SXSW 2026 Programming Highlights

SXSW 2026 Unveils Exciting Second Wave of Film and TV Programming

The prestigious South by Southwest festival has announced additional selections for its 2026 lineup, featuring a compelling mix of anticipated series returns, star-studded thrillers, and music documentaries.

Lisa Kudrow fans have reason to celebrate as "The Comeback" returns for its third and reportedly final season. The beloved HBO comedy series, which originally premiered in 2005 before its 2014 revival, continues the journey of Kudrow's character—a former sitcom actress navigating her return to fame later in life.

Action enthusiasts will be drawn to "Pretty Lethal," a newly announced thriller featuring Uma Thurman alongside rising stars Iris Apatow, Lana Condor, Millicent Simmonds, Avantika, and Maddie Ziegler. The film follows five ballerinas who must transform their dance training into survival skills when stranded at an unsettling roadside inn.

Music lovers haven't been forgotten in this programming expansion. The festival's "24 Beats Per Second" section welcomes several compelling music documentaries, including an exploration of Red Hot Chili Peppers' original guitarist Hillel Slovak and his profound impact on the band. Additional music documentaries will showcase country star Lainey Wilson, folk-rock musician Jack Johnson, singer-songwriter Noah Kahan, and Americana artist Charley Crockett.

Adam Scott emerges as a festival highlight with appearances in two distinctive films. In "The Saviors," Scott stars alongside Danielle Deadwyler as an estranged couple dealing with Airbnb rental complications, while "Hokum" showcases his talents in an Irish horror production from filmmaker Damian McCarthy.

Festival president Claudette Godfrey expressed enthusiasm about the diverse programming: "These projects push boundaries and take risks that demand to be experienced with our engaged, enthusiastic audiences. We're counting down to bringing our community together in Austin!"

The expanded lineup features numerous world premieres across various categories including Narrative Spotlight, which welcomes "Anima," a road trip drama starring Sydney Chandler, and "Basic," a relationship comedy featuring Ashley Park and Leighton Meester. Additional highlights include "Chili Finger" with Judy Greer and Bryan Cranston, and "Dreamquil," a near-future thriller starring Elizabeth Banks.

The festival continues its tradition of showcasing both established talent and emerging voices, reinforcing SXSW's reputation as a premier launching pad for groundbreaking entertainment across multiple formats.A slate of diverse and compelling films has been announced for the festival, showcasing fresh voices and established talent.

The narrative section features several intriguing debuts and relationship dramas.

Maude Apatow presents a poignant exploration of friendship and family dynamics in 'Poetic License'.

Leslie Mann, Cooper Hoffman, and Andrew Barth Feldman star in this U.S. premiere.

Cross-cultural weddings and comedic complications drive 'Same Same But Different'.

The world premiere stars Medalion Rahimi and Logan Miller in a story of a green card arrangement gone awry.

Suspense and rekindled romance intersect in the thriller 'The Saviors'.

Adam Scott and Danielle Deadwyler lead the cast in this world premiere about suspicious Airbnb guests.

'Ugly Cry' delves into the destructive pursuit of perfection in the acting world.

Emily Robinson stars in and directs this world premiere about a performer's spiral.

Fantasy and teenage longing blend in 'Sparks', from director Fergus Campbell.

Elsie Fisher leads a cast of friends chasing an urban legend about a time portal.

The documentary lineup tackles true crime, social issues, and sports history.

'Cornbread Mafia' chronicles the astonishing story of Kentucky's massive marijuana syndicate.

This world premiere mixes true crime with animated elements.

'The Dads' is a timely portrait of fathers supporting their trans children amidst rising hostility.

It follows their difficult choices in a climate of anti-trans legislation.

'First They Came For My College' examines the political assault on academic freedom in Florida.

This Texas premiere documents a campus becoming a national battleground.

'Summer of ‘94' captures the chaotic and pivotal World Cup hosted by a soccer-ambivalent United States.

The film follows the improbable U.S. team tasked with not embarrassing the nation.

'The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson' is an intimate portrait of the cyclist whose life was cut short.

The documentary traces her athletic brilliance and devastating murder.

'Serling' offers the definitive authorized look at the legendary creator of 'The Twilight Zone'.

This world premiere is executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio.

'I Got Bombed at Harvey’s' recounts a spectacular casino heist involving dynamite and millions in cash.

'Manhood' follows entrepreneur Bill Moore's quest to normalize penis enlargement procedures.

The film features subjects putting their bodies and insecurities on the line.

'One Another' is a personal documentary about friendships facing profound change and reconnection.

'Your Attention Please' investigates the pushback against addictive technology and AI.

It features insights from Frances Haugen, Tristan Harris, and Sherry Turkle.

The Midnighters section promises chilling genre fare, led by the Irish horror 'Hokum'.

Adam Scott stars as a novelist haunted by local witch legends in a remote inn.

Festival Favorites include the international documentary 'American Doctor'.

It follows three U.S. physicians—Palestinian, Jewish, and Zoroastrian—risking everything in Gaza.

The family adventure 'Buddy' features a star-studded cast including Michael Shannon and Keegan-Michael Key.

A young girl must escape from a sinister kids' television show in this Texas premiere.

Also featured is the Australian title 'Leviticus', rounding out a robust and eclectic selection.In the realm of cinematic festivals, a diverse lineup promises to captivate audiences with stories spanning horror, heartfelt documentaries, and musical journeys. A chilling tale unfolds as two teenage boys grapple with a malevolent force that manifests as their deepest desire—each other—forcing their escape from a terrifying entity.

Meanwhile, a poignant documentary traces the extraordinary lives of the world's oldest individuals, capturing a decade of global records and reflecting on themes of mortality, destiny, and the essence of human existence. This intimate portrait invites viewers to contemplate the fleeting nature of time.

On a more personal note, a revealing profile delves into comedian Maria Bamford’s life, illustrating how she transforms personal pain into compelling comedy, blurring the lines between performance and crisis. This raw narrative offers a window into the resilience found in vulnerability.

A haunting story of grief and discovery follows a young girl mourning her father as she moves to an isolated town. Uncovering a monstrous secret rooted in local lore and woodland shadows, her journey explores themes of loss and the unknown.

Comedy takes a wild turn as two inept individuals tasked with transferring a troubled teen to rehab find themselves embroiled in chaos. Their simple job spirals into dangerous antics, blending humor with peril in a story of unlikely heroes.

In a documentary spanning Iceland and the United States, a writer confronts environmental and personal loss, transforming archival materials into a time capsule that preserves memories of glaciers, family, and the relentless march of time.

A psychological thriller features a salesman who, after an accident, begins to question whether his suffering is real or a product of infection, as he navigates a world teetering on the edge of violence and surrealism.

Set in a devastated landscape, a story of survival follows a woman and her companions as they encounter a mysterious, possibly supernatural force linked to her past, blurring the line between reality and nightmare.

In a nostalgic tribute, a documentary chronicles musician and actor David Greenberger’s conversations with seniors, revealing insights about aging, art, and the enduring power of dialogue, featuring notable voices from the worlds of entertainment and art.

A supernatural journey unfolds as a young man grieving his sister and searching for his father encounters a bridge between life and death in a remote forest, confronting his deepest fears and hopes.

Amidst a contaminated water crisis, a story of love and resilience follows a wealthy pregnant woman and a young woman seeking renewal in a lakeside retreat, exploring themes of survival, hope, and human connection.

A nautical legend comes alive as a sound recordist ventures onto a mysterious island, unraveling an ancient prophecy that threatens his understanding of reality and his own competence.

Set against Montreal’s vibrant indie scene of 2011, a young music critic becomes entangled with a band she admires, leading to romantic and professional revelations in a story about passion, fame, and the power of music.

A documentary traces Jack Johnson’s evolution from surfing icon to acclaimed filmmaker and musician, offering rare archival footage and personal reflections on creativity, friendship, and exploration.

Country singer Lainey Wilson takes center stage in a compelling film that follows her journey to redefine modern country music while staying true to herself, highlighting her personal struggles and triumphant moments.

In the indie music scene of early 2010s Montreal, a young critic falls for band members she champions, navigating love and career amid the city's vibrant cultural landscape.

As rising star Noah Kahan approaches international fame, he returns to his roots in Vermont, confronting personal struggles and the pressures of success, offering an intimate look at the artist behind the music.

Finally, a heartfelt documentary celebrates the legendary Hillel Slovak of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, chronicling his influence and the enduring legacy of his musical spirit, capturing the story of a brother whose impact transcended generations.

Film and TV Highlights

Exploring the Red Hot Chili Peppers' Early Days: Hillel Slovak's Legacy

The upcoming documentary delves into the formative period of one of rock's most influential bands, focusing on their origins in Los Angeles and the critical role played by founding guitarist Hillel Slovak. The film promises to reveal how these young musicians forged deep personal connections that would shape their musical journey and enduring legacy.

Diverse Film Selections Highlight SXSW's Expanding Vision

The festival continues to showcase groundbreaking international cinema with entries like Brazil's "Apolo," which follows a transgender couple's pregnancy journey as the father carries their child, challenging societal norms and expectations. Meanwhile, Germany's "Thanks for Nothing" presents a raw portrayal of teenage mental health crises and institutional failures.

Television Programming Gains Prominence

After a decade-long hiatus, Lisa Kudrow returns in the third and final season of HBO's meta-comedy "The Comeback," with Michael Patrick King returning as showrunner. The festival will also feature "They Called Us Outlaws," documenting the revolutionary country music movement that emerged between Nashville and Texas in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Immersive Storytelling Takes Center Stage

The XR Experience section continues to push boundaries with selections like the Danish-German-Taiwanese collaboration "Dark Rooms," which creates a judgment-free virtual space exploring sexuality and self-discovery through personal narratives. Denmark's "Reality Looks Back" offers a tactile examination of quantum physics principles manifested in everyday experiences.

Adventure Documentary Highlights Personal Struggles

"The Dark Wizard" provides an unflinching look at Dean Potter, the influential yet controversial extreme sports figure whose breathtaking achievements in climbing, BASE jumping, and highline walking came alongside intense personal battles, featuring insights from those closest to him.

What are the Harry Potter Movies about and Where to Watch

The Harry Potter film series chronicles the magical adventures of the titular character and his friends as they confront the rise of the dark wizard Voldemort. For those wondering where to watch harry potter, the movies are widely available on major subscription services and for digital purchase or rental.

Why Choose SafeShell as Your Netflix VPN?

If you want to access region-restricted content such as Harry Potter movies on Netflix, considering SafeShell VPN is a smart choice. One of the key advantages of the SafeShell VPN is its high-speed servers specifically optimized for seamless Netflix streaming, ensuring buffer-free playback and crisp high-definition quality. Additionally, SafeShell VPN allows you to connect multiple devices simultaneously—up to five—making it convenient to enjoy your favorite shows across various gadgets like smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. The platform's exclusive App Mode feature further enhances your experience by enabling you to unlock and enjoy content from multiple regions at once, broadening your entertainment options. Moreover, SafeShell VPN provides lightning-fast speeds without bandwidth restrictions, so you can stream, download, and browse effortlessly. Its top-level security, powered by the proprietary ShellGuard protocol, guarantees your privacy remains protected while you surf the web. Lastly, with a flexible free trial plan, users can explore all these benefits risk-free before making a commitment to the reliable and secure SafeShell VPN.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Watch Harry Potter with SafeShell VPN

To watch Harry Potter movies using SafeShell VPN, begin by subscribing to a suitable plan on their official website.

• Next, download and install the SafeShell VPN application on your preferred device, ensuring compatibility with your operating system.
• After launching the app, log in to your account and select the recommended APP mode for optimal streaming performance.
• Then, choose a VPN server from the available list that corresponds to the region offering the Harry Potter content you wish to access.
• Once connected, open Netflix through your browser or app, log in, and start enjoying the magical films securely with SafeShell VPN.

This process ensures seamless access to geo-restricted content while maintaining your online privacy.