The 2005 South by Southwest Film Conference has been confirmed for March 11-19. Here’s the skinny on what to expect (besides the longest lines the Paramount Theatre has ever experienced): James Spertus, the director of U.S. Piracy Operations for the Motion Picture Association of America will be heading a “Movie Piracy and You” discussion (please, no taping), which should be mandatory listening for all of you out there with Bangkok-bound crateloads of DivX-booted dubs of Christmas With the Kranks. Also on hand will be Christine Vachon, legendary indie producer and founder of Killer Films (Happiness, Boys Don’t Cry), who will be presenting a retrospective of her always cutting-edge work. And as if that weren’t enough, this year’s fest will also have a Meet the (Film) Press panel bringing together some of the biggest names in film journalism, which should give grudge-bearing readers (and viewers) a chance to finally meet the guy (or gal) who dissed their beloved The Alamo. More info at www.sxsw.com.
This article appears in November 5 • 2004.