[phileysmiley]

<img src="http://parcom.pronetworks.org/images/1017sxsw.jpg" align="right" alt="sxsw film festival"></img><font color="maroon">by Larry Richman </font><font color="gray" size="1">February 5, 2008 12:26 PM</font>

As readers of this blog know, of the dozen or so I attend each year, few film festivals can beat SXSW for sheer enjoyment, both in the quality of the program as well as the kickass rock 'n roll setting in which it takes place. As February rolls into its first week, it becomes immediately apparent that the 15th edition of the <a href="http://2008.sxsw.com/film/" target="_blank">South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Conference & Festival</a> is just one month away. But, most of all, today marks the announcement of the <a href="http://2008.sxsw.com/film/festival/films/" target="_blank">complete lineup of feature films</a>.

"I think this year's lineup represents our current world of extremes," said SXSW Film Festival Producer Matt Dentler. "The films we found are both funny and emotional, both indie and Hollywood, both entertaining and political, both real and magical. It's a well-rounded slate of films, from both veteran masters and promising newcomers."

Feature films are divided into the following categories:

SPOTLIGHT PREMIERES
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE COMPETITION (8 films)
NARRATIVE FEATURES COMPETITION (8 films)
EMERGING VISIONS
24 BEATS PER SECOND
'ROUND MIDNIGHT
LONE STAR STATES
SPECIAL SCREENINGS

The 15th Annual SXSW Film Conference & Festival kicks off March 7 with nine days of the best that today's cutting-edge filmmakers have to offer. This year's lineup consists of 114 features, including a whopping 65 World Premieres. The complete lineup of short films, along with panels and guest speakers, will be announced next week.

<img src="http://www.pronetworks.org/forum/images/smiles/view.jpg" border="0" alt=""> <a href="http://2008.sxsw.com/film/festival/films/" target="_blank"> 2008 SXSW Feature Film Lineup</a>