SXSW London Unveils Keynote Speakers and Featured Films

South by Southwest (SXSW) has revealed the first list of keynote speakers and films that will be part of its London edition, taking place from June 1-6.

Among the prominent speakers are influential figures such as Sharon Horgan, known for her work on series like “Catastrophe” and “Bad Sisters”, screenwriter and producer Russell T. Davies, famous for “Queer as Folk” and “Doctor Who”, and Tom Quinn, founder of the American production company Neon, responsible for Oscar-winning films such as “Anora” and “Parasite”.

The SXSW London film program will focus on international talent and discovery, with films from 22 countries already confirmed.

The film selection includes the documentary “Feast or Famine”, narrated by Marco Pierre White, which explores the kitchen of the Angelina's restaurant in London, the Spanish film “La Carn”, the Colombian sci-fi thriller “Barrio Triste” and the AI documentary “Intelligence Rising”, by filmmaker Elena Andreicheva, winner of Oscar and BAFTA awards.

Anna Bogutskaya, head of screen at SXSW London, commented: “SXSW London Screen Festival is not designed to be just another film festival. What we’re building here is a bridge between international talent and the U.K., between film and the wider creative industries, and points of connection between film, music, art and technology.”

Bogutskaya added: “The program we have curated is celebrating those filmmakers and artists who are exploring and exploding the possibilities of filmmaking. London is a global city, and cinema is an international language. What we’re looking for — and what we are excited to bring to London audiences this summer — is that electricity of discovering something truly groundbreaking from places they weren’t looking in.”

The complete list of films includes world and UK premieres, covering a wide range of genres and nationalities.

World premieres include “Feast or Famine”, “The Remedy” and “All Night Wrong”. UK premieres include titles such as “Amoeba”, “Becoming”, “On the Road”, “Father”, “Hijra”, “It Would Be Night in Caracas”, “Maddie’s Secret”, “Remake”, “Sicko”, “Whistle”, “The Whisper”, “La Carn”, “Barrio Triste” and “Intelligence Rising”.

SXSW London is shaping up to be a key event for film lovers, offering a platform for the discovery of new voices and encounters with leading figures in the industry.

With a diverse and ambitious program, the festival seeks to connect international talent with the British public, promoting dialogue between different creative disciplines.