What to look forward to at SXSW

SXSW kicks off this week in Austin, Texas, bringing new films, music, and interactive experiences to thousands of attendees.

With a schedule jam-packed with fascinating panel discussions, screenings, events, and live music, it’s hard to know where to begin with planning an itinerary for yourself. So if you find yourself in Austin with an all-access pass, we’re providing you with a good starting point.

For the film buff: The world premiere of Terrence Malick’s Song to Song. The film takes place against the backdrop of Austin’s indie music scene, so what better venue to premiere it? Song to Song stars Ryan Gosling, Rooney Mara, Michael Fassbender, and Natalie Portman, and will open the festival this Friday.

For the comedy lover: Bob Odenkirk has had audiences laughing for years, from his early days as a writer and performer on Mr. Show with Bob and David, to recent turns in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul as Saul Goodman/Jimmy McGill. On Monday, he’ll be in conversation with another comedy heavyweight, Portlandia’s Fred Armisen, discussing his prolific career.

For the politically-minded: Former Vice President Joe Biden will be speaking this Sunday at the Austin Convention Center, introduced by Dr. Jill Biden. While the focus of the speech isn’t political, the former Veep will be sharing his plans for the Biden cancer initiative, and is part of the Connect to End Cancer series that takes place in the Health Track throughout the day on Sunday.

For the new music obsessive: Austin is a city known for its music, and SXSW serves up international indie bands to an incredible audience. From Austin locals Survive, best known for their synth-heavy score to Netflix’s Stranger Things, Korean hip-hop by way of XXX, to new influences like one-woman act Lisa Prank, there’s something for everyone, and SXSW’s own Music Blogger’s Guide is your best pick to find your new favorite listens.

From Austin locals Survive, best known for their synth-heavy score to Netflix’s Stranger Things, Korean hip-hop by way of XXX, to new influences like one-woman act Lisa Prank, there’s something for everyone.
+ Survive plays SXSW. Photo via Rolling Stone

For the television nerds: Game of Thrones is known for its interactive exhibits across festivals, and SXSW is no exception. In addition to undoubtedly cool new experiences, showrunners David Benioff and DB Weiss will be joined by cast members Maisie Williams and Sophie Turner to talk about the HBO hit series.

Patrick Gookin photographs Los Angeles with an iPhone from a car

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