/entertainment/paramount-plus-xbox-halo-drones-sxsw-2022/, 2022-03-21, AList, en-US, March 17, 2022,web.archive.org/web/20220317180229/https://www.alistdaily.com/entertainment/paramount-plus-xbox-halo-drones-sxsw-2022/, live, Keynote speakers included Grammy Award-winning artists Lizzo and Beck; author Neal Stephenson, and producer/director Celine Tricart.WEB, 2022-02-15, Lizzo, Beck, Neal Stephenson, Celine Tricart & More Announced,www.sxsw.com/news/2022/lizzo-beck-neal-stephenson-celine-tricart-more-join-sxsw-2022/, 2022-02-19, SXSW, en-US, February 19, 2022,web.archive.org/web/20220219160322/https://www.sxsw.com/news/2022/lizzo-beck-neal-stephenson-celine-tricart-more-join-sxsw-2022/, live,

2023

SXSW 2023 occurred March 10–19 in Austin.WEB, See You Next Year: SXSW 2023 Dates Announced,www.sxsw.com/news/2022/see-you-next-year-sxsw-2023-dates-announced/, SXSW, March 21, 2022, June 30, 2022, June 28, 2022,web.archive.org/web/20220628182302/https://www.sxsw.com/news/2022/see-you-next-year-sxsw-2023-dates-announced/, live, The SXSW Conference & Festivals and SXSW EDU drew total participation totaling approximately 345,066.WEB, SXSW 2023 Event Statistics,explore.sxsw.com/hubfs/2024/Stats/23_SXSW_Event-Stats_061423%20FINAL.pdf, 2023-08-31, SXSW, en-US, Films that premiered at the festival included Angel Applicant (which won the Documentary Feature CompetitionWEB, Tartaglione, Nancy, 2023-03-15, SXSW: ‘Raging Grace’ Takes Top Honors In Narrative Feature Competition – Winners List,deadline.com/2023/03/sxsw-2023-awards-winners-raging-grace-list-1235299958/, 2023-03-22, Deadline, en-US, March 22, 2023,web.archive.org/web/20230322234938/https://deadline.com/2023/03/sxsw-2023-awards-winners-raging-grace-list-1235299958/, live, ), Bottoms, (Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves), Evil Dead Rise, I Used To Be Funny, The Wrath of Becky, Late Night With the Devil, Problemista, Tetris, Talk to Me, Aberrance, Brooklyn 45, It Lives Inside, Monolith, Raging Grace (which won the Narrative Feature Competition), Deadland and Bloody Hell. TV series that premiered included Grown (which took the TV Pilot Competition award) and Mrs. Davis.WEB,bloody-disgusting.com/movie/3746451/sxsw-evil-dead-rise-the-wrath-of-becky-late-night-with-the-devil-to-world-premiere-images/, SXSW – ‘Evil Dead Rise’, ‘The Wrath of Becky’, & ‘Late Night With the Devil’ to World Premiere! [Images], Bloody Disgusting, January 11, 2023, January 11, 2023, January 11, 2023,web.archive.org/web/20230111200015/https://bloody-disgusting.com/movie/3746451/sxsw-evil-dead-rise-the-wrath-of-becky-late-night-with-the-devil-to-world-premiere-images/, live, In what was reported as a “surprise” announcement, (John Wick: Chapter 4|John Wick 4) made its US premiere at SXSW on March 13; star Keanu Reeves participated in a live Q&A session immediately after the screening.WEB, Gajewski, James Hibberd, Ryan, Hibberd, James, Gajewski, Ryan, 2023-03-14, ‘John Wick 4’ Surprise Screening Reactions: “Greatest Action Sequences I’ve Ever Seen”,www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/keanu-reeves-john-wick-4-sxsw-reactions-1235351363/, 2023-03-14, The Hollywood Reporter, March 14, 2023,web.archive.org/web/20230314123524/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/keanu-reeves-john-wick-4-sxsw-reactions-1235351363/, live, Hypnotic, an action thriller starring Ben Affleck and directed by Robert Rodriguez, was given a “work in progress” preview screening on March 12.WEB, Wiseman, Andreas, 2023-03-17, Robert Rodriguez & Ben Affleck’s ‘Hypnotic’ Gets May Release Date Following Surprise SXSW “Work In Progress” Screening,deadline.com/2023/03/ben-affleck-robert-rodriguez-hypnotic-release-date-sxsw-screening-1235298193/, 2023-03-18, Deadline, March 17, 2023,web.archive.org/web/20230317175502/https://deadline.com/2023/03/ben-affleck-robert-rodriguez-hypnotic-release-date-sxsw-screening-1235298193/, live, In another surprise screening to close out the film portion of SXSW, Affleck premiered Air, the biographical drama he directed about the creation of the Nike Air Jordan shoes (starring himself, Viola Davis and Matt Damon), on March 18.WEB, Hibberd, James, 2023-03-19, Ben Affleck Premieres ‘Air’ at SXSW: “Most Important Night of My Professional Life”,www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/ben-affleck-matt-damon-air-premiere-sxsw-1235355501/, 2023-03-22, The Hollywood Reporter, en-US, March 22, 2023,web.archive.org/web/20230322234939/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/ben-affleck-matt-damon-air-premiere-sxsw-1235355501/, live, Winners of the 2023 SXSW Pitch event (held March 11–12 at the Hilton Austin Downtown), in which emerging startups pitch to potential investors, included Reality Defender, Reach Pathways and Urban Machine. The “Best In Show” winner was PentoPix, the “Best Bootstrap” award went to AMA — Environmental Agents and the “Best Speed Pitch” went to LeadrPro. 13 out of the 40 startups participating in SXSW Pitch were from outside the USA.WEB, 2023-03-12, Announcing the Winners of 2023 SXSW Pitch Competition,www.sxsw.com/news/2023/announcing-the-winners-of-2023-sxsw-pitch-competition/, 2023-03-17, SXSW, March 17, 2023,web.archive.org/web/20230317191425/https://www.sxsw.com/news/2023/announcing-the-winners-of-2023-sxsw-pitch-competition/, live, Veteran broadcast journalist Dan Rather was the tenth inductee into the SXSW Hall of Fame; he addressed the attendees at the induction event on March 13.WEB, Yonick, Kim, March 15, 2023, ‘Keep dreaming’ {{!, Dan Rather inducted into SXSW Hall of Fame |url=https://www.kvue.com/article/entertainment/events/sxsw/dan-rather-sxsw-hall-of-fame/269-52437724-4627-4808-a478-73ba09999c59 |access-date=2023-03-23 |website=kvue.com |language=en-US |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323024900www.kvue.com/article/entertainment/events/sxsw/dan-rather-sxsw-hall-of-fame/269-52437724-4627-4808-a478-73ba09999c59 |url-status=live }} Rather joined previous inductees including Kara Swisher, Baratunde Thurston and Jeffrey Zeldman.Austin-based tech entrepreneur Whurley delivered a 45-minute presentation completely generated with the help of generative AI tools ChatGPT and Midjourney.WEB, Korosec, Kirsten, 2023-03-17, Strangeworks might be the first startup to rely on AI to create everything it brought to SXSW,techcrunch.com/2023/03/17/strangeworks-might-be-the-first-startup-to-rely-on-ai-to-create-everything-it-brought-to-sxsw/, 2023-03-18, TechCrunch, March 18, 2023,web.archive.org/web/20230318144239/https://techcrunch.com/2023/03/17/strangeworks-might-be-the-first-startup-to-rely-on-ai-to-create-everything-it-brought-to-sxsw/, live, Major performers for SXSW Music included New Order (the members of whom also participated in a keynote on March 15WEB, Campbell, Erica, 2023-03-15, New Order talk their current tour during SXSW keynote: “It’s like having a party and the drug is music”,www.nme.com/news/music/new-order-talk-their-current-tour-during-sxsw-keynote-its-like-having-a-party-and-the-drug-is-music-3414157, 2023-03-22, NME, en-GB, March 22, 2023,web.archive.org/web/20230322232330/https://www.nme.com/news/music/new-order-talk-their-current-tour-during-sxsw-keynote-its-like-having-a-party-and-the-drug-is-music-3414157, live, ), Jeff Tweedy (of Wilco), Austin-based band Porcelain, New York City-based rock/soul quintet SUSU, rap artist Armani White and Michigander.WEB, Curtin, Kevin, Carys, Anderson, Conklin, Kriss, Rascoe, Rachel, Karp, Katie, Garcia, Christina, Lim, Wayne, The Best Music We’ve Seen So Far at SXSW 2023,www.austinchronicle.com/daily/music/2023-03-14/the-best-music-weve-seen-so-far-at-sxsw-2023/, Mar 14, 2023, 2023-03-22, The Austin Chronicle, en-US, March 22, 2023,web.archive.org/web/20230322232330/https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/music/2023-03-14/the-best-music-weve-seen-so-far-at-sxsw-2023/, live, The Union of Musicians and Allied Workers (UMAW) held a rally at the Austin Convention Center on March 16, demanding increased compensation for the majority of the over 1,400 musical acts (the majority of them independent and relatively unknown musicians and bands, as opposed to more famous/established artists) contracted to appear at SXSW. Artists and bands are generally expected to cover many of their own expenses (including travel to Austin) while performing at the festival; other music festivals around the country offer more generous compensation, including lodging assistance. UMAW’s demands include raising compensation, waiving application fees; SXSW representatives said they would review the compensation guidelines/policies after the festival.WEB, Fisher, Lina, Musicians Demand Fair Compensation from SXSW at Convention Center Rally,www.austinchronicle.com/daily/music/2023-03-17/musicians-demand-fair-compensation-from-sxsw-at-convention-center-rally/, Mar 17, 2023, 2023-03-18, The Austin Chronicle, March 18, 2023,web.archive.org/web/20230318022321/https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/music/2023-03-17/musicians-demand-fair-compensation-from-sxsw-at-convention-center-rally/, live, Keynote speakers included José Andrés, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Tilda Swinton, RZA, and the members of the band New Order.A new spinoff event, SXSW Sydney, was held for the first time from October 15 to 22, 2023 in Sydney, Australia.SXSW to make international debut in Sydney in October 2023 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630031839www.nme.com/news/music/sxsw-to-make-international-debut-in-sydney-in-october-2023-3259035 |date=June 30, 2022 }} NME June 30, 2022mumbrella.com.au/the-weekend-mumbo-sxsw-sydney-is-already-too-big-for-its-shell-803641" title="web.archive.org/web/20231020110013mumbrella.com.au/the-weekend-mumbo-sxsw-sydney-is-already-too-big-for-its-shell-803641">SXSW Sydney is already too big for its shell Mumbrella October 20, 2023

2024

SXSW 2024 took place from March 8–16.WEB, See You Next Year: SXSW 2024 Dates Announced,www.sxsw.com/news/2023/see-you-next-year-sxsw-2024-dates-announced-march-8-16-austin-tx/, SXSW, March 20, 2023, January 31, 2024, Films that premiered during the festival included the headlining Babes and The Fall Guy, Arcadian, Civil War, The Idea of You, Immaculate, Monkey Man, Road House, and Y2K.WEB, Bergeson, Samantha, 2024-01-10, SXSW 2024 Lineup: ‘3 Body Problem’ Premiere to Open Fest, ‘The Fall Guy’ Set for Centerpiece Screening, and More,www.indiewire.com/news/festivals/sxsw-film-tv-festival-2024-lineup-1234941765/, 2024-03-06, IndieWire, en-US, WEB, D’Alessandro, Anthony, 2024-02-22, A24’s Alex Garland Movie ‘Civil War’ To Make World Premiere At SXSW,deadline.com/2024/02/civil-war-sxsw-alex-garland-1235834685/, 2024-03-06, Deadline, en-US, WEB, Lang, Brent, 2024-01-30, ‘The Idea of You’ Starring Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine to Close SXSW 2024,variety.com/2024/film/markets-festivals/idea-of-you-anne-hathaway-sxsw-1235891626/, 2024-03-16, Variety, en-US, WEB, Cruz, Olivia, 2024-01-30, 2024 SXSW Film & TV Festival Unveils Opening and Closing Night Premieres,www.sxsw.com/film/2024/2024-sxsw-film-tv-opening-and-closing-night-premieres-road-house-and-the-idea-of-you/, 2024-03-16, SXSW, en-US, Post Malone, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Conor McGregor made appearances for the premiere of Road House.WEB, Post Malone, Jake Gyllenhaal, Conor McGregor arrive at SXSW Road House premiere,www.statesman.com/picture-gallery/entertainment/movies/2024/03/08/post-malone-jake-gyllenhaal-conor-mcgregor-sxsw-roadhouse-premiere-austin/72904840007/, 2024-03-11, Austin American-Statesman, en-US, Featured television premieres included 3 Body Problem (Netflix), Black Twitter: A People’s History (Hulu), Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show (HBO), and Ren Faire (HBO).WEB, White, Abbey, 2024-03-08, How a New Hulu Doc Chronicles the Birth, Rise and Backlash of Black Twitter,www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/hulu-documentary-black-twitter-prentice-penny-1235843752/, 2024-03-16, The Hollywood Reporter, en-US, WEB, Complex, Valerie, January 10, 2024, SXSW Lineup Sets ‘The Fall Guy’, ‘3 Body Problem’ Among Fest’s 2024 World Premieres As First Titles Revealed,deadline.com/2024/01/sxsw-2024-lineup-the-fall-guy-3-body-problem-1235709942/, February 26, 2024, Deadline Hollywood, Around 80 acts pulled out of the festival, including all ten Irish acts, citing the sponsorship of the event by the US Army and several military-industrial companies including RTX Corporation (formerly Raytheon), the world’s largest producer of guided missiles.WEB,nialler9.com/all-irish-bands-have-now-cancelled-their-official-sxsw-performances/, All Irish bands have now cancelled their official SXSW performances, Niall, Byrne, March 12, 2024, Nialler9, Some acts cited the US military’s support for Israel in the Gaza war as part of their criticism of the sponsorship.WEB,www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-68533409, SXSW: Bands pull out of festival over Israel-Gaza conflict, March 11, 2024, BBC News, One of the groups leading these protests—Austin for Palestine—was faced with trademark and copyright complaints from SXSW for using a parody of its logo (depicting blood-stained fighter jets flying off the arrow) in communications advocating against the festival. The Electronic Frontier Foundation filed a response on behalf of Austin for Palestine, arguing the image was clearly a parody allowable under United States trademark law, and doubting that a copyright claim could be made because the logo in question is too simplistic to be eligible for copyright.WEB, Fisher, Lina, SXSW Sent Cease-and-Desist Letter to Organization Leading Army Sponsorship Protest,www.austinchronicle.com/daily/news/2024-03-11/sxsw-sent-cease-and-desist-letter-to-organization-leading-army-sponsorship-protest/, 2024-03-16, Austin Chronicle, en-US, WEB, Gagliano, Cara, 2024-03-13, SXSW Tried to Silence Critics with Bogus Trademark and Copyright Claims. EFF Fought Back.,www.eff.org/deeplinks/2024/03/sxsw-tried-silence-critics-bogus-trademark-and-copyright-claims-eff-fought-back, 2024-03-16, Electronic Frontier Foundation, en,

Economic impact

SXSW is the highest revenue-producing event outside of athletic and other events associated with The University of Texas at Austin for the Austin economy, with an estimated economic impact of $190.3 million in 2012NEWS, Report: SXSW’s 2012 economic impact was $190 million,www.statesman.com/news/business/sxsws-2012-economic-impact-190-million/nSTKt/, Austin American Statesman, April 1, 2013, February 16, 2013,www.statesman.com/news/business/sxsws-2012-economic-impact-190-million/nSTKt/," title="web.archive.org/web/20130216075958www.statesman.com/news/business/sxsws-2012-economic-impact-190-million/nSTKt/,">web.archive.org/web/20130216075958www.statesman.com/news/business/sxsws-2012-economic-impact-190-million/nSTKt/, live, increasing to $218 million in 2013,WEB,www.austinchamber.com/blog/2013/09/18/sxsw-announces-2013-impact-on-the-austin-economy/, SXSW Announces 2013 Impact on the Austin Economy | Austin Chamber Divisional Blogs, Austinchamber.com, September 18, 2013, March 17, 2014, dead,web.archive.org/web/20140316024643/https://www.austinchamber.com/blog/2013/09/18/sxsw-announces-2013-impact-on-the-austin-economy/, March 16, 2014, $315 million in 2014,NEWS,www.texasmonthly.com/the-daily-post/sxsws-economic-impact-on-austin-in-2014-was-worth-315-million/, SXSW’s Economic Impact On Austin In 2014 Was Worth $315 Million, September 12, 2014, Texas Monthly, August 11, 2017, en, August 11, 2017,www.texasmonthly.com/the-daily-post/sxsws-economic-impact-on-austin-in-2014-was-worth-315-million/," title="web.archive.org/web/20170811223103www.texasmonthly.com/the-daily-post/sxsws-economic-impact-on-austin-in-2014-was-worth-315-million/,">web.archive.org/web/20170811223103www.texasmonthly.com/the-daily-post/sxsws-economic-impact-on-austin-in-2014-was-worth-315-million/, live, $317 million in 2015,WEB,www.bizjournals.com/austin/blog/techflash/2015/09/sxsw-economic-impact-grows-slightly-from-2014.html, SXSW economic impact grows slightly from 2014, Swiatecki, Chad, September 15, 2015, www.bizjournals.com, August 11, 2017, August 11, 2017,web.archive.org/web/20170811222259/https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/blog/techflash/2015/09/sxsw-economic-impact-grows-slightly-from-2014.html, live, and $325 million in 2016.WEB,www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2016/09/07/sxsw-economic-impact-up-slightly-in-2016-hotel.html, SXSW economic impact up slightly in 2016; hotel rates hit new high, Theis, Michael, September 7, 2016, www.bizjournals.com, August 11, 2017, August 11, 2017,web.archive.org/web/20170811222115/https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2016/09/07/sxsw-economic-impact-up-slightly-in-2016-hotel.html, live, In 2022, when SXSW resumed in-person events after the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival brought an estimated $280 million to the local economy, a 21% reduction from the 2019 economic impact of nearly $356 million (a record number).WEB, SXSW had $280 million economic impact on Austin in 2022, study finds,www.statesman.com/story/business/economy/2022/09/21/south-by-southwest-2022-brought-austin-tx-economic-boost/69509104007/, 2023-03-17, Austin American-Statesman, en-US, February 28, 2023,web.archive.org/web/20230228010617/https://www.statesman.com/story/business/economy/2022/09/21/south-by-southwest-2022-brought-austin-tx-economic-boost/69509104007/, live, (In comparison, Super Bowl LI brought a $347 million economic impact to the Houston economyWEB,www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2017/05/25/results-are-in-how-much-the-2017-super-bowl.html, Results are in: How much the 2017 Super Bowl brought to Houston, Martin, Joe, May 25, 2017, www.bizjournals.com/houston, July 22, 2017, August 11, 2017,web.archive.org/web/20170811223956/https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2017/05/25/results-are-in-how-much-the-2017-super-bowl.html, live, and the 2017 Final Four brought a $324 million economic impact to the economy of Phoenix, Arizona.)NEWS,www.azcentral.com/story/money/business/2017/08/11/final-four-gave-phoenix-area-325-million-economic-slam-dunk-asu-study-says/555967001/, Final Four gave Phoenix area a $325 million economic slam dunk, ASU study says, Wiles, Russ, August 11, 2017, azcentral, August 11, 2017, en, April 20, 2023,web.archive.org/web/20230420210000/https://www.azcentral.com/story/money/business/2017/08/11/final-four-gave-phoenix-area-325-million-economic-slam-dunk-asu-study-says/555967001/, live, Additionally, demand for hotel rooms in the Austin area continued to outstrip supply, pushing average nightly room rates up to an all-time high of $350 in 2016, a 60 percent increase over the average room rate seen during 2011’s edition of SXSW. The average SXSW registrant also stayed in Austin longer in 2016, spending an average of 5.2 nights, up from 4.9 nights in 2015.WEB,www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2016/09/07/sxsw-economic-impact-up-slightly-in-2016-hotel.html, SXSW economic impact up slightly in 2016; hotel rates hit new high, Theis, Michael, September 7, 2016, www.bizjournals.com, July 22, 2017, August 11, 2017,web.archive.org/web/20170811222115/https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2016/09/07/sxsw-economic-impact-up-slightly-in-2016-hotel.html, live,

Criticism

The growth of the festival has brought concerns about violence, crowd control, and safety.NEWS,blogs.suntimes.com/music/2011/03/violence_and_crowd_control_pro.html, Violence and crowd control problems cause SXSW to consider limiting events, Chicago Sun-Times, August 13, 2015, Thomas, Conner, March 21, 2011, dead,blogs.suntimes.com/music/2011/03/violence_and_crowd_control_pro.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20141208100955blogs.suntimes.com/music/2011/03/violence_and_crowd_control_pro.html,">web.archive.org/web/20141208100955blogs.suntimes.com/music/2011/03/violence_and_crowd_control_pro.html, December 8, 2014, NEWS,www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/03/27/sxsw-accident-fourth-death/6970477/, SXSW accident claims fourth life, Owens, Marjorie, March 27, 2014, USA Today, August 13, 2015, March 17, 2015,www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/03/27/sxsw-accident-fourth-death/6970477/," title="web.archive.org/web/20150317033419www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/03/27/sxsw-accident-fourth-death/6970477/,">web.archive.org/web/20150317033419www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/03/27/sxsw-accident-fourth-death/6970477/, live, {{update after|2018|11|28}}The 2014 drunk-driving incident prompted discussion about whether the festival had grown too large and raucous.NEWS,www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-sxsw-car-accident-tragedy-20140314,0,4850567.story, A tragic wake-up call for SXSW?, Los Angeles Times, March 13, 2014, Mikael, Wood, August, Brown, February 20, 2020, April 24, 2014,www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-sxsw-car-accident-tragedy-20140314,0,4850567.story," title="web.archive.org/web/20140424111056www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-sxsw-car-accident-tragedy-20140314,0,4850567.story,">web.archive.org/web/20140424111056www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-sxsw-car-accident-tragedy-20140314,0,4850567.story, live, The organizers of the festival—SXSW Holdings LLC and SXSW Holdings Inc.—were sued by families of the four victims.WEB,www.kxan.com/2014/12/18/lawsuits-deadly-sxsw-crash-could-have-been-prevented/, Lawsuits: Deadly SXSW crash could have been prevented, KXAN, August 13, 2015,web.archive.org/web/20170629220217/https://www.kxan.com/2014/12/18/lawsuits-deadly-sxsw-crash-could-have-been-prevented/, June 29, 2017, dead, Claims brought against South by Southwest, the city of Austin and other defendants from victims of a 2014 crash during the international music festival that killed four people and injured 20 were dismissed by a Travis Court Judge.In May 2014, partially motivated by the 2014 crash, Austin’s Urban Transportation Commission announced that it was seeking to enhance safety at the festival, with an initial focus on implementing transportation measures to resolve issues linked to the festival. The Austin Music Commission also met to discuss music venues and sound problems linked to the festival.WEB,www.khou.com/news/texas-news?fId=259080131&fPath=/news/local/&fDomain=10232, City holds final SXSW public input meeting,www.khou.com/news/texas-news?fId=259080131&fPath=/news/local/&fDomain=10232," title="archive.today/20140517065154www.khou.com/news/texas-news?fId=259080131&fPath=/news/local/&fDomain=10232,">archive.today/20140517065154www.khou.com/news/texas-news?fId=259080131&fPath=/news/local/&fDomain=10232, dead, May 17, 2014, May 18, 2014, The city voted to limit the number of special events which would be approved to 114, a 32 percent decrease from the number of approved events during the 2014 festival.NEWS,www.bizjournals.com/austin/blog/creative/2015/02/a-smaller-sxsw-austin-halts-applications-for.html, A smaller SXSW? Austin halts applications for special events, February 11, 2015, Austin Business Journal, February 11, 2015, February 11, 2015,www.bizjournals.com/austin/blog/creative/2015/02/a-smaller-sxsw-austin-halts-applications-for.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20150211074404www.bizjournals.com/austin/blog/creative/2015/02/a-smaller-sxsw-austin-halts-applications-for.html,">web.archive.org/web/20150211074404www.bizjournals.com/austin/blog/creative/2015/02/a-smaller-sxsw-austin-halts-applications-for.html, live, (File:“Spies_Supercharged“_Panel_banner.png|thumb|The Central Intelligence Agency’s graphic for its “Spies Supercharged” panel at South by Southwest 2023)In 2013, NPR writer Andrea Swensson wrote that she had decided to stop attending the festival, writing, “I can’t help but feel that it has strayed far away from its original premise as a grassroots gathering place for new, undiscovered talent and increasingly feels like a big ol’ Times Square billboard-sized commercial.“WEB, Why I’m Not Going To SXSW This Year,www.npr.org/blogs/therecord/2013/03/05/173097673/why-im-not-going-to-sxsw-this-year, NPR, March 5, 2013, Andrea, Swensson, April 4, 2018, April 28, 2015,www.npr.org/blogs/therecord/2013/03/05/173097673/why-im-not-going-to-sxsw-this-year," title="web.archive.org/web/20150428081431www.npr.org/blogs/therecord/2013/03/05/173097673/why-im-not-going-to-sxsw-this-year,">web.archive.org/web/20150428081431www.npr.org/blogs/therecord/2013/03/05/173097673/why-im-not-going-to-sxsw-this-year, live, In October 2015, SXSW cancelled two video game panels (“#SavePoint: A Discussion on the Gaming Community” and “Level Up: Overcoming Harassment In Games“) scheduled for the 2016 festival due to threats of violence made to the festival hosting the sessions.NEWS, SXSW canceled two panels after threats – but did nothing when female panelists asked about harassment, Dewey, Caitlin, The Washington Post, October 27, 2015, October 28, 2015,www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-intersect/wp/2015/10/27/sxsw-canceled-two-panels-after-threats-but-did-nothing-when-female-panelists-asked-about-harassment/, October 28, 2015,web.archive.org/web/20151028025719/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-intersect/wp/2015/10/27/sxsw-canceled-two-panels-after-threats-but-did-nothing-when-female-panelists-asked-about-harassment/, live, In response to the cancellations, BuzzFeed and Vox Media made statements saying they would pull out of the festival if the two panels weren’t reinstated.WEB,tech.blog.austin360.com/2015/10/26/sxsw-interactive-cancels-two-2016-panels-due-to-threats/, SXSW Interactive cancels two 2016 panels due to threats, Gallaga, Omar L., Austin 360, October 27, 2015, October 27, 2015,tech.blog.austin360.com/2015/10/26/sxsw-interactive-cancels-two-2016-panels-due-to-threats/," title="web.archive.org/web/20160305084400tech.blog.austin360.com/2015/10/26/sxsw-interactive-cancels-two-2016-panels-due-to-threats/,">web.archive.org/web/20160305084400tech.blog.austin360.com/2015/10/26/sxsw-interactive-cancels-two-2016-panels-due-to-threats/, March 5, 2016, dead, NEWS, BuzzFeed and Vox Media Threaten to Bail on SXSW Unless Canceled Panels Are Reinstated, Kulwin, Noah, Re/code, October 27, 2015, October 28, 2015,recode.net/2015/10/27/buzzfeed-to-withdraw-from-sxsw-unless-organizers-reverse-panel-cancelations/, October 28, 2015,recode.net/2015/10/27/buzzfeed-to-withdraw-from-sxsw-unless-organizers-reverse-panel-cancelations/," title="web.archive.org/web/20151028011106recode.net/2015/10/27/buzzfeed-to-withdraw-from-sxsw-unless-organizers-reverse-panel-cancelations/,">web.archive.org/web/20151028011106recode.net/2015/10/27/buzzfeed-to-withdraw-from-sxsw-unless-organizers-reverse-panel-cancelations/, live, Organizers then apologized for the cancellations. In lieu of a panel, South by Southwest hosted a daylong “online harassment summit” on March 12, 2016.WEB, ‘We Made a Mistake’: SXSW to Host Online Harassment Summit, October 30, 2015,www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/we-made-mistake-sxsw-host-online-harassment-summit-n454651, NBC News, October 30, 2015, October 30, 2015,www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/we-made-mistake-sxsw-host-online-harassment-summit-n454651," title="web.archive.org/web/20151030180835www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/we-made-mistake-sxsw-host-online-harassment-summit-n454651,">web.archive.org/web/20151030180835www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/we-made-mistake-sxsw-host-online-harassment-summit-n454651, live, Elements of the United States Intelligence Community including the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) have presented panels at the event and recruit talent.WEB, 2022-03-18, Federal agencies use SXSW as fertile recruiting territory,wtop.com/entertainment/2022/03/federal-agencies-use-sxsw-as-fertile-recruiting-territory/, 2023-03-02, WTOP News, en, March 2, 2023,web.archive.org/web/20230302161500/https://wtop.com/entertainment/2022/03/federal-agencies-use-sxsw-as-fertile-recruiting-territory/, live, WEB, PDDNI Connects with New Audiences at SXSW,www.dni.gov/index.php/newsroom/news-articles/news-articles-2022/item/2283-pddni-connects-with-new-audiences-at-sxsw, 2023-03-02, www.dni.gov, March 2, 2023,web.archive.org/web/20230302161459/https://www.dni.gov/index.php/newsroom/news-articles/news-articles-2022/item/2283-pddni-connects-with-new-audiences-at-sxsw, live, WEB, America’s LGBT Spies: Secret Agents (of Change) {{!, SXSW 2016 Event Schedule |url=https://schedule.sxsw.com/2016/events/event_PP56490 |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=SXSW Schedule 2016 |archive-date=August 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814011510schedule.sxsw.com/2016/events/event_PP56490 |url-status=live }}WEB, National Reconnaissance Office,schedule.sxsw.com/2023/exhibitors/1664, 2023-03-05, SXSW 2023 Schedule, en, March 5, 2023,web.archive.org/web/20230305141416/https://schedule.sxsw.com/2023/exhibitors/1664, live, In 2023, plans for CIA panels were met with derision over the agency’s association with Operation Condor.WEB, 2023-02-23, Why Is the CIA at SXSW?,www.papermag.com/cia-sxsw-2659466143.html, Papermag, March 2, 2023, March 2, 2023,web.archive.org/web/20230302161500/https://www.papermag.com/cia-sxsw-2659466143.html, live, File:Mar 14 2024 SXSW Protest at DOD House 2.jpg|thumb|Pro-Palestinian protest on March 14, 2024]]Several artists pulled out of the 2024 festival due to its connection with the US Army, and in relation to Israel’s ongoing invasion of the Gaza Strip.NEWS, 2024-03-11, SXSW: Bands pull out of festival over Israel-Gaza conflict,www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-68533409, 2024-03-11, BBC Newsbeat, en-GB, In February 2024, when the local advocacy group Austin for Palestine Coalition used a modified version of the SXSW logo in their anti-SXSW protests, SXSW sent them a cease-and-desist letter, accusing the group of trademark and copyright infringement. This SXSW claim was refuted by the Electronic Frontier Foundation on behalf of the Austin for Palestine Coalition.WEB, Gagliano, Cara, 2024-03-13, SXSW Tried to Silence Critics with Bogus Trademark and Copyright Claims. EFF Fought Back.,www.eff.org/deeplinks/2024/03/sxsw-tried-silence-critics-bogus-trademark-and-copyright-claims-eff-fought-back, 2024-03-14, Electronic Frontier Foundation, en,

In popular culture

• Comedian and actor Fred Armisen began his comic career with the short film Fred Armisen’s Guide to Music and SXSW, released in 1998, in which he poses as various characters, asking silly questions of musicians and other attendees at that year’s SXSW Music Conference.WEB,www.ifc.com/shows/portlandia/cast-and-crew/fred-armisen-co-creator-co-writer-co-star, Portlandia – Fred Armisen – co-creator, co-writer, co-star – IFC, Ifc.com, February 23, 2011, August 13, 2015, dead,www.ifc.com/shows/portlandia/cast-and-crew/fred-armisen-co-creator-co-writer-co-star," title="web.archive.org/web/20150804085943www.ifc.com/shows/portlandia/cast-and-crew/fred-armisen-co-creator-co-writer-co-star,">web.archive.org/web/20150804085943www.ifc.com/shows/portlandia/cast-and-crew/fred-armisen-co-creator-co-writer-co-star, August 4, 2015, {{YouTube|tOp1uPpjYgo|Fred Armisen’s Guide to Music and SXSW}}
• SXSW was featured during the 2005 season of MTV’s (The Real World: Austin|The Real World). Cast members were tasked with shooting and editing their own documentary on the music festival.
• Comedy duo and band Flight of the Conchords performed at the 2006 SXSW Music Festival, during which time they also recorded a documentary titled Flight of the Conchords: A Texan Odyssey, which aired on New Zealand’s TV3 in late 2006.WEB, 2007-09-28, Flight of the Conchords: A Texan Odyssey,www.gibson.co.nz/production/entry/flight_of_the_conchords_a_texan_odyssey/, live, 2021-11-03,www.gibson.co.nz/production/entry/flight_of_the_conchords_a_texan_odyssey/," title="web.archive.org/web/20070928071936www.gibson.co.nz/production/entry/flight_of_the_conchords_a_texan_odyssey/,">web.archive.org/web/20070928071936www.gibson.co.nz/production/entry/flight_of_the_conchords_a_texan_odyssey/, September 28, 2007, {{Citation|title=Flight of the Conchords: A Texan Odyssey|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHPe85CUpoM|language=en|access-date=2021-11-03|archive-date=March 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317172759www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHPe85CUpoM|url-status=live}} on YouTube
• The 2011 documentary Winning America is about a US tour of Canadian band Said the Whale that culminates in that year’s SXSW Music Festival.
• SXSW was featured during the season 9 premiere of (Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations). The episode aired in 2012.WEB, Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations, Austin,m.imdb.com/title/tt2366618/, IMDb, 30 June 2023,
• In the 2014 British - Irish film Frank, an experimental band (led by the title character) is booked to play a show at the SXSW Music Festival, but the gig leads to the band’s breakup.
• In the 2019 anime Carole & Tuesday, the titular duo is booked to perform at the SXSW Music Festival on Mars.

Spinoff festivals

In addition to the three main South by Southwest festivals, the company runs other conferences: SXSW EDU, a conference on educational innovation, held in Austin,WEB,sxswedu.com/about, About SXSW EDU, Sxswedu.com, April 15, 2013, May 5, 2021,www.sxswedu.com/about/," title="web.archive.org/web/20210505163109www.sxswedu.com/about/,">web.archive.org/web/20210505163109www.sxswedu.com/about/, live, and the upcoming SXSW Sydney, to be held in October 2023 in Sydney, Australia.The creators of South by Southwest co-created two similar festivals in 1995: North by Northwest (NXNW) in Portland, Oregon (co-founded by the Willamette Week), and North by Northeast (NXNE) in Toronto (co-founded by Now).WEB, Alt-Weeklies’ Four-Letter Festivals: Movement Grows as Silicon Valley Launches C2SV,www.altweeklies.com/aan/alt-weeklies-four-letter-festivals-movement-grows-as-silicon-valley-launches-c2sv/Article?oid=7274104, AAN News, September 20, 2013, March 20, 2014, March 1, 2016,www.altweeklies.com/aan/alt-weeklies-four-letter-festivals-movement-grows-as-silicon-valley-launches-c2sv/Article?oid=7274104," title="web.archive.org/web/20160301021533www.altweeklies.com/aan/alt-weeklies-four-letter-festivals-movement-grows-as-silicon-valley-launches-c2sv/Article?oid=7274104,">web.archive.org/web/20160301021533www.altweeklies.com/aan/alt-weeklies-four-letter-festivals-movement-grows-as-silicon-valley-launches-c2sv/Article?oid=7274104, live, North by Northwest ended in 2001, and was replaced by MusicfestNW (MFNW), an event run entirely by the Willamette Week.Tech may have found its next SXSW {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203164057tech.fortune.cnn.com/2012/08/28/tech-may-have-found-its-next-sxsw/ |date=February 3, 2017 }}, John Patrick Pullen, CNNMoney, August 28, 2012From 2006 to 2010, organizers ran West by Southwest (WXSW) in Tucson, Arizona, a music festival which occurred directly before South by Southwest and mostly featured bands that were also booked for SXSW.Go West (by Southwest), young band {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303232623tucsoncitizen.com/morgue2/2006/03/09/115421-go-west-by-southwest-young-band/ |date=March 3, 2016 }}, Polly Higgins, Tucson Citizen, March 9, 2006Other former conferences run by the SXSW organization include:

• SXSW Eco, a conference focusing on social and environmental issues through the lens of technology, creativity and design held in Austin from 2011 to 2016WEB,sxsweco.com/about, About SXSW Eco, Sxsweco.com, April 15, 2013, June 12, 2017,sxsweco.com/about," title="web.archive.org/web/20170612223806sxsweco.com/about,">web.archive.org/web/20170612223806sxsweco.com/about, dead,
• SXSW V2V, a conference focused on innovative startups,NEWS,www.statesman.com/news/technology/sxsw-interactive-expanding-next-year-with-las-vega/nSmFZ/, SXSW Interactive expanding next year with Las Vegas startup conference, Gallaga, Omar L., Austin American-Statesman, October 23, 2012, August 8, 2013, March 7, 2016,www.statesman.com/news/technology/sxsw-interactive-expanding-next-year-with-las-vega/nSmFZ/," title="web.archive.org/web/20160307082226www.statesman.com/news/technology/sxsw-interactive-expanding-next-year-with-las-vega/nSmFZ/,">web.archive.org/web/20160307082226www.statesman.com/news/technology/sxsw-interactive-expanding-next-year-with-las-vega/nSmFZ/, dead, held in Las Vegas from 2013 to 2015
• The me Convention, held in Frankfurt, Germany and in Stockholm, Sweden, in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz, from 2017 to 2019WEB,media.daimler.com/marsMediaSite/en/instance/ko/South-by-Southwest-SXSW-to-collaborate-with-Mercedes-Benz-at-IAA-International-Motor-Show-in-Frankfurt-Premiere-at-IAA-International-me-Convention.xhtml?oid=16074145, South by Southwest (SXSW) to collaborate with Mercedes-Benz at IAA International Motor Show in Frankfurt: Premiere at IAA: International me Convention, Schultz, Ina, March 11, 2017, media.daimler.com, en-EN, August 23, 2017, February 24, 2021,web.archive.org/web/20210224053420/https://media.daimler.com/marsMediaSite/en/instance/ko/South-by-Southwest-SXSW-to-collaborate-with-Mercedes-Benz-at-IAA-International-Motor-Show-in-Frankfurt-Premiere-at-IAA-International-me-Convention.xhtml?oid=16074145, live, NEWS,www.sxsw.com/news/2017/sxsw-joins-mercedes-benz-host-future-focused-convention-frankfurt/, SXSW and Mercedes-Benz Announce Initial Programming for Collaborative Future-Focused Event in Europe, Roberts, Jordan, June 14, 2017, SXSW, August 23, 2017, en, August 23, 2017,web.archive.org/web/20170823073235/https://www.sxsw.com/news/2017/sxsw-joins-mercedes-benz-host-future-focused-convention-frankfurt/, live,

Similar festivals

Festivals inspired by SXSW include:

• Web Summit – Lisbon, Portugal
• Live at Heart – Örebro, Sweden
• So What?! Music Fest (originally “South by So What?!“) – Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex
• The Great Escape Festival – Brighton, England
• XOXOWEB, XOXO Aims to Be an Alternative to South by Southwest,bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/25/xoxo-aims-to-be-an-alternative-to-south-by-southwest/, Jenna, Wortham, The New York Times Bits blog, May 25, 2012, March 13, 2019, April 2, 2019,web.archive.org/web/20190402221845/https://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/25/xoxo-aims-to-be-an-alternative-to-south-by-southwest/, live, – Portland, Oregon
• North to Shore - New Jersey. Held in the three New Jersey cities of Asbury Park, Newark and Atlantic City.

Festivals inspired by SXSW that are defunct include:

• 35 Denton (originally “North by 35” or “NX35”, then “35 Conferette“) – Denton, Texas (2009–2016)
• C2SV (originally “SVSX“) – San Jose, California (2012–2016)
• The Goa Project – Goa, India (2013-2018)
• Incubate (originally “ZXZW“) – Tilburg, Netherlands (2005–2016)
• MidPoint Music Festival (MPMF) – Cincinnati, Ohio (2001–2017)
• MoSo – Saskatoon, Canada (2011–2016)
• MusicfestNW (MFNW) – Portland, Oregon (2001–2018)
• North by North Western (NXNW) – Wigan, England (2007–2009)
• Sounds by South Bend (originally “South by South Bend“) – South Bend, Indiana (2013–2015)
• South by Due East – Houston, Texas (2003–2019)
• Tech Open Air (TOA) – Berlin (2012–2020)
• TechfestNW (TFNW), a sister conference to MusicFestNW – Portland, Oregon (2012–2021)
• Yes and Yes Yes (YXYY) (originally “Yes by Yes Yes“) – Palm Springs, California (2013–2017)

Festivals inspired by South by Southwest have been collectively nicknamed “four-letter festivals”. Metro Silicon Valley, which founded C2SV, wrote in 2013 that such festivals were important revenue sources for the alternative weekly newspapers that founded them.On October 3, 2016, a one-day festival called “South by South Lawn” (SXSL) was held at the White House as a collaboration between SXSW, US President Barack Obama, and the American Film Institute.WEB,obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2016/09/01/announcing-south-south-lawn-white-house-festival-ideas-art-and-action, whitehouse.gov, Announcing South by South Lawn: A White House Festival of Ideas, Art, and Action, NARA, National Archives, September 1, 2016, March 1, 2021, March 6, 2021,web.archive.org/web/20210306003830/https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2016/09/01/announcing-south-south-lawn-white-house-festival-ideas-art-and-action, live,

References

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External links

{{Commons category}}

• {{Official website}}

{{Austin}}{{Music venues of Texas}}{{Penske Media Corporation}}

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- time: 4:10am EDT - Wed, May 22 2024