Cultura to Watch at SXSW 2024

Celebrate all things film, music, television, comedy and more at South by Southwest Conference and Festival, which runs from March 8-16.

We’re excited to shine a light on Latinidad at the festival, especially as Austin gets global attention during this time. We believe cultura and nuestras historias at the fest also deserve amplification.

Visit Austin Vida’s social media channels & austinvida.com for more fest coverage.

Here’s a few picks:

*“The In Between,” a documentary capturing the nuances of border life screens on various days at SXSW. Photo by Robie Flores*

FOR THE MOVIE LOVERS:

March 11 & 14: Want to ensure a homerun when searching for films to watch? “Clemente,” directed by David Altrogge, tells the story of MLB superstar Roberto Clemente and how his life off the field established his legacy.

March 9 & 12: Make sure to catch “Los Mosquitos,” directed by Nicole Chi, a film which spotlights 15-year-old Honduran immigrant, Aby, as she navigates the hardships of life in America with her cousin Nata.

March 8 & 11: Keep an eye out for “Sangre Violenta/Sangre Violeta,” co-directed by Edna Diaz and Arturo R. Jiménez, a collection of narratives that highlight the continuous issue of gender violence against women in Mexico.

March 9 & 11 & 15: You’ve heard much about this border town on the national headlines, but filmmaker Robie Flores returns to her hometown of Eagle Pass after the death of her brother and brings us a nuanced, moving portrait of border life in the documentary “The In Between.”

March 12: Plus, enjoy the world premiere of “Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie,” the first fully authorized documentary about the legendary comics Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong.

*Selena Gomez to speak about mental health at SXSW.*

WHO TO WATCH:

SXSW also features speakers such as actress, singer and mental health advocate Selena Gomez, chef and humanitarian José Andrés, actor/activist Rosario Dawson, plus the first Latina U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón, who created an inspirational poem that NASA will send to space.

*Lesly Reynaga is among the artists performing at the annual Latinapalooza showcase during SXSW.*

MÚSICA TO CHECK OUT:

We’re also shining a light on música throughout the fest, including regional Mexican singer Christian Nodal and trailblazing artist Peso Pluma.

Plus, don’t miss the popular Latinapalooza showcase featuring an all female lineup as well as free showcases by EQ Austin at The Grackle and local bands including Nemegata, El Combo Oscuro, Stephanie Bergara, The Tiarras, Como Las Movies, Lesly Reynaga, and Luna Luna.

*John Leguizamo to receive comedy award at SXSW.*

BELLY LAUGHS PARA TI:

Enjoy comedic specials centered on la comunidad at SXSW. Entre Nos Presents Comedy Crossroads features four talented stand-up comedians: Orlando Leyba, Aida Rodriguez, Dustin Ybarra, and Christina Martinez. Witness the diverse voices and amusing humor on March 11.

Also don’t miss out on Variety’s Power of Comedy award show, which spotlights comedic accomplishments across TV/Film and digital media. This year’s Comedy Actor Award goes to Colombian native John Leguizmo.

*Frederico7 y Los Primes will perform at South Americano Fest, which is open to the community. Photo by Nancy Flores*

FREE UNOFFICIAL SXSW EVENTS:

March 7: Elevate Latino voices at MAS Cultura’s free Cultura Power event from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. at KMFA Classic Radio to experience panel discussions, art and música.

March 8-9: Austin Latinas Unidas brings House of Chingonas to Mira Mira Venue to celebrate Latina-led brand activations y más starting at 10 a.m.

March 16: Músicos from South America unite at the Sahara Lounge to celebrate music from noon to 7 p.m. Relax and enjoy the rhythms at South Americano Fest.