Its one of my highlights each year and a festival I look forward to attending.

Part of it is the vibe.

Theres live music playing almost everywhere you go, even at the airport.

three girls screaming as they look at a terrifying clown in clowns in a cornfeidl

When I think of what an ideal moviegoing experience is, SXSW instantly comes to mind.

In 2023,A24sTalk to Mesurprised and unsettled me.

I couldnt wait to take my loved ones to see.

Sanae Loutsis as Snow White in The Death of Snow White

It was the kind of horror film that got under my skin and made me think.

Sometimes, choosing to watch a horror film is a gamble.

You never know what youre in for, really, but youre willing to be surprised nevertheless.

A dwarf leaning into the frame and whistling in Snow White 2025

And the SXSW horror slate never fails to be intriguing.

Its a hub for some of the best and most creative horror films that are released.

Hallow Roadended up being my favorite of the fest.

SXSW-Has-Become-A-Favorite-Film-Festival-For-My-Horror-Movie-Loving-Self

Custom image by Yailin Chacon

Hallow Roadended up being my favorite of the fest…

The best part of any film festival is the discoveries.

Going into a film completely blind and being blown away by what you see.

Frendo viewed on a phone screen in Clown in a Cornfield

Its also really cool to go to the premieres of some of the springs most anticipated films.

SXSW has both of that in spades and as a first-timer, it was such a rich experience.

Rosamund Pike drives her car in Hallow Road