The sun is beginning to set on a breezy Austin afternoon. It feels like any other day, but as one makes their way south of downtown, they will feel a slight buzz of anticipation. The first signs are the parking meters all wrapped tight in cellophane. Then the trees. Then the columns. Draping them are various movie posters and advertisements for the next big thing. Large, white tents swallow parking lots. Bars along 6th Street are buzzing in anticipation, stocking their shelves. Souvenir shops are filled to the brim with memorabilia.
Walking around the Austin Convention Center, the buildup is palpable. Half constructed booths for large corporations, a holographic saleswoman, a neon pink disco themed eatery, and an exhibit consisting entirely of movie posters.
Running from March 8th to March 17th, South by Southwest (SXSW) has come back to Austin. Since its inception in 1987, the annual film, interactive, and music festival has become one of the largest and most popular events in the entertainment world. It has come to not only cover music and film but also encompassing the best innovations in technology, entrepreneurship, and video games. South by Southwest has become an annual hub for the latest and greatest.
Although it is easy to get caught up in the plethora of booths, the insane amount of workshops, free music parties, and pub crawls, it all boils down to the films. Pure and simple for the folks at Sound on Sight.
There is the much anticipated return of Austin native Richard Linklater and his film Before Midnight as well as the much hyped and salaciously bizarre Spring Breakers. Who can forget the much anticipated as much as it is polarizing remake of Evil Dead directed by Fede Alvarez? What is so great about this Austin based festival is it’s wide array of opportunities for films and filmmakers. Off the beaten path films like Junya Sakino’s Sake Bomb and genre star-packed Milo get a chance to be viewed by the masses.
Yes, Macklemore is here. Yes, Peckerhead’s is probably having drink specials. However, right down the street on South Congress Avenue is the historic Paramount Theatre. With its golden, grand auditorium, it is only one of over 10 screening sights all over downtown Austin. And where you’ll find Sound on Sight is right there under that classic marquee, waiting in line with bated breath for some great films and good times.