The No Film School Podcast

SXSW Vets Teach Rookies How to Fest

Jan 25, 2025

01:07:55

In this episode of No Film School, GG Hawkins sits down with filmmakers Sarah Mokh, Stephen Cedars, Benji Kleiman, and Imran J. Khan to discuss navigating the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival. With insights from seasoned festival veterans, this episode offers practical advice and candid reflections on how to make the most of a festival experience, whether you’re a first-timer or a returning filmmaker.

In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins and guests discuss:

The importance of preparation before attending a festival and knowing how to pitch yourself and your project.
How to pace yourself and avoid burnout over the course of a week-long festival.
The value of publicists in boosting your film's visibility and managing PR.
Stories and lessons from navigating previous festivals, including Sundance and SXSW.
Audience engagement strategies to make your screenings successful.

Memorable Quotes:

Stephen Cedars: “South by Southwest is the most fun film festival in the entire world… It’s your first time, and it’ll be your only first time here.” (25:02)
Imran J. Khan: “Any movie, even a feature, is still kind of just an audition for another thing… You have to figure out what’s next and be ready to talk about it.” (17:10)
Benji Kleiman: “You need to have some talking points ready—what do you want people to say about your movie? That’s what’s going to make it into print.” (41:10)

Guests:

Sarah Mokh: Filmmaker behind Cigarettes, premiering in the SXSW Independent Pilot Competition.
Stephen Cedars: Co-director of Snatchers, a horror-comedy that premiered at SXSW.
Benji Kleiman: Co-director of Snatchers and veteran of multiple SXSW screenings.
Imran J. Khan: Director of Mustache, winner of the SXSW Audience Award.