The 27th edition of the SXSW Film Festival will feature a romantic caper starring Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani, a documentary about the Beastie Boys directed by Spike Jonze, a “hidden camera” comedy headlined by Tiffany Haddish and an autobiographical studio vehicle from Pete Davidson.
The Austin, Texas event is a launching pad for major spring and summer studio releases, as well as smaller independent films and buzzy TV shows.
“King of Staten Island,” which stars Davidson, will open the fest. The movie is directed by Judd Apatow, who has brought many of his hit projects–from “Knocked Up” to “Bridesmaids”–to screen first at SXSW.
Other high-profile titles in Austin include “The Lovebirds,” a comedy from Michael Showalter, with Rae and Nanjiani trying to solve a murder mystery; “Bad Trip,” a “hidden camera” comedy co-starring Haddish; “Critical Thinking,” a drama directed by and starring John Leguizamo; and the upcoming “Snowpiercer” TV series, starring Jennifer Connelly and based on Bong Joon Ho’s movie.