So you’re sitting at home far away from Austin, Texas, wondering what the SXSW Film Festival is and why you should care about it. Or, perhaps you’re in Austin now, scurrying around to set your schedule, learning about the different venues, and figuring out which films to make a priority and which to, well, skip.

I’ve always described the SXSW Film Festival to friends by saying it’s like living inside a Dazed and Confused sequel for a week, and once you’ve experienced the festival – and I’m talking really “experienced” the festival – then I’m sure you’ll agree. With just as many parties as films, there’s always a good time to be had 24 hours a day.
 
The Hollywood-ness of other festivals is not felt at SXSW; this is a place for serious movie fans who want to dive head-first into the magical world of cinema … while maybe enjoying a beer or two along the way.
 
I’ll be reporting back from the festival each day for the next week, letting you know what’s happening, which films people are buzzing about and all that fun stuff. Let me know if there’s anything in particular you want to know or a film you want a report on, and I’ll do my best to bring it to you.
 
In the meantime, check out some SXSW features from our friends around the web – all of which should help you get a good feel for what this festival is all about.
 
SXSW 2011: 10 Films We’re Really Looking Forward To (Fandango)
Meet the SXSW Filmmakers (indieWIRE)
A Quick and Dirty Guide to Choosing a Movie at SXSW (Film School Rejects)
Ultimate SXSW Guide: Everything You Need to Know About the Film Venues (Cinematical)
The Must See Panels (UGO)
The Food Around Austin (Gordon and the Whale)
A guide to cool places to hang out in Austin (AICN)
The Late-night Screenings (JoBlo)