Broad Green Pictures
The lineup for the 24th annual South by Southwest Film Festival is beginning to take shape and they have landed a high-profile Opening Night title in the form of Terrence Malick’s latest SONG TO SONG. SXSW will serve as the film’s World Premiere for the film which features an all-star cast including Michael Fassbender, Ryan Gosling, Rooney Mara, Cate Blanchett, Natalie Portman, and Haley Bennett.
Written and directed by Malick, the film is set appropriately set in Austin and follows two intersecting love triangles. The festival runs from March 10-19 and Song to Song is set to screen on March 10.
“Terrence Malick is a world class revered cinematic poet. His work is a treasure trove of talented actors and vision. Set in the Austin music scene, Song to Song couldn’t be a more perfect Opening Night film for SXSW,” said Director of Film Janet Pierson in a statement. “While these titles are just a taste of what SXSW 2017 will offer, they reflect the range of work we are known for, from newcomers and auteurs to pop entertainment in traditional cinema, episodics and now VR.”
In addition to Song to Song, SXSW also announced more highlights from the festival including Ian Nelms’ hybrid action thriller and dark comedy, SMALL TOWN CRIME starringJohn Hawkes, Anthony Anderson, and Octavia Spencer as well as the world premiere of Neil Gaiman’s AMERICAN GODS. The complete SXSW lineup will be unveiled on January 31 with the exception of Midnighter features, which will be revealed with the Short Film and VR Program on Tuesday, February 7th.
Below you can read some of the films which will be making their world premiere at the festival.
AMERICAN GODS (World Premiere)
Director: David Slade, Screenwriters/Showrunners: Bryan Fuller, Michael Green
Adapted from Neil Gaiman’s award-winning novel, American Gods follows Shadow Moon (Ricky Whittle) and Mr. Wednesday (Ian McShane) in a magical world where a battle is brewing between the Old Gods and the New Gods.
THE MELODY OF DUST (World Premiere)
Director: Viacom NEXT
A musical journey for the HTC Vive. Explore a mysterious world where every object contains a unique melody. Featuring original musical compositions by Hot Sugar, this experience brings you inside the tortured mind of a musician.
RESIDENTE (World Premiere)
Director: René Pérez Joglar
After taking a DNA test, Latin America’s most decorated artist – Rene Perez (AKA Residente), embarks on a global adventure, to trace the footsteps of his ancestors and record his latest album.
SIGNATURE MOVE (World Premiere)
Director: Jennifer Reeder, Screenwriters: Fawzia Mirza, Lisa Donato
A secret new romance with Alma forces Zaynab to confront her complicated relationship with her recently widowed mother. In this coming-of-age Muslim melodrama, Zaynab copes by taking up Lucha-style wrestling.
Cast: Fawzia Mirza, Shabana Azmi, Sari Sanchez, Audrey Francis, Charin Alvarez, Mark Hood, Molly Brennan
SMALL TOWN CRIME (World Premiere)
Directors/Screenwriters: Eshom Nelms, Ian Nelms
Ex-cop, Mike Kendall, finds the body of a young woman and, in an act of self-redemption, becomes hellbent on finding the killer. While his uncouth, quirky detective style helps break the case, his dogged determination puts his family in danger.
Cast: John Hawkes, Anthony Anderson, Octavia Spencer, Robert Forster, Clifton Collins, Jr.
SONG TO SONG (World Premiere)
Director: Terrence Malick
In this modern love story set against the Austin, Texas music scene, two entangled couples — struggling songwriters Faye and BV, and music mogul Cook and the waitress whom he ensnares — chase success through a rock ‘n’ roll landscape of seduction and betrayal.
Cast: Rooney Mara, Ryan Gosling, Michael Fassbender, Natalie Portman
SPETTACOLO (World Premiere)
Directors: Jeff Malmberg, Chris Shellen, Screenwriter: Chris Shellen
For the past 50 years, the villagers of a tiny hill town in Tuscany have turned their lives into a play that the entire town writes and performs. “Spettacolo” is a portrait of this tradition through the eyes of the last man trying to keep it alive.
Dino-Ray Ramos | Staff Writer