AUSTIN, TX – Start building your calendars and pack those cowboy boots! The annual South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival kicks off on Friday, March 7, bringing together the newest and best in film, music, and technology for a week-long celebration of artistry, creativity and innovation. As one of the most influential festivals in the world, SXSW serves as a vital platform for emerging voices and diverse connection-building, making the jam-packed week a critical, can’t-miss exposition for AAPI representation in media. From groundbreaking films by AAPI directors to insightful diversity panels, engaging personal meetups, and dazzling once-in-a-lifetime performances by a wide array of intersectional AAPI musicians, this guide highlights all of the most prominent ones to catch and support!

Films

March 8

Grandma’s Four Color Cards

Director: Sally Tran
Genres: Documentary, Drama, Experimental
Screening: Rollins Theatre at The Long Center, 2:30pm — 4:15pm
Second Screening: Rollins Theatre at The Long Center, March 11, 6:15pm — 8:00pm

Nervous Energy

Director: Eve Liu
Genres: Comedy, Drama
Screening: Rollins Theatre at The Long Center, 11:00am — 12:46pm
Second Screening: Rollins Theatre at The Long, March 11, 2:30pm — 4:16pm

Yú Cì (Fish Bones)

Director: Kevin Xian Ming Yu
Genre: Drama
Screening: Rollins Theatre at The Long Center, 6:00pm — 7:45pm
Second Screening: Rollins Theatre at The Long Center, March 11, 11:00am — 12:45pm

My Wonderful Life

Director: Calleen Koh
Genres: Animated, Comedy, Drama, Experimental
Screening: Rollins Theatre at The Long Center, 9:30pm — 11:24pm
Second Screening: Alamo Lamar 9, March 12, 10:45am — 12:39pm

Words of Her

Director: Charlene Xu
Genres: Animated, Drama, Experimental
Screening: Rollins Theatre at The Long Center, 9:30pm — 11:24pm
Second Screening: Alamo Lamar 9, March 12, 10:45am — 12:39pm

March 9

Forge

Director: Jing Ai Ng
Genres: Comedy, Crime, Drama
Screening: Alamo Lamar 3, 11:30am — 1:24pm
Second Screening: Alamo Lamar 4, March 9, 11:30am — 1:24pm
Third Screening: Alamo Lamar 1, March 10, 9:15pm — 11:09pm
Fourth Screening: Alamo Lamar 8, March 10, 9:15pm — 11:09pm
Fifth Screening: Alamo Lamar 9, March 12, 2:30pm — 4:24pm

Mr. Corruption

Director: Simeon Hu
Genres: Comedy, Crime, Drama
Screening: Rollins Theatre at The Long Center, 6:00pm — 7:53pm
Second Screening: Alamo Lamar 9, March 13, 6:15pm — 8:08pm

Hana Vu – ‘Care’

Director: Maegan Houang
Genre: Crime
Screening: Alamo Lamar 9, 6:30pm — 7:55pm
Second Screening: Alamo Lamar 9, March 13, 3:00pm — 4:25pm

Last Call

Director: Winnie Cheung
Genres: Animated, Experimental, Fantasy, Horror, Thriller
Screening: Rollins Theatre at The Long Center, 9:45pm — 11:36pm
Second Screening: Alamo Lamar 9, March 13, 10:15pm — 12:06am

March 10

Forever We Are Young

Directors: Grace Lee, Patty Ahn
Genres: Documentary, Music
Screening: Paramount Theatre, 11:00am — 12:31pm
Second Screening: ZACH Theatre, March 11, 5:45pm — 7:16pm

Meetups

Navigating Immigration Policies & Reform Meet Up

Mar 8, 2025 10:00am – 11:00am CT Favorite Hilton Austin Downtown Favorite Room 410

Asian Creator Economy Meet Up

Mar 9, 2025 4:00pm – 5:00pm CT Favorite Hilton Austin Downtown Favorite Room 410

The creator economy is expanding rapidly, and we’re establishing a vital space for Asian creators, professionals in the creator economy, and allies. We will foster a contextually rich atmosphere where individuals from shared cultural backgrounds can engage in meaningful conversations. From discussing algorithm updates to exploring the latest trends, we aim to unite the industry’s brightest minds and cultivate a thriving community within this dynamic field!

Asian Women’s Meet Up

Mar 13, 2025 1:00pm – 2:00pm CT Favorite Hilton Austin Downtown Favorite Room 412

Rarely do Asian women have dedicated spaces to connect over their shared experiences. We’re excited to host a meet up for Asian women attending the SXSW festival, representing diverse industries such as film, TV, marketing and advertising, social impact, entrepreneurship, tech, and more. This event aims to bring together, build bridges, and establish long-lasting relationships among attendees.

Featured Session

DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH

Mar 9, 2025 4:00pm – 5:00pm CT Favorite Austin Convention Center Favorite Ballroom D

Legendary game creator, Hideo Kojima will discuss and share new details about DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH, the upcoming sequel to the critically acclaimed DEATH STRANDING video game, coming to PlayStation®5.

Music