Demi Lovato, Charli XCX, and Tom Petty Headline SXSW 2021
SXSW 2021 takes place from March 16th-20th, virtually once again. Due to COVID-19, the festival had to kick it in overdrive last year and canceled 5 days before the event was set to take place. This year, the festival has had a bit more time to prepare and is back with a stellar lineup and an all new virtual experience.
SXSW Recently Debut Its Stellar Lineup! Photo Courtesy of SXSW
Although nothing compares to being in Austin, the team is doing their best to creating a true VR experience of downtown Austin landmarks such as Congress Avenue to Red River Street. Participants can attend panels, meetups and events through the platform.
“SXSW really wanted to create a space in the virtual world that brought Austin to life in a spectacular way,” Blake Kammerdiener, XR and film programmer for the fest, said in a statement.
Photo Courtesy of SXSW
In addition to the incredible VR experience, SXSW has a stacked lineup which includes new documentaries about Tom Petty, Demi Lovato, and Charli XCX who will have their world premieres (which are part of the festivals “Headliners” category.
This Highly Anticipated Doc Contains Four-Parts and Will Give Fans an Honest Glimpse Into Demi Lovato’s Life. Photo Courtesy of SXSW
Demi Lovato: Dancing With the Devil is a four-part docuseries will serve as the opening night film on March 16th. After it’s SXSW premiere, the first two episodes will arrive on YouTube on March 23rd with the remaining episodes released weekly the following Tuesdays. The YouTube Originals documentary event, exploring every aspect that led to Lovato’s nearly fatal overdose in 2018, and her awakenings in the aftermath.
The Centerpiece of SXSW Will Provide an Intimate Look Into Tom Petty’s Life! Photo Courtesy of SXSW
Tom Petty, Somewhere You Feel Free will be the festival’s centerpiece film, is slated to debut on Wednesday, March 17th. Directed by Mary Wharton, this film showcases newly discovered archives of 16mm film showing Tom Petty at work on his 1994 record “Wildflowers,” considered by many including Rolling Stone to be his greatest album ever. Viewers can expect an intimate look into the life of Tom Petty.
Alone Together will close out 2021 SXSW. Photo Courtesy of SXSW
The Charli XCX doc, Alone Together, will close out the festival on the 20th. Charli XCX, a popstar in quarantine, embarks on a whirlwind creative and romantic journey while making an album in 40 days that unites a community around the world. Perhaps one of the positive takeaways from lockdown.
The full 2021 SXSW film lineup is available on the festival’s website, where a limited number of online passes are available as well.
