SXSW 2020: Second Batch of Programming Announced

By Sean Boelman

Dembanger horror-thriller film still. Credit: Jonathan Pope.

On February 5, the SXSW Film Festival announced the remainder of the programming that will be screening at the 2020 SXSW Film Festival, which runs March 13-21 in Austin, TX. Among the films announced are those that will be screening as "Midnighters", "Festival Favorites", and "Special Events", in addition to other late-addition features and the shorts, title design, and virtual reality cinema competitions.

The "Midnighters" section is home to those films best seen after dark (and with a little bit of liquid fun, if you're lucky enough to be attending a screening at the Alamo Drafthouse), from horror features to bizarre and surreal comedies. This section always contains some of the lineup's most intriguing films, if only because they are usually the weirdest, and this year is no exception. Highlights include the social-media-inspired thriller Dembanger and the Blumhouse thriller Run Sweetheart Run.

In the "Festival Favorites" section, attendees will be able to see great films that have been gaining steady buzz on the festival circuit, including some from this year's Sundance Film Festival, which just ended. Arguably one of the most exciting films in the section is Charm City KIngs, a new coming-of-age tale with story by Moonlight writer-director Barry Jenkins. Festival-goers also won't want to miss deadpan buddy comedy The Climb, which has been nominated for Indie Spirit Awards.

The "Special Events" section features special screenings of films in a unique environment that only a festival like SXSW can provide. Festival-goers will be treated to screenings of films with new restorations or live score performances. Although these don't fall within the realm of traditional film screenings, attendees should definitely check these events out if they get the chance, because they certainly provide a unique experience.

As anyone who has been to SXSW will tell you, the announcement of the program is just the beginning. Now, attendees must get to work scheduling their stay at SXSW. Whether you are staying for the whole festival or only coming for part, it is nearly impossible to squeeze in everything because of the wealth of great films that will be showing. And of course, you have to leave room for some buzz screenings! Still, with plenty to choose from, this year's festival is sure to be a fun and cinema-packed week!

The 2020 SXSW Film Festival runs from March 12-21 in Austin, TX.