SXSW

R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe hosted an event during SXSW where he dished on the 'Collapse Into Now Film Project,' a selection of films created to accompany each song on their new album by artists personally selected by Stipe. [Photo by Brian Brooks]

SXSW co-founder Louis Black and SXSW Film Festival producer Janet Pierson after chatting with indieWIRE at Next Stage last week. [Photo by Brian Brooks]

"Natural Selection"'s Matt O'Leary (actor), Robbie Pickering (director), Brian Hambal (producer), Paul Jensen (producer) at the Austin Convention Center basking in their big win for best narrative feature at the SXSW Film Festival Tuesday night. Their film follows Linda White, a barren housewife who leads a sheltered life in suburban Texas. As a SXSW description elaborates: Her world is turned upside-down when she discovers that her dying husband, Abe, has a 23-year old illegitimate son named Raymond living in Florida. Somewhere on the edge of guilt and loneliness, Linda grants Abe's final wish and sets off on a quixotic journey to find Raymond and bring him back before her husband passes away. Along the way, Linda's wonderfully bizarre relationship with Raymond will teach her more about herself than she ever imagined possible and force her to come to terms with her troubled past. [Photo by Eric Kohn]

Cinematographer Urszula Pontikos, director Andrew Haigh and producer Tristan Goligher celebrate their win Tuesday night in Austin of the SXSW Film Festival's Emerging Visions prize. Their film, "Weekend" has received tremendous word of mouth here at the festival and was the "Buzz Screening" later that night. The film centers around Russell, who heads to a straight club on a Friday night after hanging out with straight friends. As a SXSW description continues: "Just before closing time he picks up Glen and that weekend, in bars and in bedrooms, getting drunk and taking drugs, telling stories and having sex, the two men get to know each other. It is an encounter that will resonate throughout their lives." [Photo by Eric Kohn]

Cinematographer Urszula Pontikos, director Andrew Haigh and producer Tristan Goligher celebrate their win Tuesday night in Austin of the SXSW Film Festival's Emerging Visions prize. Their film, "Weekend" has received tremendous word of mouth here at the festival and was the "Buzz Screening" later that night. The film centers around Russell, who heads to a straight club on a Friday night after hanging out with straight friends. As a SXSW description continues: "Just before closing time he picks up Glen and that weekend, in bars and in bedrooms, getting drunk and taking drugs, telling stories and having sex, the two men get to know each other. It is an encounter that will resonate throughout their lives."

Director Alison Bagnall and stars Greta Gerwig and Olly Alexander hosted a delightful afternoon party to celebrate their SXSW Emerging Visions feature, "The Dish & The Spoon." In the film, Rose (played by Gerwig), is reeling from her husband's affair, and forms an unexpected bond with a marooned teenager from the U.K., played by newcomer Alexander, in a boarded-up Delaware beach town.

Talk show host Conan O'Brien took to the stage for a rousing Q&A following the world premiere of the doc in which he's "the star," Rodman Flender's "Conan O'Brien Can't Stop." Conan jumped up and down and ran a few circles around Flender who was joined on stage by SXSW Film Festival Producer Janet Grillo. For more on the film, read iW's interview with the director.

"The FP" co-director Jason Trost and his sister, costume designer Sarah Trost, strike an appropriately goofy pose during the Highball afterparty following the film's SXSW premiere last night. The feature, a maniacal genre spoof about Dance Dance Revolution competitors, is playing in the festival's SXFantastic section.

Alamo Drafthouse co-founder Tim League and horror director Ti West offered vastly different reactions to cuisine at a crawfish bake hosted by League at his house on Saturday afternoon. West's latest feature, "The Innkeepers," premieres at SXSW on Saturday night, and he also stars in Joe Swanberg's "Silver Bullets." Other attendees at the packed outdoor gathering included "Bellflower" director Evan Glodell and "Kill List" director Ben Wheatley, whose film premieres in the SXFantastic section of the festival.

Morgan Spurlock takes in a pre-screening chat with sales company Submarine's Josh Braun at SXSW Saturday afternoon. Crowds filed in for directors Michael Tucker and Petra Epperlein's Documentary Competition film, rumblin' & tumblin' and delightfully bloody "Fightville." Spurlock is attending the festival with "The Greatest Movie Ever Sold" and "The Other F Word," in which he is an executive producer.

"Source Code" stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan and Vera Farmiga take to the stage following the world premiere of the film, directed by Duncan Jones in Austin, TX Friday night. Consistent with previous years, the packed crowd gave the SXSW Film Festival's opening night a thunderous applause. Check out indieWIRE's review of the film.

Sitting at a table with family and friends in Austin Studios last night, Renee Zellweger was at ease. In town for the Austin Film Society's Texas Hall of Fame Honors--where she received an honor alongside Rip Torn, John Hawks and several others--Zellweger indulged the requests of autograph seekers, chatted with old acquaintances, and posed for photographs. She had a reason to smile: Later, octogenarian gossip columnist Liz Smith would lavish praise on the actress before introducing her, saying that Zellweger was "better at winning than Charlie Sheen." A lengthy montage of clips from her work, mainly set to the music from "Chicago," backed up that claim.

"So what do you fucking want now," Motorhead lead singer Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister (right) joked as he took the stage to a standing ovation at the Paramount Theater in Austin, Texas Monday night. The crowd - which included many a passionate Motorhead fan - had just seen the world premiere of Wes Orshoski and Greg Olliver's "LEMMY," a documentary profiling the singer. Kilmster said he thought it was "ridiculous" when the filmmakers approached him about makin the film. "But they seemed sincere," he said. "So I let them do it. And it turned out it paid off."

The crew from SXSW debut, "MacGruber" made the rounds in and around the festival Tuesday, first doing what attendees called "a fun press conference" with talk of pubic hair and sex with a fake ghost. Director Jorma Taccone along with cast members Will Forte, Kristen Wiig as well as Ryan Phillippe then headed on over to the IFC Crossroads House in downtown Austin for more hilarity during a sit down interview with the network's on-air host Matt Singer. Onlookers took pictures and howled as the wacky cast continued their verbal antics, with Jorma wondering if they were allowed to say certain words. "Of course you can," came the response.

Gaawwwd he's Haaawtt!! "MacGruber" star Ryan Phillippe looked down toward a monitor during a live streaming interview with IFC.com as fans sent in questions. Phillippe joined director Jorma Taccone along with fellow stars Will Forte and Kristen Wiig for the discussion, lead by IFC on-air personality, Matt Singer at the network's IFC Crossroads house in downtown Austin. Phillippe said he loved Austin and had checked out property close by Lake Travis, just outside of the city.

Jonah Hill (right) and John C Reilly (second from right) with the Duplass Brothers, Jay (left) and Mark (right) after this week's rousing screening of the new Duplass movie, "Cyrus" here at the SXSW Film Festival.

IFC Films hosted a very civilized and chill dinner for Bryan Poyser's "Lovers of Hate," which had its Austin debut here at SXSW and is available on VOD simultaneously, continuing an initiative begun last year in which the NYC-based distributor hosts select titles on demand at or near the same time they're screening at the festival. Posing for a quick shot: IFC Films' Dan Goldberg, actors Alex Karpovsky, Heather Kafka, director Bryan Poyser, actor Chris Doubek and Megan Gilbride (producer).

"Tiny Furniture" director Lena Dunham certainly ruled the night Tuesday, taking the SXSW Film Festival's Best Narrative film prize and winning resounding praise from Variety's Peter Debruge as he introduced the winner. In accepting her award, Dunham told the audience that it was amazing to win just one week after "The Hurt Locker" director Kathryn Bigelow won the Best Director prize at the Oscars. "[That] was a big fucking deal for me. So thank you," she said.

"Marwencol" director Jeff Malmberg was all smiles Tuesday night in the Austin Convention Center, and well he should be. His film, which premiered at SXSW picked up the Best Documentary prize during the much longer (compared to previous years) awards show. He's also sporting the actual award, which is locally made - though there is still some confusion as to what it is...

As the main part of the film and interactive events at SXSW wound down Tuesday night following the film awards, the music event heated up, and IFC Crossroads House (a venue hosted by the network that contains a range of activities and freebies throughout the 10 day SXSW) with a show from what people were calling a hot band, Shadow Shadow Shade. The group received a great cheer and people took to their mobile devices to get more info on the LA-based band. Singer Claire McKeown (pictured here with fan and iW friend Brad Horvath) told iW's Eugene Hernandez after the set that they're shopping around for a home label, but if that doesn't work, they'll do the DIY. "Rather than call it independent," McKeown said, "I like to think of us as autonomous."

Lionsgate acquisitions executive Eda Kowan with Samuel Goldwyn Films' Peter Goldwyn inside the Austin Convention Center earlier this week.

SXSW Film Festival producer Janet Pierson (middle) joined in Tuesday night for the End of the Film Conference/Opening of Music Conference party at a very crowded Maggie Mae's on 6th Street in downtown Austin following the Awards Ceremony at the nearby Austin Convention Center. iW ran into her hanging out with director/film critic/ blogger Aaron Hillis (and also co-runs boutique distribution label, Benten Films) as well as agent Dina Kuperstock (CAA).

"I heard there were three generations of women working in the same house and that family element really fascinated me," said "The Canal Street Madam" director Cameron Yates following the premiere of his doc at the SXSW Film Festival Monday. "After I met Jeanette, I knew I had a film." "Madam" follows the fascinating story of infamous (or as she likes to say, "famous") New Orleans prostitute Jeanette Maier whose brothel was busted in an FBI sting in 2001. Yates' verite style film combines serious commentary on media, politics and morality with humor that gripped the overflow audience at SXSW for its early evening debut. Maier herself is an intoxicating character, who uses her mix of Southern charm, a filthy mouth and confident charisma to advocate for the rights of sex workers at events depicted in the film and again at the SXSW Q&A. "The lawmakers are the lawbreakers," she said to cheers. "What two or more consensual adults do in the privacy of their home is no business of the government."

IFC Films hosted its SXSW party Saturday night, celebrating the simultaneous Austin premiere of Bryan Poyser's "Lovers of Hate" at the SXSW Film Festival and its roll out on VOD. The party was quite a live-wired event with dancing and crowd surfing through the jammed venue, but two of the party's stars, Byran Poyser and SXSW founder Louis Black took some time to chill out outside.

IFC Films held its big SXSW bash Saturday night in downtown Austin, and like practically every single joint that served beer and had a roof here - it was packed. But there was also a lot of fun to be had, and it was a great place to run into friends/colleagues. Joining in on the fun were filmmakers Ti West ("House of the Devil"), Joe Swanberg ("Alexander the Last"), Aaron Katz ("Cold Weather") IFC Films' Ryan Werner and Brendan McFadden (producer of "Cold Weather" and star of "Passenger Pigeons").

Two weeks ahead of the last U.S. presidential election, filmmaker Jeff Deutchman asked friends in the U.S. and abroad to record their experiences on election day, 11/4/08, which also happens to be the title of the film. The hopes and emotions of people are captured throughout the free-wheeling film with raw portraits of Obama volunteers through to the anonymous citizen on the streets. "I wanted this film to be organic," said Deutchman, who is an acquisitions exec at IFC Films. And though the film screened in the Emerging Visions section at SXSW, Deutchman says his film is still "incomplete." He is still asking for footage from anyone who has captured the day for an ever expanding and evolving library. Deutchman (left) sat with producers Natalie Difford and Isabel Teitler along with Marcus Cohlan who filmed footage from Los Angeles for the doc.

"Is that a camera to take pictures at the party? Who are you taking pictures for," asked "Crying With Laughter" producer Claire Mundell Saturday night. She, along with the film's writer/director Justin Molotnikov were exiting a very popular and rowdy IFC party in downtown Austin and charmed iW, so why not... The film, which won a BAFTA Scotland Award, centers on a stand-up comic whose life goes completely awry, but an acquaintance offers him help, but it's not all what it's cracked up to be...

"Marwencol" director Jeff Malmberg didn't seem to enthused to have his picture taken following the screening of his film at the SXSW Film Festival Saturday afternoon, but the film was a crowd pleaser, so iW went for it anyway. The doc, screening in the festival's competition, is a look into the fantasy world of Mark Hogancamp. After being beaten into a coma outside a bar, Hogancamp overcame alcoholism and uses his creativity in building a 1/6th scale WW II-era town in his yard. The dolls in his creations represent people in his life.

Quentin Tarantino lives in California, but he knows Texas well, having screened his QT Fests in Austin over the years. He was inducted into the Texas Film Hall of Fame last Thursday night in Austin - a benefit for the Austin Film Society, founded by Richard Linklater who introduced Tarantino. "I start relaxing tomorrow," Tarantino told Anne Thompson as he arrived ahead of the ceremony, no doubt a bit exhausted from the round of Oscar events earlier that week.

Director Robert Rodriguez ("Sin City") chatted with iW and film exec Aaron Kaufman before the ceremony got underway at the Texas Film Hall of Fame late last week. Rodriguez sported his signature black hat, and later took to the stage after Quentin Tarantino gave his acceptance speech, presenting him with his own black cowboy hat.

Actor Lukas Haas grew up in California, but his family's roots are in the Lone Star state, so Haas was tapped for Texas Film Hall of Fame glory last week. Singer Lyle Lovett (in the background) introduced Haas ("Witness) who recently finished shooting "Inception" by Christopher Nolan.

Former Monkees television show/band member Michael Nesmith was inducted into the Texas Film Hall of Fame last Thursday night, joining fellow inductees, Quentin Tarantino, Lukas Haas ("Witness"), Bruce McGill ("Animal House") and Quentin Tarantino. The ceremony took place at the Austin Film Studios. "I was much more interested in the arts than what they were teaching me," Nesmith (pictured here on the left with artist Ed Ruscha who introduced him to the stage). Nesmith won the first Grammy Award for a music video back in 1981.

The SXSW Film Festival had a real rager Friday night with its opening film, "Kick-Ass." The crowd was wild and it wasn't just alcohol infused, the audience really ate it up with cheers, roaring laughs and screams. One SXSW organizer took to the stage following the screening and said, "I think this is the best opening film we've done, right?" to the applause and howls from the crowd waiting for the Q&A. Director Matthew Vaughn (who confessed to being a bit tired after just flying in from England) joined stars Aaron Johnson, (Kick-Ass), Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Red Mist) and Clark Duke on the stage for the audience chat. Kick-Ass creators Mark Millar and John Romita Jr. also joined in. "No studio would make this film, they wouldn't back it," said Vaughn when asked if he had problems making a movie in which a little girl plays a superhero getting into fights and swearing. Lionsgate will release the film this year. Check out indieWIRE's review of "Kick-Ass." [Photo by Eugene Hernandez]

A completely voiceless Rachel Ray thanks the crowd after a blistering set by Brooklyn (by way of Minneapolis) rockers The Hold Steady at the 2009 Rose's Mojito and Rachael Ray's Feedback: The B-Side party at Maggie Mae's on Saturday at SXSW. Earlier, iPOP's eardrums were shattered by the punk pioneers New York Dolls. Going a little deaf was tempered slightly by some pretty fantastic eats, including jalapeno popper mac n' cheese (iPOP would bathe in it if it was socially acceptable), ancho chicken soft tacos, smoky chipotle & black bean chilaquiles and some insane beer & beef chili sliders on bacon biscuits, all washed down with Rose's Mojito bevies (and beer). Other performers included Bob Schneider, The Airborne Toxic Event, Ra Ra Riot, Semi Precious Weapons, The Cringe, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Thermals and John Pringle. All a part of the SXSW Music Festival which overlaps with the SXSW Film Festival. [Photo and caption by Mark Rabinowitz]

"Four Boxes" director/screenwriter Wyatt McDill (we don't think there's someone actually sticking their finger in his ear) and actor Justin Kirk in Austin earlier this week at the Austin Chronicle party. Their film, screening in the SXSW Film Festival's 'Emerging Visions' section, is a bit of a techie thriller about three people who find an underground website, fourboxes.tv, that seems to be covertly chronicling a weirdo's plot to kill.

"Don't take the brown acid..." was a memorable moment (we're sure among many) of Woodstock documentaries, and it was said aloud at the seminal '60s music event by Hugh Romney, better known as Wavy Gravy (right) who was in Austin for the SXSW Film Festival world premiere of "Saint Misbehavin': The Wavy Gravy movie." Wavy Gravy adopted his clown persona in part because clowns get arrested less often then hippies, and he eventually founded Cmp Winnarainbow where he teaches clowning and performing arts. Joining Wavy Gravy is the director of the film, Michelle Esrick and producer, David Becker in Austin.

Clark and Jesse Lyda's world premiere doc "The Least of These" spotlights how the U.S. engages on family detention awaiting deportation. Families, including children, are imprisoned and the poor treatment of the young are justified under the proviso of keeping families together. "The Least of These" directors Clark Lyda and Jesse Lyda with producer Marcy Garriott at a post-screening reception in Austin this week at SXSW. You can also view the film for free on SnagFilms.

Director and Austin local Richard Linklater introduced his friend, director Todd Haynes at the Alamo Ritz following a surprise screening of his banned film, "Superstar," about the life of the late Karen Carpenter. In a short Q&A after a screening in 16mm print, Haynes said he negotiated with the estate of Karen Carpenter to allow educational institutions and hospitals to use the film for anorexic education only with proceeds going to the Karen Carpenter Foundation, but that was rejected. "I found that very disappointing," he said.

"Pulling John" subject Travis Bagent takes on Participant Media's Bryan Stamp (guess which is which) Tuesday afternoon in front of the Alamo Ritz before the start of the doc directed by Sevan Matossian and Bessie K. Morris. The film is the story of individuals from around the world competing in arm wrestling championships and all want a shot at John Brzenk, who has long reigned as the world's arm wrestling champion.

"Alexander the Last" director Joe Swanberg and actress Jess Weixler hung out in a club in downtown Austin following the premiere of their film at the SXSW Film Festival over the weekend. IFC Films made the film available via VOD as it premiered in Austin.

"We used traditional techniques and paid homage to old science fiction films from the past," commented "Moon" director Duncan Jones (middle) following a screening of his film at the Paramount Theatre in Austin Saturday evening. The film, starring Sam Rockwell (middle) and the voice of Kevin Spacey (who plays a crazy wise-ass robot) is the story of Sam Bell (Rockwell) who has lived on the Moon for three years, but the appearance of a clone (Rockwell) turns the future of his return to earth and his family in jeopardy. "I definitely wanted Sam in my first feature," said Jones who makes a living doing commercial work in the U.K. "I wrote the film for Sam..." Pictured with them are Michael Barker from Sony Pictures Classics, which will release the film in the U.S., and Janet Pierson, producer of the SXSW Film Festival prior to the screening in the Green Room (we got special access, thanks guys!)

"Trimpin: the sound of invention" director Peter Esmonde (left) brought his film to SXSW where it is screening in the doc competition. His subject, artist/sonic alchemist/aural inventor Trimpin (right) creates sound through everyday life. The film follows Trimpin through construction of his retrospective, including, according to the SXSW catalog, "a collaboration with the Kronos Quartet (on toy instruments), and a gigantic assemblage of self-playing guitars."

Screening in SXSW's Spotlight Premieres section, director Michael Paul Stephenson's "Best Worst Movie" captures the fame behind what the festival describes as "astonishingly inept 'Troll2,'" which has nevertheless attained cult status. To everyone's surprise, the film's stars are celebs to their adoring fans who attend sold out screenings across the country. "Best Worst Movie" chronicles the personalities behind the cult hit. Pictured inside the Austin convention center as they were readying to pass out flyers promoting their movie, Kelly Sepulveda (goblin), director/producer Michael Stephenson, main character George Hardy, film subject Jason Steadman, film subject Darren Ewing and Kris Lozanovski (goblin).

SXSW Film Festival producer Janet Pierson (far left) introduced the fest's opening night film, "I Love You, Man" at the Paramount Theatre Friday night in Austin. The film was pretty funny with the audience doing major LOLs throughout. Taking to the stage were director John Hamburg, screenwriter Larry Levin, and stars Paul Rudd, Jason Segal, Rashida Jones and John Favreau. Male bonding is a good thing sometimes....

Billy Bob Thorton was among the honorees at this year's Texas Film Hall of Fame Awards, hosted by the Austin Film Society. Though born in neighboring Arkansas, Thorton spoke of his Texas credentials having spent time in the state. Thorton looked quite trim, with one onlooker saying his tie was as skinny as he was...

Larry Hagman (JR Ewing) was inducted into the Austin Film Society's Texas Film Hall of Fame Thursday night in the Texas capital. (If you aren't of a certain age or were not really young and gay - you won't get all this) And who introduced him? None other then Sue Ellen of course (Linda Gray) from that quintessential '80s night time soap, "Dallas" (OK, "Dynasty" deserves some kudos too). Hagman looked a bit aged compared to his "Dallas" days sleeping around with starlets while his TV wife, Sue Ellen, slept with her son's babysitter, bought clothes (great shoulder pads) and drank away her hard times... But he really got the crowd doing with the best speech of the night.

More from SXSW '08 | Stephen Walker's doc "Young @ Heart" closed the SXSW Film Conference & Festival over the weekend. The film follows a group of senior citizens who perform contemporary and classic rock and pop songs. Joining in on the screening are Dora Morrow, Bob Cilman, Leonard Fontaine, Stephen Walker, Louise Canady and Jack Schnepp.

More from SXSW '08 | Uber blogger Perez Hilton hosted his own party in Austin for SXSW over the weekend, and it definitely was quite a scene (as one could imagine). Colorful characters, stations to get hair make-overs, lethal drinks and a bunch of bands, plus that sort of LA flare that is sort of absent in laid back Austin. The party went into the wee hours and joining in on the fun was SXSW Film Fest producer Matt Dentler.

More from SXSW '08 | Talk show host and Food Network star extraordinaire Rachel Ray hosted a party at Beauty Bar in Austin for her husband John Cusimano's band "The Cringe," which played over the weekend. With free food a la Rachel Ray, one could imagine the long-ass queue reaching down the street to get in... But we made it in and had some of her delicious seven layer burgers (well, those of us that eat red meat did anyway) and amaza-crazy mac n' cheese. One member of ZZ Top also came on stage for a song.

More from SXSW '08: Vampire Weekend took to the stage at Stubbs BBQ's outdoor venue at the Spin magazine party over the weekend as the music festival got into full swing. The band was one of the stars among the 1700 bands playing at the festival, fresh from their cover shot on a recent issue of Spin. Here is frontman Ezra Koenig singing his heart out in the hot hot afternoon.

Actor Victor Rasuk and director Kim Peirce came to town for the Spotlight Premiere of "Stop-Loss," which had a red carpet to-do at the Paramount Theater in Austin. The film stars Ryan Philippe, Channing Tatum, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Rasuk ("Raising Victor Vargas") about Sgt. King (Philippe) who returns to his small Texas town and tries to make peace with his civilian life. But against his will, he is ordered to return to Iraq. Paramount will release the film March 28.

Music licensing company BMI came to Austin in a big way with a fab dinner at one of Austin's most deelish Tex Mex restaurants Manuel's (at least we think so) and followed it up with other events including a brunch at the Four Seasons Friday afternoon. 400 were expected, but 1000 showed up apparently. The food was gone quickly, but the bloodies and mimosas kept flowing. Hanging out at the dinner for the IFP Narrative Rough Cut Alumni (left to right): Rubin Lim ("Half Life"), Amy Shatsey ("Marconi Bros."), Kim Haywood ("Rainbow Around the Sun"), Jennifer Phang ("Half Life"), Jihan Robinson, coord. of IFP Labs, Doreen Ringer Ross from BMI, Matthew Alvin Brown and Kevin Ely ("Rainbow Around the Sun"), Amy Dotson, managing director at IFP, Alex Kardovsky ("Woodpecker"), Beau Lelano ("Rainbow Around the Sun"), Georgina Lightning ("Older Than America") and Christina Walker.

Earlier this week at the Paramount theater, filmmakers Steve James and Peter Gilbert prior to a screening of their new film, "At The Death House Door," looking at the career of Carroll Pickett, former death house chaplaiin in Huntsville, TX.

SXSW Film Festival producer Matt Dentler has found a moonlighting gig co-hosting IFC's red carpet coverage with its host Matt Singer in Cannes. The two played off each other last May at the fest and Dentler was asked back last month to co-host the red carpet (though it's actually a blue carpet) at the Film Independent Spirit Awards with IFC blogger Alison Willmore. No red carpets around 6th Street in Austin though, the two were just hanging out at IFC's Crossroads party celebrating the June premiere of its program, "Heavy Load."

IFC threw a coveted party on Austin's way popular 6th Street Tuesday night touting their June release of "Heavy Load" and celebrating SXSW. Bands Yo La Tengo and My Morning Jacket drew 700 people who snatched up the 400 wristbands for the event, which was as one can imagine -- packed. Hanging out before the show began, producer Al Morrow, Heavy Load bassist Paul Richards, director Jerry Rothwell, and IFC EVP Evan Shapiro.

The doc filmmakers were in the house for VH1's party celebrating the world premiere of Sascha Paladino's "Throw Down Your Heart." Also in town with their films, directors Liz Mermin ("Shot in Bombay"), Michael Tucker ("Bulletproof Salesman") and Morgan Spurlock ("Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden") take in the scene near the free BBQ.

"Shuttle" director Edward Anderson and actress Cameron Goodman strike a pose in Austin. Their film, playing in the fest's Midnighters. Their film is the story of unlucky spring breakers returning home and hitch a ride with an airport shuttle, but their trip home turns into an adventure they weren't expecting...

"We Are Wizards" director Josh Koury and brother Adam Koury (enjoying a Shiner beer -- a staple here in Texas) at SXSW. Koury's film, screening in the festival's documentary competition, profiles some of what the festival catalog describes as "the power players in the underground Harry Potter creative community.

Hanging out at a party (with delicious quesadillas and tamales) co-hosted by indieWIRE in Austin earlier in the week, the women from doc competition feature, "Frontrunners" join in on the fun (along with a friend). Left to right: editor Jane Rizzo, filmmaker and blogger extraordinaire Michael Tully, director Caroline Suh and producer Erika Frankel. Their film documents the trials and tribulations surrounding the quest for student body president at New York City's most prestigious public high school, Stuyvesant High.

In Austin prior to the world premiere of their film earlier in the week, editor/D.P. Asif Siddiky, director/editor Paul Owens and producer/editor Paul Levering at one of SXSW's many parties. Their film, "Blip Festival: Reformat the Planet" screened in the film fest's 24 Beats per Second section and spotlights the rising underground music movement known as "chip music." The film looks at the "Blip Festival," a four-day event centered around chiptunes, low-bit art and music created from the original Nintendos and Gameboys of the '80s and '90s.

A hot ticket over at SXSW's Interactive conference during the weekend was Facebook head Mark Zuckerberg, who filled a massive Austin Convention Center ballroom for a Q & A session. His key message, reiterated a number of times, was "efficient communication" and "empathy" enabled via the Facebook site and the many products, services and tools being developed to run in conjunction with the platform. Zuckerberg revealed that, in addition to recently launching sites in Spanish and German, the company has now unveiled its French language site. Later in the day on Sunday, Facebook welcomed SXSW attendees to an afternoon event introducing some of the tools available to filmmakers and marketers. Variety offers a take on the panel, weighing in with some tough words for the discussion's moderator, writer Sarah Lacy.

Hanging out with the makers of the documentary about him, musician Andre Williams smiles for indieWIRE at SXSW. Seated at his side are filmmakers Eric Matthies and Tricia Todd, who no doubt had their hands full during the times following the vibrant and vocal Williams. During a late lunch at Manuel's on Congress here in Austin, Williams was both outspoken and funny, but also warm and respectful in praising the filmmakers for their support as he battled his own demons and addicitions in recent years. The film, "Agile, Mobile, Hostile: A Year With Andrew Williams," is a special screening at the festival.

Rob Williams, Jeffrey Tambor

Buyers in sweats

Director Sascha Paladino (left) ahead of the world premiere of his SXSW 24 Beats per Second doc, "Throw Down Your Heart" Sunday afternoon at a party hosted by VH1 in Austin. The film follows his multiple Grammy Award-winning brother, Bela Fleck (right) who travels to Africa to seek the roots of his great passion -- the banjo. Fleck explores the musical traditions in Uganda, Tanzania, Gambia and Mali, while, according to the SXSW catalog, "seeking a role for his banjo within African music..."

Picturehouse hosted an intimate dinner Sunday night in Austin ahead of the screening of actor/director David Schwimmer's "Run, Fat Boy, Run." The film stars Simon Pegg as a flabby guy who turns to the marathon in an effort to win the attention of his estranged wife... Joining Schwimmer are critic Robert Wilonsky and SXSW chief, Louis Black.

Directors/producers/editors Alex Cannon and Michael Lerman and Paul Cannon's feature on young love, "Natural Causes," had its world premiere at the SXSW Film Festival this week. The crew partied it up over the weekend ahead of their big outing including (L to R): Alex Cannon, Paul Cannon, Michael Lerman and cast members Leah Goldstein and Jerzy Gwiazdowski.

Daniel Junge's doc competition film, "They Killed Sister Dorothy," which follows the murder and stunning court case which followed of the devoted nun who fought for sustainable livelihood for the poor in Brazil's Amazon, had its world premiere at SXSW Sunday afternoon. "This story is about us, will we have a future?" asked her brother, David Stang after the screening of the film. "Are we willing to stand up and fight for the environment?" Pictured left to right after the screening in Austin: Producer Henry Ansbacher, Sister Becky Spires, David Stang, director Daniel Junge, producer Nigel Noble, editor Davis Coombe and Pedro Bromfman who did the film's music.

Warner Independent's Carl Hampe, 7th Floor producer Allen Bain and Sidetrack Films' Jared Moshe following their panel "Do I Really Want to Make this Movie?" Saturday afternoon. Bain brought in Moshe and Hampe to give some practical advice to aspiring producers, screenwriters and directors. While tons of pragmatic input was given, the overriding theme seemed to be to never give up and to maintain paperwork... "You'll become an honorary lawyer, I promise you," said Bain. "Keep your paperwork in order," added Moshe. "If you don't have the paperwork in order, there's nothing you can do with [your film]."

"Sex Positive" producer David Oliver Cohen, director/producer/editor Daryl Wein and subject Richard Berkowitz after a busy world premiere screening of their doc in Austin Saturday afternoon. The film follows the story of Berkowitz, a controversial gay S&M hustler who turned into an AIDS activist on the forefront of promoting safe sex and questioning what he believes was an oversimplification of the disease by science. He also sees current safe sex campaigns as ineffective. "People who took over sex campaigns in the late '80s were sex workers and porn stars that made their campaigns appealing to sluts," said Berkowitz. "And now those campaigns are taken over by bureaucrats and people who are worried about losing their funding."

"Bi The Way" co-directors Brittany Blockman and Josephine Decker and producer Martha Shane received a standing ovation following the world premiere of their film, which is screening in the SXSW Special Screenings section. The doc turns the spotlight in what they view as a rising "coming out" of people, primarily teens and those in their 20s, of people who consider themselves either "bisexual," "pan-sexual," or "no label." I was watching [television's] "The O.C." and Mischa Barton's character kissed another girl and I was wondering if this was just another 'bi-chic' moment or was this a [sign of a] new sexual revolution...," Blockman commented after the screening.

The Montana and South Dakota film offices held an "exclusive" reception (we had to sort of charm our way in) Saturday afternoon for filmmakers and panelists. Among the filmmakers there were SXSW Emerging Visions co-directors/co-screenwriters Darren Grodsky and Danny Jacobs who are in Austin with the world premiere of their film, "Humboldt County." Chatting with them is "Flying on One Engine" (directed by Joshua Z. Weinstein) Assoc. Producer, Nicole Lederman (who graciously talked up our credentials to get in that event).

The SXSW Film Festival & Conference (SXSW) kicked off officially Friday night with the opening night film "21" by Robert Luketic. The film follows a group of MIT students who managed to take Las Vegas for millions of dollars. Based on the book "Bringing Down the House" by Ben Mezrich, Ben Campbell (played by Jim Sturgess -- pictured on the left) is a math genius in need of $100,000s in order to attend Harvard, and maybe gambling is the way to go... Both Sturgess and Jeff Ma -- who is one of the original figures the film is based on -- both played pool at the opening night party following the screening. We didn't see anyone betting though, but who knows...

Friday night was a busy film night in Austin, TX with both the opening of the SXSW Film Festival and the Texas Film Hall of Fame Awards hosted by the Austin Film Society. ZZ Top took TX Hall of fame nods, accepting the event's AMD Live! Soundtrack Award. Band members Billy Gibbons, Frank Beard (is that really his name?) and Dusty Hill accepted their award and gave some great shots.

"No Country for Old Men" actress Tess Harper (right) introduced her friend actress Morgan Fairchild with her Texas Film Hall of Fame award Friday night at Austin Studios. Minus the big hair reminiscent of her roles in famous nighttime soaps like "Dallas" and "Falcon Crest," the Dallas native looked just the same as she did back in the '80s. Tess praised her friend for her thoughtfulness and calm determination in her pursuit of humanitarian causes.

Tour de France seven-time winner Lance Armstrong and producer/director Frank Marshall (prod. "The Bourne Ultimatum") at Armstrong's lovely home outside of central Austin on Thursday night. Marshall will be the director of the upcoming film, now referred to as the 'Untitled Lance Armstrong Project', starring who knows... though names from a Jake to a Matt have been thrown around. Sony apparently has some stake in it all too, but for tonight, the party was officially a pre-party for the Austin Film Society's Texas Film Hall of Fame bash Friday night at the Austin Studios. And of course many arriving industry, press and more turned up at Armstrong's home for the party -- along with some very chilly weather.

More from SXSW '07: Photographer/director Bruce Weber and singer Angela McCluskey flash a nice pose after McCluskey's performance at an intimate party for Webber's film, "Let's Get Lost," which screened at SXSW. Upon our first attempt at taking this picture (before the performance) our nice new camera completely malfunctioned and we frantically tried to fix it before Webber noticed, but to no avail... How embarrassing! But he was cool, he said, "oh that's happened to me a lot."

More from SXSW '07: All coming together after their big win, the crew from "Billy the Kid" migrated together in the auditorium following the SXSW awards ceremony. Left to right: associate producer Jordan Mattos, director Jennifer Venditti, producer Chiemi Karasawa, associate producer Danielle DiGiacomo and production coordinator Nina Chaudhuri.

More from SXSW '07: Taking a pic outside their event last week, "Panel of the Dead: Horror Films of Today," during the fest, actress Lauren German (who was on hand to sneak footage from Eli Roth's "Hostel: Part II" and Aint It Cool News' Harry Knowles, who moderated the discussion. German was also at the festival with "Love and Mary," (directed by Elizabeth Harrison) which premiered in the Lone Star Stories section.

More from SXSW '07: Director/writer Ben Piety (right) enjoyed the SXSW awards night party off a crazy (permanently so it seems) 6th St. in Austin. There film, "The Lonely Lights. The Color of Lemons." won a special jury mention in the experimental shorts category at the fest. Yee-haw!

More from SXSW '07: Hearts a-glow after their audience nod at SXSW for their film, "Run Granny Run," the film's subject Dorris "Granny D" Haddock and director/producer/DP Marlo Poras give a smile as they leave the awards ceremony last week.

More from SXSW '07: After it was all said and done following the awards, Magnolia Pictures's Tom Quinn (left), SXSW producer Matt Dentler and Jason Janego (right) another Magnolia(er) took in the view overlooking 6th St. in Austin. Not a place for the faint of heart.

More from SXSW '07: "Confessions of a Superhero" DP and producer Charlie Gruet (left), Matt Ogens (director and producer) the film's producer Jamie Patricof ("Half Nelson") joining in on the fun at the Magnolia party outside Austin in the area's much loved "hil country." Not pictured was the film's Christopher Dennis who showed up to many a SXSW party in full Superman regalia.

More from SXSW '07: Molly Thompson from A&E Indie and Anne Sundberg, co-director of "The Devil Came on Horseback" indulged in some terrific Tex-Mex at Magnolia head Bill Banowsky's home outside Austin during the fest. The soiree was a great respite though a nice convergence of filmmakers and industry attending the festival.

A bit of red carpet action (which is always a big favorite of iPOP, let us tell you, so much fun!!) Actors Don Cheadle and Adam Sandler worked the line outside the Paramount Theater Wednesday night in Austin, TX at the SXSW Film Festival. Their film, "Reign Over Me," is a "Special Screenings," well... screening at the fest. The post-9/11 drama is directed by Mike Binder.

"Eagle Vs. Shark" star Loren Horsely looking fab in Austin where her film, directed by Taika Waititi, is screening in the SXSW Film Festival's Spotlight Premieres. Horsely has been on the road since January, where the film had its world debut at Sundance, and we even saw her and Waititi in Berlin. Horsely finally took off to her native New Zealand Wednesday (just in time for early autumn). We've been on their trail here in the Northern Hemisphere, and iW finally had an interview at SXSW with Horsely who is going to be our first "Discoveries" profile. Yes, we're teasing it.

This sweet photo of singer James Blunt and director Steven Cantor ("loudQUIETloud," SXSW '06) masks the hella loud music that was going on... Are we old? No really, it was F'N LOUD DAMNIT! (not Blunt's music). Cantor and Blunt braved the noise at Beauty Bar (We're sure they loved it) in Austin following a screening of their doc "James Blunt: Return to Kosovo," which premiered at SXSW.

Guest iPOP from SXSW: Actor Paul Rudd and Magnolia Pictures Controller Patti Travis taking a break on the balcony of the Austin Convention Center in the heart of the SXSW Film Festival. Rudd is starring in "Diggers" by Katherine Dieckmann, one of three films he's involved with in the festival. "Diggers" was produced by HDNet Films.

The crew from SXSW's "Everything's Gone Green" (spotlight premieres) held a very civilized to-do, which brought out a couple of celebish types, industry and journalits to a downtown Austin eatery (great food). Left to right: Gary Rubin, predident of First Independent Pictures, which will open the film in New York April 13, the film's star Paulo Costanzo, director Paul Fox and screenwriter Doug Coupland.

Actor/director Alan Cumming chilled with some white wine at a SXSW Film Festival party for fellow SXSW offering, "Everything's Gone Green" (spotlight premieres). Cumming, who was recently in iPOP at the Film Independent Spirit Awards (where he shared a best first feature prize for "Sweet Land"), is in Austin with his film, "Suffering Man's Charity," which he directed (spotlight premieres) Gor grrrl!

Producer Josh Braun (right) and director/producer Harry Fishman pause following the world premiere screening of their doc "Cat Dancers" at the SXSW Film Festival. The film looks at the eccentric lives of a trio of performers who used tigers, leopards and other kitties in their act. No, they weren't Siefried and Roy, but their costumes were more outlandish! And they give a new (maybe not new) twist to "Big Love."

Director Ryan Eslinger's (middle) "When A Man Falls In The Forest" had its North American premiere at the SXSW Film Festival following its world debut at the Berlinale last month. Joining Eslinger at an IFC party for filmmakers on a very rainy (we're talking crazy torrential) evening were actress Stacie Bono who stars in the film, and Gen Art Film Festival head Jeffrey Abramson. "When A Man Falls In The Forest" will be one of seven new features that will screen at Gen Art in New York, which takes place April 11 - 17.

Austin Chronicle publisher and SXSW founder Louis Black with SXSW Film Festival producer Matt Dentler at the opening night party for the fest, which A&E Indie co-hosted. The party included a scrumptious taco bar that was quite tasty, but we were a little worried about the sour cream.

Athlete and Plano, TX native Lance Armstrong introduced the Dixie Chicks at the Texas Film Hall of Fame over the weekend. Not bad looking up there on stage...

Actress/singer Ann Margaret joined the festivities at the Texas Film Hall of Fame where she was honored for her roll in "State Fair," which was filmed in Dallas in 1962. She said that she remembered getting a pair of white boots back in the '60s while promoting the film, "and they still fit... I love Texas," she told the audience.

University of Texas professor/ indie guru John Pierson (right) and UT film head Paul Stekler hold up a flier that's been going around the campus "questioning" Pierson's involvement with SXSW Film Festival feature "Manufacturing Dissent" by Rick Caine and Debbie Melnyk, which is having its premiere at the festival. The film, which is definitely arousing chatter on both sides of the fence here (and even within one side of the fence) questions director Michael Moore's approach to his films--among other things.

Director Richard Linklater ("A Skanner Darkly") got his induction into the Texas Film Hall of Fame Friday night at an honest to goodness Texas throwdown at the Austin Studios outside of town. The annual awards and fundraiser typically brings out a good group of Texas celebs and filmmakers and starts of with an auction, completely Lone Star-style. Joining Linklater was Sloss Law/Cinetic's John Sloss who later brought him on stage following a comical intro...

The Dixie Chicks were honored with the AMD LIVE! Soundrack Award by the Austin Film Society Friday night during the annual Texas Film Hall of Fame Awards. Two of the band's members, Martie Maguire and Emily Robison were on hand to pick up their award after an introduction by Lance Armstrong and a screening of their video for their Grammy Award-winning song, "Not Ready to Make Nice." In accepting the nod, Robison and Maguire said they were always happy to come back to Texas because it is still their home, even after "the incident."

Director/producer Morgan Spurlock ("Super Size Me") shows off his SXSW badge at registration over the weekend, along with director Rob VanAlkemade whose film, "What Would Jesus Buy?," which Spurlock produced, is part of this year's doc line up at the festival. Spurlock is also sporting a beard in order to help him fit in in the Middle East for his still unfinished working title project "Where In The World" that the Weinstein Company bought at the European Film Market in Berlin.

The cast and director of SXSW Film Fest opening film "The Lookout" came together after the premiere of their film at the festival the night before for a very informal chat with journalists and admirers Saturday afternoon in Austin. Director Scott Frank (second from right) said the impetus for the crime/thriller came from someone he had known who had a head injury... Left to right: actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Frank, and actors Matthew Goode and Isla Fisher.

"American Dreamz" director Paul Weitz joked when introducing his film Saturday night at the Paramount in Austin, "I'm one of those evil Hollywood people you've been hearing about all week," getting a rousing laugh. Actor Dennis Quaid also joined in for the SXSW closing night intros for the film in which he plays a U.S. president who has not read the newspaper in four years (hmm, sounds familiar?), but attempts to re-connect with the people by going on an "American Idol" ("Pop Idol" in other countries) style television show.

Covering the SXSW Film Festival, it's impossible to ignore the festival's older big brother, the music festival, which is definitely the "Sundance" of music festivals. It's also almost impossible to describe the huge and eclectic presence of amazing music that is thrown into a small area during the event. It's simply Everywhere! Former Smiths frontman Morrissey was one of the many many artists who performed, and his legion of fans were not disappointed! Morrissey, though not as emaciated (and perhaps not as celibate) as twenty years ago, gave a stunning show. Both new tunes and old were well greeted by the elated crowd, but old Smiths favs like "How Soon is Now" and "Girlfriend in a Coma" were particularly greeted wildly. After performing "Coma," Morrissey joked, "Just in case anyone was wondering, she never made it."

The Beastie Boys took the spotlight Wednesday in Austin, with a press screening of their film and a crowded audience interview at the Austin Convention Center, as well as the premiere at the Paramount Wednesday night of "Awesome! I Fuckin' Shot That." Beastie Boys, Adam Yauch (MCA), Mike Diamond (Mike D), and Adam Horovitz (Ad-Rock) mostly joked their way through the hour-long interview session. They also played a surprise show at Stubb's Thursday night, which was announced by the festival two hours before via text message.

Music at SXSW: Snow Patrol perform a surprise acoustic set at Filter Magazine's "Revenge of Cedar Street" Saturday afternoon. Other bands set to play after the BBQ lunch included Nine Black Alps, The Subways, Amusement Parks on Fire, The Noisettes, Vega 4, and Carina Round.

Probably no shock that Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron came to town for the SXSW Film Festival and she made the local news... but she did. Theron, seen here participating on a panel discussion on music documentary, came to Austin in support of director Jauretsi Saizabitoria (left) and Emilia Menocal's "East of Havana," which explores underground hip hop artists in Cuba, which she produced and financed. Also pictured is "Be Here to Love Me" director Margaret Brown on the well-attended panel. On a lighter note, this is the third occasion we've run into Theron in six months. The first was a tribute to Picturehouse chief Bob Berney at the Hamptons International Film Festival in October, and we saw her at a party for Robert Altman in LA last month (also hosted by Picturehouse). Maybe someday we'll actually work up the nerve to introduce ourselves.

Cinetic's Liesl Colpland and comedian Jeffrey Ross enjoy a chat at the Chronicle party at Zona Rosa during SXSW. Ross is in town for "Patriot Act," which he directed/wrote/produced. Showtime and Hart/Sharp recently announced a deal for the film.

We're sure he's just kidding... Film Threat founder/creator/Grand-puba Chris Gore at the convention center in Austin housing many of the venues for SXSW. indieWIRE will be catching up with him later this month at the Sarasota Film Festival as well.

"Summercamp!" co-director Sarah Price joined the festivities at "The Life of Reilly" party at Emos in Austin along with Jonny Leahan, who is repping "Reilly" as well as doc "Al Franken: God Spoke" (Jonny also writes the monthly doc column for indieWIRE).

It was mellow and it was hella hot Sunday afternoon in Austin, but the Wagner/Cuban party was one of the best. Local Tex-Mex eatery Gueros provided the catering and the setting was this joint called The Mean Eyed Cat. Right by the railroad tracks and somehow very Texas. Good times! Joining in on the festivities were local producer/indie guru/University of Texas professor John Pierson and critic Robert Wilonsky (New Times, Village Voice).

Actor Charles Nelson Reilly was the focus of SXSW doc "The Life of Reilly," which had its world premiere at the festival. The film takes a look at Reilly's critically acclaimed stage show that he performed over 400 times recounting his life with often dark hilarity. Unfortunately, Reilly was too ill to make the premiere, but the crew from the film threw a party for him in his absence. Left to right: rock band L7's Donita Sparks who did music for the film, Bob Fagan (producer), Carrie Heckman (executive producer), Wrye Martin (producer), Barry Poltermann (co-director), Frank Anderson (co-director), John Murphy (executive producer), Jesse Trott (assoc. producer).

The folks from "Apart from That," screening at SXSW had a small but enthusiastic Q&A after an afternoon screening of their film in Austin. One enthusiastic audience member said, "this is the best film I've seen here." The film is described as about a Native American road striper, a student beautician, a Vietnamese banker, his adopted American son and an elderly exhibitionist who attempt to find their footing in a world of 'miscommunication, denial and unmet expectations." Left to right are: actor Toan Le, co-director/writer Randy Walker, co-director/writer Jennifer Shainin, actor Kyle Conyers (front), actor Michelle Sheiman and actor Tony K.

"AMERICANese" director Eric Byler with SXSW Film Festival producer Matt Dentler after tonight's (Tuesday) award ceremony where the film won two awards.

The sticky Sunday night didn't put damper on the "Air Guitar Nation" party, which included a crazy "Air-eoke" contest on stage. Taking it all in is the film's director Alexandra Lipsitz and the two subjects (and apparently rivals) of the film, Dan Crane (aka Bjorn Turoque) and David Jung (right, aka C-Diddy).

Actor Matthew McConaughey poses for a quick shot with his Texas Film Hall of Fame trophy Friday night in Austin, on the night that SXSW kicked off in Texas. The event benefits the Austin Film Society.

At the Texas Film Hall of Fame event Friday night, inductee Lyle Lovett performs.

Actor John C. Reilly turned up in Austin for the North American premiere of Robert Altman's "A Prairie Home Companion," which opened the SXSW Film Festival Friday. Reilly is seen here with "A Prairie" producer Tony Judge and SXSW Film Festival producer, Matt Dentler (right).

Co-directors Chris Hegedus (left) and Nick Doob after the screening of their doc "Al Franken: God Spoke," which had its world premiere at the SXSW Film Festival at the beautiful Paramount Theater on Congress Street. Joining the directing team were producers Frazer Pennebaker and D.A. Pennebaker (right). The film about the liberal writer/performer screened just blocks from the Texas legislature. Hey, it's a start...

Chatting at the cocktail party prior to the annual Texas Hall of Fame dinner at the Austin Studios are writer and actor Sam Shepard with Sony Pictures Classics co-president Michael Barker. The two are currently working together on Wim Wenders' Don't Come Knocking, a Cannes Film Festival debut that is opening in U.S. theaters this month.

At the Texas Hall of Fame dinner Friday night in Austin, filmmaker Emily Hubley (left), director of the SXSW short film "Octave," hanging out with producer Jen Small.