SXSW 2020

SXSW Comedy promises big laughs from controversial SNL star and more

Pete Davidson is coming to SXSW.

Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

When one thinks of SXSW, they may think of tech companies, the film fest and music lineups, and lines, but it's also host to a sort of de facto comedy festival. With the festival programming scheduled to kick off in just about a week, SXSW is unleashing its 2020 Comedy lineup, ranging from famous comedians to up-and-comers to one SNL star in a bit of hot water.

Samantha Bee, Pete Davidson, Hannibal Buress, Thomas Middleditch, Austin's own Maggie Mae, Judd Apatow, and Horatio Sans are just a few of the big-name acts heading to SXSW this year, with performances and special events held throughout the 10-day festival. See the full lineup here.

SXSW Comedy branches into all aspects of the festival. (Basically, if there is a comedian involved in Interactive, Film, etc., it's also under the Comedy umbrella.) Among this year's special events is the world premiere of Hannibal Buress: Miami Nights at the Paramount Theater on Wednesday, March 18.

Returning to the festival is Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre co-founder Matt Besser with a slate of shows, including his beloved podcast improv4humans; Sing-A-Long Comedy Experiment; The 420 Show; and a special edition of ASSSSCAT, UCB's longest running show. And because we just cannot get through a SXSW without Doug Benson, the comedian will make his return to Austin with two tapings of his hit podcast, Doug Loves Movies.

Meanwhile, Judd Apatow and Saturday Night Live's Pete Davidson team up with Bill Burr, Liza Treyger, and Ricky Velez for the premiere of The King of Staten Island, directed by Apatow. The SNL star, no stranger to the spotlight, has stirred up major controversy in recent days after he complained about his castmates in an interview and threatened to quit the show. The remark, according to Page Six, has left some co-stars "fuming."

Also returning is Adult Swim, back to celebrate its newest show, Three Busy Debras. Creators and stars Sandy Honig, Mitra Jourhari, and Alyssa Stonoha will be joined by Joel Kim Booster and Patti Harrison for a special performance in honor of the show's premiere.

And fans of Full Frontal with Samantha Bee won't want to miss "Comedians on Panel Drinking Cocktails," a panel featuring Bee and her team discussing the upcoming 2020 election.

SXSW Comedy runs March 13-March 21 and is open to all badges. Film wristbands gain access to events beginning March 13, and Music wristbands can be used beginning March 16.

But what about coronavirus, you might ask? Despite some high-profile companies dropping out, SXSW is showing signs of business as usual. And, after all, they say laughter is the best medicine.

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SXSW 2020

Amazon Prime sets premiere date to stream SXSW 2020 films for free

Photo by Charlie L Harper III

Amazon Prime begins screening SXSW films on April 27.

SXSW is largely a place of discovery, but for technology companies and creatives, it provides a massive platform to get in front of new audiences. In the case of filmmakers, it's an opportunity to debut their work and — fingers crossed — score distribution deals. After the 2020 event was canceled due to COVID-19 concerns, these creators and creatives were left without an avenue to showcase their work and audiences without the opportunity to see it.

In early April, Amazon Prime provided one of the only pieces of good news in the wake of this year's cancellation: it will screen the festival's films — for free.

Prime Video presents the SXSW 2020 Film Festival Collection launches on Monday, April 27, through Wednesday, May 6, with 39 films ranging from narrative and documentary features to shorts and episodic shows. All titles will be available for free for both Prime members and non-members.

Each film would have been screened during SXSW Film, the movie portion of the 10-day mega-festival. In an earlier release, SXSW said every filmmaker would be invited to take part in the Prime festival, but it was not required. An earlier release noted that filmmakers would receive an undisclosed screening fee to participate. On April 9, the Hollywood Reporter said it had reviewed the fee documents given to filmmakers, but it was unclear what the compensation would be.

Writes THR, "The compensation would be delivered after the projects complete the 10-day run on the service. But it is was unclear to filmmakers what type of compensation that 'screening fee' would be, which was troubling for filmmakers that were trying to accurately weigh the possible financial risk."

"We understand every film has its own strategy and we know this opportunity may not make sense for every filmmaker. However, for those who want to share their stories right now and with as many people as possible, we’re excited to provide them this platform,” said Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios, in an April 21 release.

Along with the titles, nonprofit Free the Work is curating Q&As and online panels to accompany the collection, bringing a bit of that South By spirit to the online streaming platform.

"Free the Work's mission is to find new pathways to the discovery of underrepresented creators and we're excited to help celebrate, spotlight, and provide a platform for the voices of these talented filmmakers," said founder and filmmaker Alma Har’e of the organization's part in the collection.

To take part, users must create a free Amazon account and can stream the films through a browser or download the Prime app to watch on personal devices and smart TVs. See a full list of participating titles here, and start planning your very own SXSW Film festival.

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