Reza Moreno

The 2025 SXSW film and television season has rolled up their red carpets saying goodbye to another fantastic year after bringing the best stories to Austin’s big screens all across the city for 38 years. 

The biggest and hottest A-list celebrities showcased some of cinema’s best films of the year, unraveling the most talked about storytelling for years to come. The most sought-after movie stars and films to showcase this year include “The Rivals of Amziah King”, a film about finding family and seeking justice, which received a standing ovation. The film front-man includes Austin’s very own Matthew McConaughey, featuring alongside, Angelina LookinGlass, Cole Sprouse, and Kurt Russell. 

All photographs by Lu Chau Photagonist

Nicholas Cage makes a return to SXSW for the anxiety-inducing thriller “The Surfer” set in Australia with an all-star Australian cast. Just like Cage who always finds himself in the most insane scripts to date, this film follows a day of surfing at the beach with a nightmarish series of events. 

SXSW’s red carpet isn’t the only place bringing in the hottest celebs and celebrations. Most of the exclusive film premiere parties were just down the street at Higbie’s bar for Roxstar Entertainment’s Cinema Center and Collider Studio, sponsored by Bloom Nutrition, Peroni, Hendrick’s Gin, Rendezvous Films, and Collider. The popular hotspot hosted a 3-day and 3-night pop-up.

All photographs by Lu Chau Photagonist

“We’re thrilled to be back in Austin with the support of our generous sponsor partners and collectively continue our mission to help filmmakers celebrate and promote their films,” states David Manning, Executive Producer at Roxstar Entertainment.

From interviews with some of the stars of SXSW’s biggest films to raising a toast with Hendrick’s Gin during The Surfer’s after-party or with McConaughey’s Pantalones Tequila for his latest film premiere. 

Cinema Center also celebrated indie films that made a splash during Austin’s annual festival. Such as “The Threesome” with Zoey Deutch and “American Sweatshop” with Lili Reinhardt, both stars reconnecting at The Cinema Center. The cast of “The Dutchman” featuring  Zazie Beetz and Kate Mara also celebrated their SXSW film premiere at The Cinema Center.

Photo by Lu Chau // Photagonist.ca

Photo by Lu Chau // Photagonist.ca

Photo by Lu Chau // Photagonist.ca

All photographs by Lu Chau Photagonist