SXSW Archives - Directors Notes

The 13 Must-Watch Short Films at the 2025 SXSW Film Festival

If you’re attending SXSW 2025 in person or beaming in virtually via the online platform, these are the 13 short films you won’t want to miss.

Awards, Live Action

A Father’s Loneliness Erupts Corporeally In Matty Crawford’s SXSW Winning BAFTA Body Horror ‘Stomach Bug’

Matty Crawford chats to DN about building the horror fuelled landscape of his psychological drama about a lonely parent suffering from empty nest syndrome.

Animation, Awards

How Nina Gantz Found the Perfect Balance Between Sadness and Humour in Award Winning Short ‘Wander to Wonder’

Nina Gantz takes DN inside the extraordinary craftsmanship of her stop motion short which offers a poignant exploration of loss for its diminutive stars.

Podcasts

Meat Puppet Director Eros V on Possession, Practical FX & the Power of a Great Title

DN caught up with Eros V to learn how a conversation with The Jim Henson Company inspired his surprising man-child possessed by a puppet comedy-horror short.

Awards, Live Action

Talking Practical FX and the Power of a Great Title With Eros V Director of BIFA Short ‘Meat Puppet’

Eros V reveals the lo-fi techniques used to bring a possessed puppet to life for his BIFA nominated short about a man-child who desperately need to grow up.

Live Action

A Seasoned Veteran Tries to Adapt to Japan’s Modern Entertainment Industry in Anna J. Takayama’s ‘The Voice Actress’

Anna J. Takayama talks shooting in Tokyo and colour as a narrative tool whilst dissecting the creation of her multi-award winning film about an ageing actress.

Film Festival

The Best Short Films at SXSW 2024

A highlight of the annual festival circuit, we take a look at the 2024 line-up of SXSW and champion 10 short films you absolutely have to see.

Live Action

A Filipino Immigrant Worker Battles the Horrors of Assimilation in Paris Zarcilla’s Acerbic Debut ‘Raging Grace’

DN alum Paris Zarcilla dissects the claustrophobic tone and character-driven visual language of his chilling gothic SXSW winning feature debut.

Live Action

How “Being Trapped in a Perpetual Dick Joke” Inspired Nick Roney’s SXSW Award Winning Short ‘The Flute’

Dir. Nick Roney returns to DN to discuss prosthetic skin flutes and taking inspiration from the classic monster movie for his unforgettable dark comedy.

Salt and Pepper Shakers Meredith Moore SXSW Short Film

Film Festival

The Best Short Films at SXSW 2023

If you're heading to SXSW 2023 we've got a list of 10 short films that should be top of your watchlist.

Live Action

Bianca Poletti Tests the Boundaries of Traditional Dating & Relationships in Comedy Short ‘Radical Honesty’

Bianca Poletti reveals how she drew out the more subtle moments of comedy in her deliciously awkward portrayal of a first date in the modern era.

Animation, Music Video

Kristian Mercado Figueroa Brings Reggaeton Culture to Futuristic Life in SXSW-Winning Animation ‘Nuevo Rico’

Kristian Mercado Figueroa takes us inside the oversaturated colours, steampunk aesthetic and blend of styles comprising his Latinx Futurism short.

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