South by Southwest (SXSW) will host its Film & TV and Innovation Conferences from March 12 to 18, featuring a variety of influential guests discussing topics relevant to their fields. This year’s event will include a session with executive producer and actor Steve Carell, placing the focus on the Steve Carell SXSW panel among other major appearances.
The Film & TV Conference will present sessions with prominent figures including Vince Gilligan, creator of “Breaking Bad,” alongside actress Rhea Seehorn and composer Dave Porter. Other participants include Sony Pictures Television Studios President Katherine Pope and producer Trina Siopy, all contributing to a discussion titled
“Albuquerque Aftermath: From Breaking Bad to Pluribus.”
Key Panels Showcasing Legendary Talent and Creators
The festival will feature multiple engaging sessions within the Film & TV segment. One notable panel,
“A Waste of Time with Larry David and Jeff Schaffer,”
brings together comedian Larry David, director Jeff Schaffer, and LA Times journalist Lorraine Ali to explore their collaborative work. Another highlight is the
“Cast and Creators on HBO’s ROOSTER”
panel, which includes co-showrunners Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses, with Steve Carell joining fellow cast members Danielle Deadwyler and Charly Clive.
Jamie Lee Curtis will also lead a session entitled
“If Not Now, When, If Not Me, Who? Pivoting and Manifesting!”
where she will share insights from her experience as an actor, producer, author, and activist.
Innovation Conference to Address Activism, AI, and Technology Leadership
Alongside Film & TV, the Innovation Conference presents a variety of topics with experts from diverse backgrounds. Attendees will hear from Carl Pei, CEO and Cofounder of Nothing, in a session focused on consumer electronics leadership. Other discussions include
“The Guardian in Conversation with Mahmoud Khalil on the Cost of Dissent,”
featuring Algerian–Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, The Guardian’s US Editor Betsy Reed, and Baher Azmy from the Center of Constitutional Rights.
The conference will also examine cutting-edge issues such as the growing impact of AI in intellectual property, with former USPTO Director Michelle K. Lee leading a session on
“Real-World Impact of AI: Opportunities, Risks and Intellectual Property Oh My!”
Additionally, a panel on
“Ibogaine in America: The Parable of Our Time”
will bring together veteran Marcus Luttrell, Professor Gul Dolen, Americans for Ibogaine CEO Bryan Hubbard, and former Texas Governor Rick Perry to discuss the subject.
Advanced Reservation System Enables Attendees to Plan Their Experience
This year, SXSW is introducing a reservation system allowing attendees to secure spots at sessions in advance. Platinum badge holders will be allowed three daily reservations, while guests with Innovation, Music, or Film & TV badges will have up to two bookings per day. Reservations extend to comedy shows as well, while workshops and mentor sessions will not count against these limits.
The booking windows open February 19 at 9 a.m. for Platinum badge holders, followed by festival badge holders on February 26 at the same time. Reservations can be made through the event’s web schedule or the SXSW GO app, underscoring the importance of early planning due to high demand.
Local Advocates and Organizations Honored with SXSW Community Service Awards
The latest announcement also highlighted the recipients of the SXSW Community Service Awards, recognizing impactful local individuals and groups in Austin. Among the honorees is Awais Azhar, Executive Director of HousingWorks Austin, which focuses on increasing affordable housing availability.
Mary Bailey, co-founder of the Last Prisoner Project dedicated to freeing cannabis prisoners and supporting their reintegration, is also honored. Taylor McGraw, Executive Director of The Bell and a leader in youth-led journalism, receives recognition for advancing student reporting into policy arenas. Francene Blythe-Lewis, President and CEO of Vision Maker Media, the longest-standing Native American media organization, is acknowledged for her contributions to Indigenous public broadcasting.
Additionally, Jonathan “Chaka” Mahone, storyteller and founder of DAWA, a support network for People of Color experiencing short-term crises, rounds out this year’s list of recipients.
Badge Options and Access for SXSW Attendees
SXSW offers several badge types granting varying levels of event access. Festival and Platinum badges are currently available for purchase, priced from $820 up to $1,995 depending on the tier. These credentials provide holders with priority entry to numerous sessions and opportunities throughout the festival, ensuring an organized and comprehensive experience for attendees interested in both film and innovation topics.
