The SXSW 2023 Curtain Raiser

SXSW starts this week. Unlike the last few years they have returned to in person only so if you want to see the good stuff  you have to go to Austin. Because they weren't certain how they were going to handle remote coverage I did not apply for credentials. Instead I've been working off films I either went to see at local screenings or via screeners sent my way.

I am not going to do a big write up of the festival because I have been busy with a bunch of things that I have had enough time to write up a smoozey piece. Instead I'm just going to talk about the films, because I know that's what you really want.

As this is posting I am still working through my a large stack of films so there will be a a whole bunch more coming, however there is a bunch of films I want to see.

I've seen a a couple of titles you'll want to see:

UNTIL BRANCHES BEND is a solid drama about a woman trying to warn her bosses about an infestation of insects in the fruit they grow. There are some of the most amazing sequences you'll see all year.

LITTLE RICHARD I AM EVERYTHING is the best doc on Little Richard I've ever seen.  It is also one of the best music docs I've seen and one of 2023's best.

I saw ART FOR EVERYONE but was asked only to mention it in the curtain raiser. It is the story of artist Thomas Kinkade. The legendary guy who made a fortune painting sweet landscapes which he turned into a cottage industry. This is a look at his life and art, from his days with Ralph Bakshi to his untimely death including his drunken behavior that caused many to break for him. It's a surprisingly good film that reveals that his best and most interest art was locked away in a vault.

And while I've seen a bunch and I need to see even more  here are a few must sees:

SATAN WANTS YOUis a look at the origin of the Satanic POanic of the 1970's and 80's. It pissed me off big time.
ONLY THE GOOD SURVIVE A twisty turny thriller that will delight you in ways you didn't think were possible. An early candidate for my year end lists.
ANGEL APPLICANT- An unexpected joy. The director explains his disease, his connections to artist Paul Klee and life in general. Wow.
DEADLAND- haunting supernatural thriller isn't at all what you expect-don't read on it, just see it.

All you need to do now is get to Austin and go to the festival.

For tickets and more information go here.