SXSW London Unveils Keynote Speakers and Film Lineup
Entertainment

SXSW London Unveils Keynote Speakers and Film Lineup

authorBy Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
DateMar 31, 2026
Read time3 min
SXSW London is gearing up for an exciting showcase, revealing its first set of distinguished keynote speakers and a compelling lineup of international film premieres. This year's festival aims to bridge global talent with the UK's dynamic creative sector, fostering a unique intersection of film, music, art, and technology.

Experience the Future of Creativity: SXSW London Connects Global Visionaries and Groundbreaking Cinema.

Distinguished Voices: Keynote Speakers to Inspire

The upcoming SXSW London event is set to feature a powerful roster of keynote speakers from various corners of the entertainment world. Among these influential figures are Sharon Horgan, a multi-talented actress, writer, producer, and director celebrated for works such as "Catastrophe" and "Bad Sisters"; Russell T. Davies, the acclaimed screenwriter and producer behind iconic series like "Queer as Folk" and "Doctor Who"; and Tom Quinn, the visionary founder of Neon, an independent film company renowned for its Oscar-winning productions like "Parasite." These industry leaders are expected to share their insights and experiences, offering valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of creative storytelling.

A Global Cinematic Journey: Showcasing International Talent

SXSW London's film program promises a rich tapestry of cinematic experiences, with an emphasis on discovering international talent. The festival has already confirmed participation from filmmakers representing 22 different countries, underscoring its commitment to global diversity and fresh perspectives. This curated selection highlights innovative storytelling and provides a platform for emerging voices to reach a broader audience.

First Glimpse: Anticipated Film Premieres

The festival's initial announcement includes a diverse array of film premieres that span various genres and origins. Among the world premieres are "Feast or Famine," a documentary narrated by Marco Pierre White that offers a behind-the-scenes look at London's culinary scene; "The Remedy" from the U.S.; and "All Night Wrong" from Canada, both narrative features. The U.K. premieres feature a truly international selection, including "Amoeba" (Singapore/Netherlands/France/Spain/South Korea), "Becoming" (Kazakhstan/France/Netherlands/Lithuania/Sweden), and "On the Road" (Mexico). Audiences can also look forward to "Father" (Slovakia), "Hijra" (Saudi Arabia/Iraq/Egypt/U.K.), "It Would Be Night in Caracas" (Mexico), "Maddie's Secret" (U.S.), "Remake" (U.S.), "Sicko" (Kazakhstan), "Whistle" (Australia), "The Whisper" (Uruguay/Argentina), the genre-bending Spanish feature "La Carn," the stylish Colombian sci-fi thriller "Barrio Triste," and the AI documentary "Intelligence Rising" from Oscar and BAFTA winner Elena Andreicheva. This carefully chosen lineup is poised to offer groundbreaking and thought-provoking content to London audiences.

Curatorial Vision: Building Bridges in the Creative Landscape

Anna Bogutskaya, the head of screen at SXSW London, articulated the festival's distinctive mission, emphasizing that it is more than just another film festival. She highlighted the ambition to create connections: a bridge between global talent and the UK, between the film industry and broader creative fields, and a convergence point for film, music, art, and technology. The curatorial team's focus is on celebrating filmmakers and artists who are pushing the boundaries of cinematic expression, bringing fresh and groundbreaking discoveries to a global city like London, often from unexpected corners of the world.

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