SXSW kicks off next week and we’ll be there to report on all the latest films, music, art, comedy and keynote speakers that will be showcased in Austin over the fest’s 10-day run (March 10-19).

As we gear up, lists are being made and plans are being finalized. As we put the finishing touches on our schedule, here are a couple of movies we are looking forward to as we touch down in Austin. We’ll report back with more highlights, recommendations and other SXSW high jinx along the way.

“Bottoms”

This is the latest outing from director Emma Seligman (“Shiva Baby”) – a high school comedy that follows two unpopular girls in their senior year. They may not be popular, but they know how to get the attention of the cheerleaders they’re sweet on – they start a fight club. Okay, maybe that’s not the best way to go about it. We’ll see.

9:30 p.m. March 11 at Paramount
9:15 p.m. March 15 at Zach 

“BlackBerry” 

Ahhh, the good ol’ days of the Blackberry. I remember typing furiously on those devices in the early 2000s and would still be using one today – if they were still around. This comedy tells the rapid rise of the world’s first smart phone – along with its ultimate demise. 

2:30 p.m. March 13 at Zach
12:30 p.m. March 15 at Alamo Lamar 

“Flamin’ Hot”

You know them, you love them. The flaming Hot Cheetos became a sensation, but who was behind this fiery snack. Eva Longoria helms this pic about a Frito Lay janitor whose Mexican American heritage and penchant for heat, turned the snack world on its head.

3:15 p.m. March 11 at Paramount Theatre

“Self Reliance” 

This cast is loaded with comedy standouts like Andy Samberg, Anna Kendrick, Wayne Brady and Natalie Morales – who was an audience award winner at SXSW in 2021 for her directorial debut, “Language Lessons.” Jake Johnson directs this comedy about a man who is offered a million dollars to play a game in which hunters try to kill him.

6:30 p.m. March 11 at Paramount
2 p.m. March 13 at Alamo Lamar
9:15 p.m. at Zach 

And let’s not forget. This year SXSW added “TV” to its arsenal, so now we have the SXSW Film & TV festival.  With all the streamers out there, it makes total sense.

Also what makes total sense is this new entry from Amazon Prime that looks as close to a sure thing as you can get.

“Swarm”

Directed by Donald Glover and Adamma Ebo, the short descriptor in the SXSW guide says it all: Murder. Sex. Music.  Bottom line, watch out for all the stans out there. This one looks pretty intense.

9:45 p.m. March 10 at Paramount