Breaking Down the 2024 SXSW Film & TV Festival's Queer Offerings

Another year and another South by Southwest (SXSW)! The famed Austin-based film and television festival returns this month as Hollywood descends upon the Live Music Capitol of the World to showcase a new slate of movie and television offerings for audiences.

Some big names are expected to appear at SXSW this year to promote projects that already have distribution. Among these, Jake Gyllenhaal and Lukas Gage will show up at Austin's Paramount Theater to roll out the premiere of Prime Video's "Road House." Current Academy Award-nominated actors Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt will walk the red carpet to introduce director David Leitch's action-comedy "The Fall Guy" in the same week that Dev Patel's directorial effort "Monkey Man" will unleash its vengeance upon willing moviegoers.

SXSW is also known for its striking independent film catalog outside of mainstream cinema, and this year's slate of queer offerings is remarkable. Talented filmmakers and cast have assembled some outstanding choices for audiences this year; chief among them are intriguing documentaries, compelling coming-of-age stories, and projects featuring popular LGBTQ+ performers.

Below are some queer films and television series premieres to look out for at the SXSW Film & TV Festival this year.

"Backspot"

Directed by D.W. Waterson and produced by and starring Devery Jacobs ("Reservation Dogs"), "Backspot" was a breakout hit when it premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival. The film immerses its audience in the competitive world of professional cheerleading, seen through the eyes of Riley (Devery Jacobs) and Amanda (Kudakwashe Rutendo). What makes this film stand out from other sports movies of the genre is that Riley must contend with two things in the pursuit of her dreams: her crippling anxiety and competing against her girlfriend for a spot on the influential Thunderhawks. It's a moving film with supporting performances from Evan Rachel Wood, Noa DiBerto, and Shannyn Sossamon.

"Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story"

In its world premiere in the 24 Beats Per Second section of SXSW, directors Michael Mabbott and Lucah Rosenberg-Lee and Executive Producer Elliot Page present the new film, "Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story." The Canadian documentary explores the life of Black trans soul singer Jackie Shane, who rose to fame and suddenly disappeared, only to experience a resurgence later in life. Moviegoers will share Jackie's journey through interviews with family members and the filmmakers' rotoscope animation, and they will hear from Jackie in her own words through archival phone conversations. Though her legacy might not be known to many, "Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story" ensures the icon won't be forgotten.

"A Nice Indian Boy"

Sometimes, art tends to imitate life. Such is the case for actor Karan Soni and his real-life boyfriend Roshan Sethi, the star and director behind "A Nice Indian Boy," respectively. Modest doctor Naveen Gavaskar (Soni) begins a relationship with the handsome Jay Kurundkar (Jonathan Groff), a white man adopted into an Indian family. The two fall in love despite Naveen keeping his new relationship a secret from his own judgmental family, but when the time comes for all parties to finally meet, comedy ensues as culture and sexual identity converge. The two out gay leads provide enough curiosity for "A Nice Indian Boy" to bring heartfelt familial bonds at the altar of romance.

"High Tide"

Adding to the slate of world premieres at SXSW this year is Marco Calvani's heartbreaking "High Tide." Set in the summer in Provincetown, Brazilian transplant Lourenço attempts to find himself as he waits for his long-lost American love to return to the famed gay destination. But, it's in Provincetown that he meets the dashing nurse Maurice, and they embark on a friendship that ties the two loners together amongst a sea of happy gay men. Diverse backgrounds and an expiration dating scenario might be too much for the men to manage, but "High Tide" might end up featuring some of the most realistic performances of the year from a wonderful cast that includes Marco Pigossi, James Bland, Marisa Tomei, Bill Irwin, Mya Taylor, and Sean Mahon.

"The Queen of My Dreams"

After making a splash at the Toronto International Film Festival last year, "The Queen of My Dreams" hits SXSW to showcase the feature directorial debut of Fawzia Mirza. Azra (Amrit Kaur) is a Pakistani Canadian lesbian whose family life was rocked when she came out of the closet. After her father suddenly dies, Azra must come to terms with her lonesome reality as she faces family members again in what becomes an unanticipated emotional journey.

"A House is Not a Disco"

Entering the documentary space is Brian J. Smith's "A House Is Not A Disco." Telling the true story of a 12-month journey at the Fire Island Pines, the film explores the many crossroads the East Coast community has witnessed throughout the years. Though this documentary highlights the recent changes seen by new generations of homeowners attempting to become more inclusive, it relies heavily on history alongside the current threat of climate change on the beach town's properties. The Pines is where eccentrics all came to be open with who they are, and "A House Is Not A Disco" puts them all on full display.

"I Don't Understand You"

What could be more exciting than a vacation to Italy, one of the most romantic destinations on Earth? For one American couple (Nick Kroll and Andrew Rannells), an Italian adventure takes a stark turn after one thing after another goes terribly wrong for them during what should be an enjoyable baby moon. Without fluency in the language and reliable transportation, the soon-to-be parents' relationship is tested in this remarkable comedy from writers/directors Brian Crano and David Craig. The often hilarious hijinks that both Kroll and Rannells have found their characters in throughout the years might prove to be a dynamite pairing in "I Don't Understand You."

"I Wish You All the Best"

Adapting a novel to the silver screen is a well-tested success at film festivals like SXSW. This year, Mason Deaver's book "I Wish You All the Best" gets the royal treatment with writer/director Tommy Dorfman at the helm and actor Corey Fogelmanis playing the non-binary main character of teenager Ben DeBacker. Ben is thrown out of the house and moves in with his estranged older sister and her husband. Still in high school, Ben must continue their junior year with anxiety in tow...that is until they meet Nathan, a charismatic classmate who befriends Ben and shows them that there is light at the end of Ben's dark tunnel. The film costars Cole Sprouse, Alexandra Daddario, Lisa Yamada, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, and Brian Michael Smith.

"Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show"

Comedian and actor Jerrod Carmichael came out as gay during his televised comedy special "Rothaniel" in 2022. Since then, the North Carolina native has hosted the Golden Globe Awards, hosted "Saturday Night Live," and won a Primetime Emmy Award. Now, Carmichael is unveiling his newest television endeavor to audiences at SXSW, a comedy documentary entitled "Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show." Set to debut on HBO later this month, the series serves as Carmichael's way of traversing love and sex in hopes of making a meaningful connection.

"Hacks Season 3 Premiere"

The recipient of several Primetime Emmy Awards and nominations for its stellar cast, Max's "Hacks" will finally see its season three premiere at SXSW this year. Starring Hannah Einbinder as the bisexual comedy writer Ava for Las Vegas has-been comedian Deborah Vance (Jean Smart), the series took a turn in its second season when the intergenerational pair embarked on a cross-country comedy tour to capitalize on Vance's celebrity image. The two split at the end of last season after Deborah fired Ava so the latter could pursue her own career goals, so season three might be a change of pace for everyone's favorite fictional comedians!