A couple of new developments came down the pike from our friends and neighbors at SXSW Film. (Seriously — they live on the other side of our volleyball court. And, yes, seriously, we have a volleyball court.)
Firstly, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that SXSW is now recognized as an Oscar-qualifying venue for the short film category. What does that mean? Well, let’s ask the nice folks at Cinematical: “[F]or short films [to be considered for an Oscar], they either have to play theatrically (for three consecutive days, at least twice a day), OR win a best-in-category award at an Academy-approved film festival.” And now SXSW is Academy-approved. (Little late to the game, aren’t you, Academy?)
Secondly was last night’s announcement of opening night film I Love You, Man. Based on the tagline alone, we’re calling it as another addition to the rapidly expanding bromance canon – it stars Paul Rudd as a groom shopping around for a best man. The film, written and directed by John Hamburg (Along Came Polly), also stars Jason Segel, Rashida Jones, Andy Samberg, J.K. Simmons, Jane Curtin, Jon Favreau, and Jamie Pressly.
It’s an interesting selection – under former SXSW director Matt Dentler‘s leadership, SXSW developed a reputation as a buzz-building launchpad for comedy. The selection of I Love You, Man may – or may not – indicate that new director Janet Pierson is committed to keeping SXSW in the comedy loop. Then again, Todd Haynes has already been announced as one of SXSW 2009’s featured speakers… and I doubt we’ll be seeing any bromances from him anytime soon. It’d be kinda awesome if we did, though.
This article appears in December 12 • 2008.
