Among the list of the best parts about SXSW film is their inclusion of documentaries regarding a vast and diverse array of topics. From heavy hitting social explorations, to slice of life niches, to in depth music pieces, SXSW consistently curates one of the best showcases of documentaries of any film festival. There are so many fantastic looking documentaries this year that it was hard to narrow down the field but we did our best and picked 15 of our most anticipated documentary films at this year’s SXSW.
Tower: This animated look at the UT clock tower shooting recreates the visceral nightmare of Charles Whitman’s inexplicable shooting spree that shocked the nation long before these types of stories became the norm. Bolstered by audio from the day as well as interviews with the survivors and heroes that were there on the scene, Tower looks to be a powerful exploration of one of Austin’s most infamous days.
For venues and showtimes, click here.
Ovarian Psycos: Following a group of feminist cyclists in LA’s east side, Ovarian Psycos is an examination of inner city violence, sexism, and how a brave group of women are confronting these issues with an activist spirit. As a portrait of the groups’ founder, Xela de la X, the film explores how one balances activism, art, and familial obligations in a world that never stops pushing back.
For venues and showtimes, click here.
The Art of Organized Noize: The story of hip-hop is littered with pioneers who developed their own sounds and own styles, each indicative of their hometowns and regions. While the big cats in NY and LA were busy arguing over which style was better, the dirty south came from almost nowhere to dominate the landscape. From Quincy Jones III, comes this examination of the godfathers of the dirty south, Organized Noize, aka the Dungeon Family, who brought the world the likes of Outkast, Goodie Mob, Witch Doctor, Killer Mike, and many others.
For venues and showtimes, click here.
Accidental Courtesy: Daryl Davis, Race & America: Daryl Davis is an accomplished African-American musician who’s traveled the worlds with the likes of Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and others. When he’s not out making great music, he’s out making friends…with members of the Ku Klux Klan. This is the story of one man’s personal confrontations with racism and his mission to change minds and reform racists.
For venues and showtimes, click here.
Beware the Slenderman: From CreepyPasta entry to modern urban legend, Beware the Slenderman examines the origins of the internet’s favorite supernatural boogeyman and how two pre-teens became so obsessed with the legend that they stabbed their friend 19 times in an attempted sacrifice to the entity. Part true crime, part modern myth, Beware the Slenderman looks to be a powerful and emotional journey down the rabbit hole of children and internet safety.
For venues and showtimes, click here.
Hired Gun: Session musicians always have and always will be the heroes of the music industry. With virtually zero name recognition, these musicians play alongside the biggest and best names with little to no acclaim. Hired Gun brings these heroes into the light to examine their lives, the perils of life on the word, and the dedication they bring to their craft.
For venues and showtimes, click here.
Asperger’s Are Us: A look inside the world of a comedy troupe composed of 4 friends who live with Asperger’s. As the realities of life set in and the friends begin to drift apart, they plan one last blow out of comedy glory before going their separate ways. A story of friendship, comedy, and Asperger’s, Asperger’s Are Us looks to be an emotional and heartfelt story of people just trying to live their lives.
For venues and showtimes, click here.
Silicon Cowboys: The story of Compaq is often overlooked when talking about the world of modern computing, but the contributions of this upstart company are endless. This is the story of three friends who broke the rules and took on computing giant IBM with a plan set in motion in a small diner in Houston, Texas.
For tickets and showtimes, click here.
I am the Blues: Take trip through the Louisiana swamplands and the hill country of Mississippi where you’ll find the original kings of the blues still bringing the house down well into their 80’s. This is the story of the lives of bluesmen, the Chitlin’ Circuit, and the raw power of the greatest American music genre of all time.
For venues and showtimes, click here.
The Dwarvenaut: Brooklyn based artist/entrepreneur Stefan Pokorny firmly believes in the power of fantasy gaming and its ability to unite the world. The Dwarvenaut follows his adventures through conventions and bars to find converts to his philosophy and spread the mission of Dungeons and Dragons to the masses as well as bring his miniature sculpture art to life. This is one of those absurd niche documentaries that looks to offer a fascinating glimpse inside of worlds you might otherwise not experience.
For venues and showtimes, click here.
Fantastic Lies: This film explores the infamous Duke Lacrosse rape scandal that gripped the nation with sordid headlines and bizarre twists. What really happened? How did we come to obsess over the case? What can this obsession reveal about American attitudes about sex and class? Fantastic Lies takes a hard look inside this horrific tale to find the answers.
For venues and showtimes, click here.
The American Epic Sessions: Jack White and T-Bone Burnett help pay homage to the history of recorded music by having artists of today—including the likes of Nas, Steve Martin, Taj Mahal, Elton John, and many more—record on the technology of the 1920’s. You’ll see artists struggle with the artistic confines their forebears lived with as a matter of course as you’re taken on a journey through the history of the recording arts. A fascinating must see for any lover of music.
For venues and showtimes, click here.
The Bandit: A look inside the friendship between Burt Reynolds and stuntman Hal Needham and the making of Smokey and the Bandit. Comprised of new and archival interviews and footage, The Bandit highlights a unique relationship that’s withstood the perils of the Hollywood machine.
For venues and showtimes, click here.
Boone: Billed as experimental and meditative, Boone documents the struggles of several goat farmers as they develop their relationship with the land that gives them their living. It’s an interesting take on farmers as they try to make it in the modern world, and should be packed with scenes of raw, emotive images.
For venues and showtimes, click here.
A Song for You: The Austin City Limits Story: For 40 years, the PBS series Austin City Limits has been a proving ground for artists. Playing ACL is a sign that you’ve made it, and throughout its long history the best and brightest names of the industry have tested their power and displayed their chops. Take a look behind the scenes as musicians of yesterday and today discuss their ACL experience and what it means to them to have played it.
For venues and showtimes, click here.
To check out our list of narrative features, click here!
SXSW Film begins Friday, March 11 and runs through Saturday March 19, in Austin, Texas. For full lineup of films, click here. For up to the minute coverage of SXSW Film follow Christian Long (@cuneform) and Danielle Houtkooper (@DaniYellee), as well as Glide Magazine (@glidemag) on Twitter.
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