SXSW has announced another round of films to their lineup, adding more films directed by women. They have also added many films written by women, such as Sundance favorite The East, co-written and starring Brit Marling and At Any Price co-written by Hallie Elizabeth Newton. SXSW also picked up the documentary Pussy Riot – A Punk Prayer about the now infamous Russian feminist punk collective.
The women directed films are listed below. For a full list of the recent additions, check out the link below.
DOCUMENTARY SPOTLIGHT
Xmas Without China
Director: Alicia Dwyer
A documentary comedy about serious issues we have with our stuff, Xmas Without China follows Chinese immigrant Tom Xia as he challenges his American neighbors to survive the Christmas season without any Chinese products. (World Premiere)
Bayou Maharajah: The Tragic Genius of James Booker
Director: Lily Keber
“Bayou Maharajah: The Tragic Genius of James Booker” explores the life, times and music of James Booker, the legendary New Orleans performer who Dr. John proclaimed “the best black, gay, one-eyed junkie piano genius New Orleans has ever produced.” (World Premiere)
The Great Hip Hop Hoax (UK)
Director: Jeanie Finlay
Californian hip-hop duo Silibil n’ Brains were going to be massive. No one knew the pair were really Scottish, with fake American accents and made up identities. A film about truth, lies and the legacy of faking everything in the pursuit of fame. (World Premiere)
In Your Dreams – Stevie Nicks
Directors: Stevie Nicks, Dave Stewart
In 2010 Stevie Nicks embarked on the recording of a new solo album, In Your Dreams, produced by former Eurythmics mastermind Dave Stewart. With cameras in tow, the two set up shop in her home studio to reveal their collaborative creative process.
FESTIVAL FAVORITES
The Crash Reel
Director: Lucy Walker
The dramatic story of one unforgettable athlete, Kevin Pearce; one eye-popping sport, snowboarding; and one explosive issue, Traumatic Brain Injury. A comeback story with a difference.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Mabon “Teenie” Hodges – A Portrait of a Memphis Soul Original (Short)
Director: Susanna Vapnek
You may know such famous songs as “Take Me To The River” and “Love and Happiness”, but you probably do not know Mabon “Teenie” Hodges – the legendary Memphis guitarist who co-wrote these songs with Al Green. (World Premiere)
SXSW Adds The Spectacular Now, The East and More (Filmmaker Magazine)
