NEW YORK — The upcoming SXSW Film & TV Festival is set to commence on March 7, showcasing the world premiere of “The Studio,” a new comedy series on Apple TV+. This show, created by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, features Rogen as a fictional executive in a Hollywood studio.
On Wednesday, the festival based in Austin, Texas, revealed its lineup for this 32nd edition, which includes a total of 96 films, with 82 of these being world premieres. The festival runs from March 7 to March 15, and is known for its extensive assortment of films, music performances, and tech exhibitions.
Set to air on Apple TV+ starting March 26, “The Studio” boasts a talented cast that includes Catherine O’Hara, Kathryn Hahn, Ike Barinholtz, and Chase Sui Wonders alongside Rogen. Claudette Godfrey, the festival’s vice president, praised the series, describing it as a “brilliantly conceived” production that captures the passion and pressures of the entertainment industry with humor. She expressed excitement about presenting this series to audiences, anticipating the lively reaction at the Paramount Theatre.
The SXSW festival has established itself as a prominent venue for presenting genres often overlooked by other events, particularly comedies, horror films, and thrillers. Last year’s festival featured well-received launches, such as “Fall Guy” and “Civil War.”
This year’s lineup features an array of notable films, including “The Accountant 2,” starring Ben Affleck, which is set to premiere ahead of its release in late April. Another highlight is Alex Scharfman’s comedic story, “Death of a Unicorn,” featuring Paul Rudd as a father who inadvertently hits a unicorn with his car, accompanied by his daughter, played by Jenna Ortega.
Other intriguing selections include “Holland,” a thriller directed by Mimi Cave, featuring Nicole Kidman set against the backdrop of Michigan, and “Ash,” a sci-fi adventure from Flying Lotus starring Eiza González and Aaron Paul, set on an enigmatic planet. Christopher Landon’s “Drop” is a Blumhouse thriller that centers on a woman haunted by a mysterious caller. Additionally, the festival will present “Are We Good?”, a documentary diving into the life of comedian and podcaster Marc Maron.