Mentor Session: Andrew Rhodes (DKC)

Andrew Rhodes

SVP

Andrew Rhodes is a Senior Vice President at DKC, where he manages business, media and sports accounts, bringing some of the most iconic brands in the country to life. He also guides the day-to-day operations of the company’s award-winning sports practice.

For more than a decade, Rhodes has developed and executed campaigns for leading brands, game changing startups, and some of the most recognizable figures across industries.

Rhodes is a trusted communications advisor to burgeoning brands, seasoned organizations and leaders alike. His clients have included leading brands like Meta, Delta Air Lines, Yahoo Sports, Sports Illustrated, DAZN, and the International Olympic Committee and individuals like acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns and former athletes like Michael Strahan and Derek Jeter pursuing their next acts.

Rhodes graduated from Muhlenberg College with a B.A. in Media & Communication and Psychology.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Sports, Marketing/Advertising/PR.


Mentor Session: Lester Platt (STLL STUDIOS)

Lester Platt

Ceo/Director

I’m a Founder, CEO, and multi-disciplinary filmmaker passionate about telling powerful stories through cinematic visuals and innovative production. Over the past 13+ years, I’ve evolved from a New York–based freelance photographer into the driving force behind STLL STUDIOS, a growing Austin production company trusted by leading brands and marketing agencies across the U.S. and abroad.

Room 400-402

Mentor Session: Ali Tager (National Cryptocurrency Association)

Mentor Session: Aniesia Williams (dreambloc)

Mentor Session: Avantika Bagri (Centana Growth Partners)

Mentor Session: Brittan Heller (Stanford Law School)

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Content Strategy/Production, Business Development, Entrepreneurship, Future of Work, Immersive Technology, Storytelling.

MENTOR SESSION: LESTER PLATT (STLL STUDIOS)

Creator Economy track sponsored by Yamaha


Beyond Borders: Diverse Alliances for Immigrant Wellbeing

Divya Chhabra

Program Director

Dr. Divya Chhabra is a child and adolescent psychiatrist, writer, and filmmaker. At Emma Bowen Center, she launched a trauma program for families with young children. A former teacher and tech professional, she blends storytelling, systems thinking, and mental health. She led statewide children’s policy at NYS OMH, consults and creates for award-winning shows on platforms like Nickelodeon and Spotify, and teaches at NYU. She’s held minority leadership roles in the APA and worked globally in mental health and humanitarian settings. She trained at UCSF, Columbia, and Cornell after graduating from Northwestern.

Tiffany Hernandez

Project Coordinator

Tiffany is a dedicated and mission-driven professional who has made a meaningful impact in communities through roles in program management, education, and patient navigation. Combining a strong background in public health with a passion for social equity, she has consistently worked to address barriers to healthcare, education, and community support services for underserved populations, particularly immigrant and Spanish-speaking communities. She has also partnered with LGBTQIA+ organizations to support inclusive programming, advocate for queer and trans rights, and ensure affirming, accessible care for LGBTQIA+ individuals—especially those at the intersection of immigrant identity.

Brazos I-III

Division Defiance: Building Cross-Racial Solidarity

In Search of Hope: Teaching Climate Emotions Through Story

Future-Proof Your Strategy: An AI Test and Learn Lab

Pitch Camp! How To Win Creative Pitches by Being More Human

Marketing Without a Map: Building in the Age of Chaos

Immigrant children and families face rising stress often missed by traditional systems. This session explores cross-sector (public, private, nonprofit) and cross-disciplinary (health, education, TV, community organizing) collaboration to foster innovative, community-rooted solutions. Participants will engage in hands-on, small-group case studies centered on real-world challenges facing immigrant children and families, gaining practical experience applying cross-sector strategies to complex issues.

BEYOND BORDERS: DIVERSE ALLIANCES FOR IMMIGRANT WELLBEING


How to Raise Changemakers: Lessons from Brazil’s Youth

Laura Bruscagin

Marketing Coordinator

Laura Bruscagin is a storyteller and Youth Communication Specialist based in Brazil. She works at the intersection of social impact, youth engagement, education, and civic leadership, using communication to foster empathy and inspire real-world action among young people. Laura has worked on social impact projects with partners such as the United Nations and Nexus Global, connecting underrepresented voices to global conversations on leadership and social responsibility. She led the Youth Volunteer Project delegation at the Nexus Global Summit, supporting Brazilian youth in sharing their perspectives on social change. As a young leader herself, Laura brings a peer-to-peer perspective to conversations on youth engagement, helping educators nurture the next generation of changemakers.

Ana Catharina Resende Quartiero

Student

Brazilian student studying abroad at UC Berkeley, passionate about community building and the power of education. Began her journey in service with Turma do Jiló’s Youth Volunteer Project and has dedicated over 8 years to volunteer work. She currently serves as President of the Brazilian Student Association and volunteers with Creative, a student group that teaches art in underserved communities. As CFO of Brazil at Silicon Valley and with three internships in Investment Banking, she brings a strong commitment to advancing Latin American companies on a global stage. With academic training in Applied Mathematics and Economics and a minor in Data Science, she seeks to bridge quantitative insight with social impact using finance, data, and education to build a more inclusive future.

Maria Luiza Comar Gayotto

Student

Luiza Gayotto is a Brazilian youth activist and International Relations scholar focused on Peace & Justice. She has been a volunteer in Turma do Jiló’s project “Voluntariado da Turma do Jiló” since 2017 and worked as an ambassador for Gerando Falcões International’s “Connecting Realities” program. Luiza is the founder of MandaLuz, an art-therapy initiative, and has led projects supporting girls’ education and youth leadership. As a multilingual advocate and student abroad, she bridges local action and global dialogue to create opportunities for future generations to make a difference.

Carolina Videira

CEO

Carolina is a Social Entrepreneur and Consultant specialized in Inclusive Education, Human Rights, and ESG. She holds a Master’s in Behavioral Neuroscience from UNIFESP and postgraduate degrees in Diversity Management, Inclusive Practices, and Behavioral Neuroscience. She is an Ashoka Fellow, founder and CEO of Turma do Jiló. Carolina serves on the UN Brazil Human Rights Council and coordinates Diversity Inclusion postgraduate studies at Instituto Singularidades. With over 20 years in corporate sectors, she has received the 2022 Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award and the UN Women USA Rise and Raise Others Award for reducing inequalities. She advises Instituto da Oportunidade Social and the UN Educa 2030 Movement, supporting inclusive education aligned with the UN 2030 Agenda.

Waterloo Ballroom 5-6

Building a New, Future-Proof University in 2026

A Model for Culturally Responsive STEAM Ecosystems

Future-Ready Frameworks for Higher Ed's Title IX Challenges

What if we raised teens to lead change, not just pass tests? This session dives into practical ways educators and families can nurture empathy, leadership, and civic engagement in youth. Based on real experiences of Brazilian teens who became changemakers through a Youth Volunteer Project that connects them with social impact causes and community work, this panel will offer tested strategies to help students break social bubbles, build empathy, find purpose, and take action, inside and outside the classroom.

HOW TO RAISE CHANGEMAKERS: LESSONS FROM BRAZIL?S YOUTH


It Takes a Region: Cybersecurity Pathways in Rural Alabama

Kim Knight

Career and Technical Education Director

Kim V. Knight, NBCT, is the Career and Technical Education Director for Talladega County Schools, where she leads innovative, industry-driven workforce development programs for high school and middle grades students. With more than 20 years of experience in education, she is recognized for building sustained, successful grant initiatives that continuously expand career pathways in construction trades, cybersecurity, health sciences, manufacturing, and work-based learning. A National Board Certified Teacher with a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Kim is a frequent state and regional conference presenter known for translating grant opportunities into scalable, student-centered programs through strong industry and community partnerships. She has served on the Governor's Alabama Attainment Committee and other workforce advisory boards, advocating for real-world learning that prepares students for immediate workforce success.

Scott Ross

Director of Information Technology

Scott Ross is a leading technology and cybersecurity expert in Alabama. Growing up in Huntsville, AL he developed early computer skills and began working in the field as a teen. After earning a Bachelor of Information Systems Management from Auburn University, he returned to Huntsville in 2010. His career started in the defense industry with the Army Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC) and Army Material Command (AMC), where he quickly became a key advisor. In 2012, Scott transitioned to Parsons Corporation, leading IT Operations and Cybersecurity teams across various sectors. By 2019, he became the Director of IT at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, addressing cybersecurity challenges in genomics. He received the 2021 InspireCIO Orbie award for Alabama CIO of the Year for Nonprofit/Public Sector Finalists. Scott holds a CISSP certification and is a principal investigator on genomic data cybersecurity research with UAH CCRE and NIST NCCOE. Additionally, he actively promotes STEM education and serves on the Alabama CIO Advisory Board and the Alabama STEM Foundation's Board of Directors.

Seth Walker

Alumnus

Seth Walker is a 2025 graduate of Lincoln High School in Alabama and a cybersecurity major at Troy University. In 2023, Seth and his peers actively helped launch Talladega County’s first Cybersecurity Pathways program in partnership with Digital Promise, supporting the Region 2 site visit and raising awareness throughout the district about the value of the initiative for students. Driven by a passion for learning and teaching critical cybersecurity concepts, Seth chose this career path to empower others to understand and protect digital systems. His dream job is to become a cyber auditor, ensuring companies maintain proper security protocols and safeguard community data integrity.

Kimberly Smith

Chief Innovation Officer

Kimberly Smith is Chief Inclusive Innovation Officer at Digital Promise’s Center for Inclusive Innovation. She leads partnerships with school district leaders and their communities to co-research and co-design solutions that help every learner grow and thrive. She has held leadership roles at the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship, PBS, Discovery Education, and CPB, advancing education technology and learner-centered models. An Aspen-Pahara Fellow and co-founder of the National Charter Collaborative, she holds an MBA from Johns Hopkins and a BS in Journalism from the University of Colorado. She serves on the boards of Beacon House, CatalystED, the Learner Centered Collaborative, and the National Charter Collaborative.

Waller Ballroom C

From TikTok to Toolbelt: Preparing Gen Z for Work

Higher Ed's Losing Global Talent & the Bill Is Coming Due

Rethinking Discovery Algorithms for the Creator Economy

Breaking the Sound Barrier: Making Creativity Accessible to All

In rural eastern Alabama, a cybersecurity talent pipeline is taking root—powered by bold collaboration between K–12 schools, postsecondary institutions, and local industry. This session shares how a regional alliance is designing hands-on learning experiences, embedding aligned credentials, and unlocking high-wage, high-demand careers for students. Discover how a rural community is transforming opportunity through workforce-aligned education and community-wide vision.

IT TAKES A REGION: CYBERSECURITY PATHWAYS IN RURAL ALABAMA

Workplace track sponsored by University of Cincinnati


Shaping Education in a Culture x Tech World

Lori Baker

Executive Vice President for Global Strategy & Programs

Dr. Lori Baker is Executive Vice President for Global Strategy and Programs at Belmont University, where she leads innovative global education initiatives at the intersection of science, culture, and social impact. An internationally recognized forensic anthropologist and Fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, she founded the award-winning Reuniting Families program addressing humanitarian and human rights challenges worldwide. Dr. Baker has advised governments across the globe, and her work has been featured by National Geographic, NPR, BBC, and other international media outlets.

Alexey Steblev

Chief Creative Officer, Board Member

Alexey Steblev is a cellist, composer, educator, entrepreneur, and cultural leader. Trained at the Gnessin School and the Moscow Conservatory, he gained international recognition as a member of the Moscow Quartet and a soloist with the chamber orchestra Moscow Virtuosi. He later co-founded the New Russian Quartet. He has taught at the State Classical Academy Maimonides and has composed music for theater and film.
As an entrepreneur, Alexey co-founded several startups and has been active in venture investments. He founded Way2Art.club, a platform promoting art and culture. He is a co-founder, Chief Creative Officer, and Board member of the CultTech Association in Vienna, leading efforts to merge art with emerging technologies.

Guadalupe

What We’re Unlearning on Supporting Education Systems

Independent Film Publicity: How to Earn Media Attention

4D Volumetric Video & Gaussian Splats for XR Creators

At the intersection of art and technology, education is shifting from instruction to experimentation. This interactive Meet Up focuses on non-linear, learner-driven approaches where technology acts as a creative collaborator—not a skill to master. Through facilitated discussion, we’ll examine how knowledge emerges when disciplines collide and learning grows from uncertainty rather than fixed structures.

SHAPING EDUCATION IN A CULTURE X TECH WORLD


Higher Ed Needs Caring & Liberatory Leadership to Thrive

Kevin Mcclure

Department Chair and Professor

Dr. Kevin R. McClure is a Professor of Higher Education and Chair of the Department of Educational Leadership at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. He also serves as Co-Director of the Alliance for Research on Regional Colleges. Kevin’s public scholarship covers a range of topics, and throughout the pandemic he wrote viral articles on morale, burnout, disengagement, staffing, and leadership in higher education. He is now a regular columnist at The Chronicle of Higher Education, writing the Working Better column on the higher education workplace.

Annmarie Caño

Professor

Dr. Annmarie Caño is a professor of psychology at Gonzaga University, a licensed clinical psychologist, and a certified coach to higher education leaders. Her writing is informed by her lived experience as a Latina and first-generation college student with over 25 years of experience in higher education. Annmarie is an award-winning teacher, mentor, and researcher and a two-time Fellow of the American Psychological Association who has served in leadership roles at public and private institutions. You can find her articles with practical advice about leadership and liberatory practice online at Inside Higher Ed and HigherEdJobs.

Waterloo Ballroom 1-2

Engineering Confidence: Raising Girls to Build Companies

Afraid of AI? In Cleveland, It’s Enabling Economic Mobility

Glowing Brains & Robosuits: Terminating the AI Cliché

This fireside chat will include a discussion of two new approaches that challenge status quo organization and leadership practices in higher education. Namely, staff, faculty, and leaders are invited to engage in systemic and structural changes aligned with liberation praxis and the ethics of care. Drawing from organizational theories, the social sciences, research, and lived experience, the discussants will challenge each other and the audience to imagine the personal and institutional changes required to promote employee well-being and creativity in today’s higher education workplace.

HIGHER ED NEEDS CARING & LIBERATORY LEADERSHIP TO THRIVE


Beyond Voting: Defending Truth in Education: AI, Equity, & Power

Karen Attiah

Columnist

Karen Attiah is a columnist for The Washington Post. She joined The Post in 2014 as a digital producer in the Opinions section. Attiah often writes on issues relating to race, gender and international politics, with a special interest in Africa. Previously, she reported as a freelancer for the Associated Press while based in the Caribbean. Attiah was the winner of the 2019 George Polk Award and was the 2019 Journalist of the Year from the National Association of Black Journalists

Emily Williams

Host & Creator

She has collaborated with organizations and community stakeholders to promote social justice, equity, and inclusion in over 20 countries, including on a global treaty adopted by the United Nations. For over a decade, she has worked professionally on both local and global levels to create an equitable world by centering on those who are most marginalized. As Senior Program Officer at the Solidarity Center, she collaborated with global labor organizations to promote inclusive development and to advocate for human rights and gender equality.

Waterloo Ballroom 3

Hsu Untied: Beyond Numbers: Decision-Making in the Math Classroom

The Learning Geeks: How to Think When Machines Think Faster

Chalk & Gavel: Navigating the Tides of an Education Law Sea Change

Forget Moments Marketing: Welcome to Worldbuilding

Tradwives, Throuples, Trends: What Modern Love Means for Ads

Join Beyond Voting for a live conversation exposing how AI fuels authoritarianism in education—erasing marginalized scholarship, surveilling students, and exploiting hidden labor. We’ll examine threats to academic freedom, student privacy, and the educator workforce, and highlight how educators and students—especially those from marginalized communities—can fight for equity, protect dissent, and defend truth in learning and research.

BEYOND VOTING: DEFENDING TRUTH IN EDUCATION: AI, EQUITY, & POWER


AI with Aloha: Stories from Hawai‘i’s Classrooms

Gabriel Yanagihara

Emerging Technology Teacher

Gabriel Yanagihara is a classroom teacher, AI literacy consultant, and curriculum designer based in Honolulu, Hawaii. He teaches middle school game design, AI tools, and emerging technology at ‘Iolani School, and has trained thousands of educators across Hawaii on how to use AI in student-centered, culturally grounded ways. Gabriel is the founder of the Digital Literacy Ambassadors program and the author of Teaching Joy. His work spans K–12, community outreach, and nonprofit consulting, with a focus on making AI literacy accessible, joyful, and low-cost. He is also an esports coach, workshop leader, and public speaker on AI in education and workforce development.

Paramount III

CTRL + SHIFT: Reimagining School Engagement Through Esports

American Exchange Project: Experiential Civics in Action

The Art Gallery is the New Gym: Get Creative, Get Smarter

While most schools banned AI when it first emerged, one school in Hawai‘i saw the wave coming and started paddling early. As the emerging technology teacher at ‘Iolani School, my goal was to make every mistake as quickly as possible so that we can learn valuable lessons together. We knew from day one that AI was here to stay, so while others watched from shore, my students and I were wiping out, experimenting, and figuring it out together. This session shares the stories from those chaotic early days and how they led to the AI literacy programs we’ve built in Hawai‘i today.

AI WITH ALOHA: STORIES FROM HAWAI?I?S CLASSROOMS


The Future is Low-Tech: Lessons from the Early 2000s

Jésabel DC

Queer Futurist | Tech Anthropologist | EdTech Founder

Jésabel DC is a queer futurist reclaiming technology as a tool for care, learning and collective autonomy.

Her work explores how digital systems shape the human experience. Through gamified workshops and consulting, she works with individuals and organizations who want to rethink their relationship to technology.

She’s also developing The Lifestyle Lab, a low-tech, nervous system-friendly video game that teaches life and civic skills through real-world interaction. It serves as a prototype for what non-extractive, human-centered tech can look like.

Waller Ballroom B

AI’s Rise, Talent’s Fall: Fixing the Skills Deficit

Empowering Students for the Jobs of Tomorrow

Cracking Higher Ed: Why Startups Miss the Mark

Reigniting STEM Interest: A 7,700-Student Study

Startup Lessons from the Baby-Sitters Club

Let's rewind back to the early 2000s – slower interfaces, finite gameplay, loading bars, shared family computers and digital experiences that rewarded patience, curiosity and real-world interaction.

In this talk, we'll unpack the overlooked design features of the era and explore how they can be applied today.

This session is for designers, educators, technologists and decision-makers who want to take part in building a low-tech future!

FUTURE IS LOW-TECH: LESSONS FROM THE EARLY 2000S


Culture Under Fire: Storytelling for Public Power

Lisa Varga

Associate Executive Director, Public Policy And Advocacy

Lisa R. Varga is the Associate Executive Director of Public Policy & Advocacy at the American Library Association’s Washington Office. In 2024, she was named Library Journal’s Librarian of the Year. Prior to her work at ALA, Lisa had spent 15 years as the Executive Director of the Virginia Library Association, and speaks nationally on a variety of topics, including Intellectual Freedom.

Maya Chupkov

Media & Democracy Program Manager

Maya Chupkov is a filmmaker and public-interest policy
strategist whose work bridges community-rooted storytelling,
disability advocacy, and democracy reform. Across film, audio,
writing, and policy, she advances ideas that touch on the
underrepresented voices in the speech diversity communities. In
addition to overseeing the media policy program at California Common
Cause, she is working on a documentary that intersects with
stuttering, race, and the Deep South, and follows Issac Bailey, a
black man with a severe stutter from St. Stephen, South Carolina.

Erin Harkey

Executive Director

Erin Harkey has over 20+ years experience helping individuals and communities succeed through the arts. Erin was the Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE). Harkey served the City of Chicago as Projects Administrator, then Deputy Commissioner for Programming and First Deputy Commissioner. In her dual role as Senior Policy Advisor for Arts in Culture in the Mayor’s Office, she advised on cultural policy and arts strategy across all City departments and agencies. She previously managed public art programs at Los Angeles County Arts Commission and the Arts Council for Long Beach. Harkey holds two master’s degrees in Public Art Administration and Urban Planning from the University of Southern California (USC) and a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Howard University.

Jax Deluca

Executive Director

Jax Deluca is a cultural strategist with over two decades of leadership across public service and nonprofit arts organizations. Currently, she is the interim director for the Future Film Coalition, advocating for the independent film sector by uniting independent film professionals and organizations to build collective power and shape field-wide efforts to secure visibility, resources, and public policy protections that will fortify the independent ecosystem and ensure audiences benefit from a diverse and thriving cultural landscape for generations to come.

In her previous role as the Director of Film & Media Arts at the National Endowment for the Arts (2016–2025), she oversaw a federal funding portfolio, spearheaded national initiatives, such as the Independent Media Arts Group (IMAG) in partnership with Sundance Institute and BAVC Media, and produced research offering critical insights into field-wide infrastructure needs, creative technology practices, and high-level challenges facing the independent film ecosystem. She is a 2025-26 Documentary Film in the Public Interest Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy.

Salon E

Turning Up the Heat: Climate Content That Clicks

Growing Intelligence: Youth, AI, and the Future of Ag

Mall Rats Reborn: How Hot Topic is Using Entertainment to Revitalise Retail

How to Win Friends and Overthrow Systems

Public libraries, theaters, and arts institutions face growing threats from budget cuts, censorship, and consolidation—but remain vital to civic life. This panel unites the Future Film Coalition (FFC), American Library Association  (ALA), and Americans for the Arts (AFTA) to share concrete strategies for defending public cultural infrastructure. From local advocacy to national coalition-building, panelists will offer tools to help artists and communities protect access, uphold free expression, and strengthen an equitable media ecosystem.

CULTURE UNDER FIRE: STORYTELLING FOR PUBLIC POWER


Asian Creator Economy Meet Up

Jerry Won

Founder

Jerry is the Founder & CEO of Just Like Media, home to Asian Creator Summit & Awards and the award-winning Dear Asian Americans podcast, featuring guests like Vice President Kamala Harris. He also leads World Class Speakers, a coaching company helping speakers boost their influence, impact, and income. He has partnered with JPMorgan, Harvard Business School, SXSW, Google, Pepsi, Meta, and more. In May 2023, he hosted a conversation with Vice President Harris at The White House Forum for AANHPIs. His work has been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, LinkedIn, and others. Jerry earned his B.S. from USC Marshall and MBA from Michigan Ross. He lives in Southern California with his wife Kyunghwa and their children.

Chris Do

Founder & Ceo

Loud introvert, recovering graphic designer, Emmy® award winning designer, and founder of the Futur, an online education platform. Mission: teach 1 billion people how to make a living doing what they love. Like private art school without the crippling debt.

Room 408

Convene, Collaborate, & Cultivate Connection: Moms Meet Up

Since 2023, the Asian Creator Economy Meet Up has created space for Asian creators, professionals in the creator economy, and allies to gather, connect, and grow. As the industry evolves, so does our need for culturally grounded, forward-looking conversations. From monetization and visibility to community care and platform shifts, this space invites creators to share what’s working, what’s changing, and how we can thrive together. Our goal is to hold space where identity and innovation meet.


Shortchanged: Gen Z, the Economy, and Brands

Andrew Yohanan

Insights and Strategy

Andrew enjoys saying the quiet parts out loud.

Regardless of what consumers state they need, want, and desire, he is  in the business of vocalizing the unspoken nuances of what they do when no one is looking. He discovers consumers' true behaviors, values, and perceptions with help from a dynamic toolset including behavioral economics, ethnography, and data science.

Andrew love exploring data and telling engaging stories that blend the best of quantitative and qualitative methods into actionable insights. Eager to engage in spirited debates, he thrive on challenging the status quo.

Salon A

The Creative Power of Letting Go: Why Quitting Can Be Your Biggest Breakthrough

Charmageddon: Robots That Steal Hearts and Jobs

SWIFTYNOMICS: How Women Mastermind and Redefine Our Economy

Prune or Perish: Cut Toxic Leadership for a Thriving Culture

As economic opportunity slips further out of reach for young adults, brands face a new reality: a generation facing high living costs, stagnant wages, and declining opportunity is redefining how, why, and where they spend. This session explores how financial precarity is reshaping consumer behavior and what it means for marketers. Learn how to build relevance and win over a generation that’s not just broke, but breaking the mold.

SHORTCHANGED: GEN Z, THE ECONOMY, AND BRANDS

Brand & Marketing track sponsored by Youtube


Human Futures: Learning in a Tech-Shaped World

Rina Chandran

Deputy Editor

Rina Chandran is a deputy editor at Rest of World. She was previously the publication's Southeast Asia editor based in Bangkok. Prior to that, Rina was the tech correspondent for Context at the Thomson Reuters Foundation, and has worked at Reuters News, Bloomberg and the Financial Times.

Room 405

Workforce Innovation in Production & the Creative Economy

Through open dialogue, participants will examine how emerging tools reshape learning environments and expand access to knowledge. The meetup invites attendees to interrogate the ways tech products and services are shaping education, challenge assumptions, and imagine new models of collaboration. Through our reporting, we cover how technology sparks more inclusive, creative, culturally relevant experiences outside the West.

HUMAN FUTURES: LEARNING IN A TECH-SHAPED WORLD


Future Tense: A Vibecoding Experience for Educators

Miriam Schneider

Director of Learning Initiatives

Miriam Schneider is a trusted leader with two decades of experience in edtech, building products and programs at the intersection of cutting edge technology and educational impact. She currently serves as the Director of Learning Initiatives at Google DeepMind, where she leads efforts to explore how the future of AI can help advance and augment teaching, learning and human development. She’s deeply committed to cultivating collaboration across the broader education ecosystem to ensure that AI is grounded in learning science, built responsibly, researched rigorously, distributed equitably and fosters durable outcomes.

Miriam’s fingerprints are etched throughout Google’s history in learning and education. During her tenure, she has built and led high-performing marketing and strategy teams across the company’s broad portfolio of education products, including Google Classroom and Chromebooks. She has been a foundational architect of Google’s holistic approach to education, dating back to the company’s early days roadtripping to college campuses in an iconic 1970s biodiesel school bus. More recently, she introduced LearnLM — the world’s most pedagogical AI — and has helped establish global advisory boards, student-focused programs, and communities of practice to enhance engagement with leading industry experts, practitioners and learners.

Miriam is known for her unwavering passion for her work, innate desire to elevate and celebrate educators, and steadfast belief that everyone deserves access to high quality learning experiences. She believes the world runs on relationships and that curiosity is our currency of connection.

She is an avid crafter (letterpress and calligraphy), active mother (to Poppy and Owen), podcast enthusiast (welcomes all recommendations!) who tries to forest bathe as much as possible. She graduated Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa from UCLA and studied French at the Sorbonne.

Alex Kotran

Founder & CEO

Alex Kotran is the CEO & Founder of aiEDU, a non-profit ensuring K12 students are ready for the age of AI. Alex has a decade of experience in the AI space. Before founding aiEDU in 2019 , he launched the social impact arm of H5, pioneering language models in the legal sector , and worked at Opower, an early ML clean tech company. A former Obama Administration appointee under HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell, Alex bridges the gap between high-level policy and technical implementation. He previously organized AI Governance summits with UNESCO, Stanford Law, and the European Commission. He founded aiEDU to address the AI education gap he witnessed in his hometown of Akron, Ohio.

Room 604-605

Designing the Partnership Ecosystem: Five Systems Missions

From Burnout to Bandwidth: Using AI to Reclaim Your Day

After 3+ years of AI panels and predictions, most people still haven't experienced the technology in a way that makes the stakes visceral. This hands-on workshop changes that. Participants will "vibe code"—building functional software through conversation with AI, no technical background required. You'll create your first learning tool in 10 minutes, iterate with peers, and leave with a working prototype. We'll close by exploring what this means for the future of learning and the future of work: What happens when anyone can build software? What skills matter when routine tasks get automated? Less philosophizing, more co-creating.

FUTURE TENSE: A VIBECODING EXPERIENCE FOR EDUCATORS


Skills You’ll Need To Succeed in the Post-AI Age

Kai Riemer

Professor of Information Technology and Organisation and Director, Sydney Executive Plus

Stefanie Zingsheim, the University of Sydney

Dr Kai Riemer works with boards and executives to bring foresight expertise and deep understanding of emerging technologies into strategy and leadership.
He specialises in digital technology, artificial intelligence, the future of work, leadership and skills, and the management of change and transformation. He has shared his thinking and insights on these areas with audiences across the globe.
Kai is Professor of Information Technology and Organisation at the University of Sydney Business School. Alongside Dr Sandra Peter, he’s the Co-Director of Sydney Executive Plus (SE+), which focuses on digital-first leadership development. So far, SE+ has helped upskill executives and leaders across 20+ industries in areas ranging from AI Fluency to Geopolitics and Business to Net Zero.

Sandra Peter

Director of Sydney Executive Plus

Dr Sandra Peter leads executive and leadership development in cutting-edge areas of business, technology, and society.  She has spoken around the world and been told that she should do stand-up (be warned: some of her presentations contain AI-generated cats).
As an Associate Professor at the University of Sydney Business School and Co-Director of Sydney Executive Plus (SE+), Sandra spends her time thinking about the future, researching the future, consulting on the future, and speaking about the future.
Alongside Dr Kai Riemer, she heads Sydney Executive Plus (SE+), which focuses on preparing leaders for what comes next. So far, SE+ has helped upskill executives and leaders across 20+ industries in areas ranging from AI Fluency to Geopolitics and Business to Net Zero.

Salon D

Who’s Funding the Future—and Who’s Getting Left Out

Thrive or Survive: Why Creativity is the Key to an AI-Future

The Story of Stories—The Million Year History of Storytelling

Through the Noise: The State of Science Storytelling

How Death Became the New Wellness Frontier

We’re living and working in the AI age.
But you already knew that.

The question is: What can you do to prepare, manage, and make the most of AI-inspired change?
This session is here to give you answers. It’s based on the Skills Horizon, a dynamic guide to everything you need to know next. And it features practical insights and wisdom drawn from conversations about tech, mindset, creativity, trust, productivity, and other big topics with dozens of leaders from around the world.

In just one hour, you’ll walk away ready to succeed and lead in these AI-centric times.

SKILLS YOU?LL NEED TO SUCCEED IN THE POST-AI AGE


Augmented Reality & Place-Based Learning: Layers of Place

Simon Wood

Director

Simon Wood is an Emmy nominated filmmaker based in Cape Town, South Africa. Wood’s films have screened at the worlds largest film festivals and won numerous awards in Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.

Rashin Fahandej

Director

Rashin Fahandej is an Iranian-American immersive filmmaker, futurist, and cultural activist. Her artistic initiatives are multiyear experimental laboratories for collective radical reimaginations of social systems and future imaginaries. Fahandej's methodology, rooted in her “Art as Ecosystem” concept, leverages emerging technology and community co-creation through cross-sector collaborations, positioning artistic processes as catalysts for societal transformation. Her work has been exhibited at the Institute of Contemporary Art Boston, Ars Electronica, and Tribeca, as well as in civic spaces.
She is the recipient of the Prix Ars Electronica Festival, the Foster Prize at the Institute of Contemporary Art Boston, the Boston Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture AIR program, MacDowell and more.

Nadav Assor

Director

Nadav Assor’s work has been featured in film festivals, museums, galleries, and live venues across North America, Europe, and Asia. Recent venues include Vienna Art Week, Gallery 400 Chicago, Arsenal Berlin, the Oberhausen Film Festival, Video Vortex XI at Kochi-Muziris, India, Hong-Gah Museum Taipei, La Casa Encendida Madrid, Edith-Russ Haus Oldenburg, Transmediale Festival Berlin, the Soundwave Biennial San Francisco, Residency Unlimited NYC, and more.

Assor’s work has been reviewed in publications such as Artforum, Hyperallergic, the Chicago Tribune, Art Monthly UK, and others

Assor is an alumni fellow of the MIT Open Documentary Lab, where together with Tirtza Even he developed the immersive, feature-length, immigration-focused project “Chronicle of Fall”.

Rio Grande Ballroom AB

Steal C-Suite Tools to Reset Schools, Like a Boss

This interactive workshop explores how augmented reality (AR) can be used as a pedagogical tool to deepen learners’ relationships to place, memory, and community. Drawing from Layers of Place: Austin—a collection of six location-based AR artworks—participants will engage with artists’ approaches to place-based storytelling, public history, and experiential learning. Through discussion, short activities, and case studies, the session examines how AR can function as a method for cultivating attention, care, and critical engagement with the spaces we inhabit.

AUGMENTED REALITY & PLACE-BASED LEARNING: LAYERS OF PLACE


Building AI Pathways for HBCU Talent & Community Impact

Stephen "Dr" Love

Producer

Stephen “Dr.” Love is an award-winning film and advertising producer and the founder of Made With Love Media. A graduate of Morehouse College and USC’s Peter Stark Producing Program, he has produced acclaimed films including The Land and They Cloned Tyrone, as well as culturally impactful advertising such as P&G’s Emmy-winning The Talk. His work centers storytelling, creativity, and authentic representation across media.

Meme Styles

President

Meme Styles is a nationally recognized AI ethics leader, social impact executive, and founder of Measure, a nonprofit focused on community-led data governance and equitable technology. She is Chair of the HBCU AI Conference & Training Summit and Vice President of Responsible & Ethical AI at the Austin AI Alliance. Meme’s work centers on interrogating bias in AI systems through participatory design, evaluation, and policy-informed practice. She advises institutions, funders, and technologists on aligning AI innovation with community accountability, workforce access, and long-term social impact.

Julian Thompson

Senior Director of Strategy Development

Julian Thompson is Senior Director of Strategy Development at the UNCF Institute for Capacity Building, where he leads initiatives that strengthen the long-term sustainability, leadership, and institutional effectiveness of HBCUs. His work focuses on strategy alignment, data-informed decision-making, and cross-sector collaboration to advance student success and organizational resilience across the HBCU ecosystem.

Chris Hyams

Chairman of the HBCU AiCon26

Chris Hyams is a technology executive, educator, and innovator focused on the intersection of workforce development, education, and emerging technology. As former CEO of Indeed, he led global efforts to expand equitable access to opportunity through data-driven hiring, skills-based pathways, and responsible AI. His work emphasizes aligning technology with human potential and inclusive economic mobility.

Waller Ballroom D

Media That Matters: Nuclear Weapons & the Next Generation

Rethinking Higher Education to Build an AI-First Workforce

The Big Blur: Rethinking the Transition from School to Work

The Fandom Force: How to Create a Fan-First Social Approach

From Field to Fan: The Future of Sports Storytelling

As AI rapidly reshapes education and work, HBCUs sit at a critical intersection of talent development, cultural stewardship, and community accountability. This panel brings together higher education, industry, and ecosystem leaders to examine how ethical AI pathways can be built with HBCUs—not around them. Panelists will explore practical models for aligning curriculum, workforce pipelines, industry partnerships, and community impact so AI innovation leads to access, ownership, and long-term opportunity for Black talent and communities.

BUILDING AI PATHWAYS FOR HBCU TALENT & COMMUNITY IMPACT


Cultural Conquest: The Digital Black American Blueprint

Shalom Miller

Founder

Shalom “J.Storm” Miller is a renowned American music producer, songwriter, and manager with a career spanning pop, R&B, and hip-hop. He has collaborated with major artists like Beyoncé, Missy Elliott, and Gwen Stefani, earning six Grammy nominations and one win. Miller’s notable projects include Beyoncé’s Dangerously in Love and Stefani’s Love. Angel. Music. Baby. He was also signed to Missy Elliott’s label, The Goldmind Inc., from 2003 to 2007.
Miller is also the founder of Power Move Management Group and Power Move Education & Development Group, which supports emerging talent and music education. He serves as a Recording Academy voting member, NAACP Education Chair, and mentor with Grammy U and Berklee College of Music.

Waller Ballroom B

AI’s Rise, Talent’s Fall: Fixing the Skills Deficit

Empowering Students for the Jobs of Tomorrow

Cracking Higher Ed: Why Startups Miss the Mark

Reigniting STEM Interest: A 7,700-Student Study

Startup Lessons from the Baby-Sitters Club

In the age of algorithms and automation, what does it mean to protect the essence of Black creativity? This session traces how the history of cultural appropriation is now mirrored through digital platforms, machine learning, and AI-generated content. Grammy-winning producer and strategist Shalom J. Storm Miller presents a future-facing blueprint for cultural integrity, offering educators, creatives, and technologists a framework for sustaining Black influence in an increasingly synthetic world.

CULTURAL CONQUEST: THE DIGITAL BLACK AMERICAN BLUEPRINT


Teaching for All with Less: Bold Moves in Inclusive Practice

Catriona Fleet

Education Director

Katie Fleet is a neurodiversity and inclusive-education specialist who supports systems, schools, and educators to design equitable learning. She mentors emerging leaders, drawing on experience in policy reform, teacher development and data-informed practice across Australia, the UK and the Pacific.

Paramount III

CTRL + SHIFT: Reimagining School Engagement Through Esports

American Exchange Project: Experiential Civics in Action

The Art Gallery is the New Gym: Get Creative, Get Smarter

Traditional differentiation is dead. Every child can grow—if given the chance. But too many neurodivergent students disengage when teachers lack the tools to adapt. With limited budgets and rising classroom complexity, we need a shift: inclusive education must become the standard, not the specialist’s job. This session challenges old models and showcases bold, realistic ways to embed adaptive teaching, reward innovation, and empower every educator—without asking for more time or money, just better thinking.

TEACHING FOR ALL WITH LESS: BOLD MOVES IN INCLUSIVE PRACTICE


Boots Riley

Boots Riley is a walking contradiction like bullets and love mixin. Slurs his words with perfect diction, he's guilty of his convictions. Complicated compositions, punctuated propositions, it's tenacious two-stops, cinema with ambition. Make you rev your transmission, in the intersection twistin- when the Henny hits the ground, sidewalks will be christened. He's so nervous and sweaty, that the gat might slip out his hand. A homeless dude need a tip in his can (he put his bid in this, man. Now it's just bitterness, man). We need a bid-ness plan [a plan on how to change our economic system] , he's not just spittin at fans. When he's runnin from the police, he don't have to rush- he's so dope he just jumps in the toilet and flush. We cut it, boil it and hush, aluminum foil it and such- tryin to catch the few bucks, the big boys didn't clutch. We use the tweezers for crutch, when we done burned down the dutch, but when they Starsky & Hutch, we just shit out of luck.

A crew of professional shoplifters take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. It’s like community service.

I Love Boosters

Tom Quinn
Jeff Deutchman
Ryan Friscia
Emily Thomas
Claire Timmons
Ken Kao
Josh Rosenbaum
Megan Ellison
Michael A. Jackman
Gus Deardoff
Matt Medlin
Keke Palmer
and Sharon Palmer

Aaron Ryder
Andrew Swett
Allison Rose Carter
Jon Read
and Boots Riley

Merrill Garbus and Nate Brenner of Tune-yards

Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, and Demi Moore

Casting: Rebecca Dealy, Costume Designer: Shirley Kurata


Crossover Day Mixer

Crossover Day is where the family of SXSW conferences and festivals converge. This networking event is an invitation for SXSW and SXSW EDU registrants to come together for a celebration of innovation in education and creativity. Join Imaginable Futures, presenter of the Crossover Day Mixer.


Where Innovation Meets: A SXSW Reception

Reed Smith’s Global Emerging Technologies team invites you to an exclusive reception during SXSW 2026 – where founders, creators, dealmakers, and disruptors come together to spark new ideas and partnerships.

Join us at Malverde, perched above Austin’s 2nd Street with stunning skyline views. Enjoy craft beverages and artisanal selections catered exclusively by acclaimed Mexican restaurant La Condesa while connecting with the boldest minds in tech, entertainment, and media.

WHERE INNOVATION MEETS: A SXSW RECEPTION


Kiwi 101 at SXSW

This informal, practical discussion is designed to share tips, tricks, and hard-won lessons on how to attend, survive, and flourish at one of the largest creative conferences in North America — without ending up in the wrong line, the wrong venue, or the wrong convo. Drinks and light bites will be served.

Please contact kimberly.marron@nzte.govt.nz for more information if you wish to attend.


Future in Focus: Meet Germany’s Top AI Startups

Speakeasy

German DeepTech and AI Innovation Unleashed: Day 1 at German Haus

Innovation for Everyone: Day 2 at German Haus

MediaTech Morning: Breakfast, Networking & Beyond Screens – MediaTech as the New Infrastructure

AI that Ships: A Tech Lunch on Moving from Policy to Pilot

Germany’s boldest AI innovators take the stage at SXSW, ready to make waves in the U.S. market. As part of German Accelerator’s U.S. Market Discovery AI program, founders pitch next-generation solutions built for lasting impact. Discover breakthrough and get a front-row seat to the future of AI.
<p>
https://luma.com/x44yh804
<p>

FUTURE IN FOCUS: MEET GERMANY?S TOP AI STARTUPS

German Haus

The GERMAN HAUS is the main venue of the joint German presentation at SXSW and it features a
variety of curated networking events, roundtables, presentations, and music performances, creating a unique environment for professional exchange, international networking, and the discovery of new creative partnerships.

GERMAN HAUS AT SXSW 2026
March 12 – 16, 2026
SPEAKEASY, 412 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701

Speakeasy, 412 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701

Berlin House: Party, Pitches & Perspectives - Day 3 at German Haus


Archival Materials Courtesy of Andri Snær Magnason

Sara Dosa

Sara Dosa is an Oscar®-nominated nonfiction filmmaker whose work centers on the human relationship with more-than-human nature. The films she has directed, “Fire of Love” (2022), “The Seer & The Unseen” (2019) and “The Last Season” (2015), have won numerous awards, including a Peabody and the Directors’ Guild of America Award, and were nominated for over 40 awards, including an Academy Award, BAFTA, Emmy and an Independent Spirit Award. Dosa’s work has been shown at festivals worldwide, including Sundance, SXSW, New Directors/New Films, CPH:DOX and Visions du Réel, and has screened in partnership with museums such as the MOMA, BAMPFA and the Louvre. In 2018, Dosa was named to the inaugural class of DOCNYC’s “40 under 40” and inducted into the Academy of Motion Pictures’ documentary branch. She graduated from Wesleyan University with a double major in sociology and anthropology and has a joint master’s in anthropology and international development studies from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Dosa lives and works in California.

Alamo Lamar 9

Your Attention Please

Health/Disability/Illness
Politics
Technology
Social Issue

Renowned Icelandic poet and author Andri Snær Magnason is chasing something elusive. As the glacial ice of his homeland melts, he constructs a cinematic time capsule to hold onto this moment and send it to the future, before everything he loves slips away. Using his own collected archives, his grandparents’ photographs, and films, as well as traditional songs and folktales, Andri interlaces his family’s story with that of the land around him. From Academy Award®-nominated director Sara Dosa, "Time and Water" is a universal reflection on the power of home and what it means to be alive amid profound epochal change.

Time and Water

English, Icelandic with English Subtitles

Facing the death of his country’s glaciers and the loss of his beloved grandparents, Icelandic writer Andri Snær Magnason turns his archives into a time capsule to hold what is slipping away — family, memory, time and water.

Carolyn Bernstein
Tim Horsburgh
Jessica Harrop
Caitlin Mae Burke
Kristín Ólafsdóttir
Nina Fialkow
Moudhy Al-Rashid
Sam Forhman

Shane Boris
Elijah Stevens
Jameka Autry
Sara Dosa

Erin Casper
Jocelyne Chaput
Mark Harrison


Marina Zenovich

Marina Zenovich is an Emmy award-winning filmmaker.  Her last film, I’M CHEVY CHASE AND YOU’RE NOT, premiered on CNN and can be seen on HBO Max.   This is her fourth film to play at SXSW.

Rollins Theatre at the Long Center

Cornbread Mafia

Addiction/Recovery
Legal
Senior/Aging
Social Issue

Action
Biography
Comedy
Crime
Documentary

African American
Books/Literary
Celebrity

Phoenix Jones: The Rise and Fall of a Real Life Superhero

An intimate, arresting portrait of cyclist Moriah Wilson—raised by a fierce, loving family—whose singular drive becomes her superpower, carrying her to athletic brilliance and, devastatingly, toward a life cut short by murder.

The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson

Ayesha Rokadia
Justin Barocas
P.G. Morgan
Marina Zenovich


Patrick Bresnan

Using precise and illustrative cinematic images, Patrick Bresnan makes intimate films that counter the mythic concepts of America. Working with Ivete Lucas his features and shorts have premiere at Berlin, Sundance, The Quinzaine, Toronto, SXSW and T/F. In addition to making films he has served on the boards of experimental theaters and affordable housing non profits.

Alamo Lamar 3

I Got Bombed at Harvey's

Biography
Crime
Documentary
Drama
Thriller

I Got Bombed at Harvey's (aka 1,000 Pounds of Dynamite)

On January 6, 2023, Republican Governor Ron DeSantis enacted a right-wing takeover of a public university called New College of Florida, targeting both its culture and unique academic program for an ultra-conservative makeover. Resistance is immediate, but the campus descends into chaos as powerful political actors make sweeping changes. Caught up in the mix are a group of intellectually curious young people from all sides of the political spectrum intent on completing their studies at New College, which has suddenly become ground zero in the culture wars.

First They Came for My College

When the Governor of Florida transforms a beloved public honors college in a political coup, students and professors confront a new reality: their campus is ground zero in a growing nation-wide assault on academic freedom.

Holly Herrick
Harry W. Hanbury
Patrick Bresnan
Zackary Drucker

Patrick Bresnan
Sara Kinney
Daniel Potthast

Gaby Batista, Joshua Janniere, Libby Harrity, Lindsey Jennings, Dylan Niner, Amy Reid


Rachael J Morrison

Rachael Morrison is a documentary filmmaker and archival producer. Her short documentary, "Elvers," premiered at the 2019 Camden International Film Festival and is featured online as part of The Atlantic Selects. She has worked as an archival producer on documentary series and feature films for HBO, Hulu, Netflix, Paramount Plus, and FX. "Joybubbles" is her feature-length directorial debut.

Violet Crown 2

Agridulce (Bittersweet)

Education
Indigenous Culture
International
Latino
Social Issues
Children
Developing World
Social Issue
Youth/Teen

Closed captioned
Subtitles
Audio description

A boy discovers he can control the global telephone system by whistling a magic tone. Born blind and yearning for connection, his early obsession with the telephone sparks a subculture that shapes the future of hacking and technology.

Joybubbles

Cameo Wood
Rhianon Jones
Tristan Scott-Behrends
Roman Nesis
Adora Cheung
Kyra Rogers
Todd Remis
George Rush


Health/Disability/Illness
Politics
Social Issues

Patricia E. Gillespie

Patricia E. Gillespie is the daughter of a cable splicer and a seamstress. As a filmmaker, she is preoccupied with character-driven explorations of underdogs and outsiders. With her narrative-leaning sensibilities, Gillespie has a proven track record of engaging broad audiences around stories that matter, particularly those relating to social class, public health, and the justice system.

Her directorial work includes "The Secrets We Bury" and "They Called Him Mostly Harmless," both of which hit #1 on HBO Max, and "The Fire That Took Her," which won the 2023 News & Documentary Emmy for Outstanding Crime and Justice Documentary. She also created, directed, and executive produced Viceland’s highly rated first foray into serialized true crime, "The Devil You Know."

In addition to directing, Patricia also produces. Her credits include the Emmy-nominated, Oscar-shortlisted Sundance hit "Unrest"; Peabody-nominated "Whose Streets?"; and Oscar-nominated Robert Stone’s "Taken Hostage."

She is a proud resident of NYC’s best borough, Queens, where she lives with her dog, Hank, and her husband, Alvaro.

Alamo Lamar 6

Dead Eyes

Dir: Richard E. Williams. DOP: Julian Panetta

Mischa Heywood as Lilly - Dir. Richard E. Williams

The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother, Hillel

Black Zombie

African American
Education
Politics
Social Issue

#Skyking tells the story of 28-year-old Horizon Air ground service agent Richard “Beebo” Russell, who, to the shock of all who knew him, clocked into work wearing a shirt that said “the sky's no limit,” stole a 33-million-dollar plane, and took off into the skies of the Pacific Northwest—embarking on a white-knuckle flight that would come to embody the hopes, dreams, and despair of the American working class, and offer a timely look into the U.S. mental health crisis.

#Skyking

#Skyking tells the story of Richard “Beebo” Russell, a ground service agent who stole an airplane belonging to his employer, and took off on a flight that would come to embody the hopes, dreams, and despair of the American working class.

Christopher G. Cowen
Patricia E. Gillespie

Victor Tadashi Suarez
Nathanial Harper
Jeremy Benning

Co Producer: Linsey Romero, Executive In Charge: Michael Bernstein


Victoria Strouse

Victoria Strouse most recently directed her original script, SEEKERS OF INFINITE LOVE, starring Hannah Einbinder, John Reynolds, Griffin Gluck, and Justin Theroux.
She is rewriting ONE ITALIAN SUMMER, based on the bestselling novel of the same name, for Temple Hill and Paramount.
Victoria is also currently rewriting GHOST for Paramount.

Kayla Bachman, an author who struggles with emotional connection, Zach Bachman, a lawyer who dreams of being a folk singer and Wes Bachman, a graphic novelist / gambling & pill addict, meet to discuss their younger sister Scarlett who joined a cult in Kentucky.
Zach and his dysfunctional and absent parents have hired cult deprogrammer Rick Delacroix to help them rescue Scarlett.
They embark on a roadtrip to save their sister, and bring their family together.

Seekers of Infinite Love

Estranged and highly dysfunctional family siblings — claustrophobe, a compulsive gambler and controlling  lawyer — are forced to unite to rescue their sister from a doomsday cult.

Hannah Einbinder
Alexa Faigen
Nicole Flores
Hal Sadoff
Patrick Gogerchin
Tyler Zacharia
Gabby Zemer

Dylan Sellers
Chris Parker
Marty Bowen
Wyck Godfrey

Hannah Einbinder, Justin Theroux, John Paul Reynolds, Griffin Gluck, Justine Lupe, Greg Kinnear


Fergus Campbell

Fergus Campbell (Writer/Director, "Sparks")

Born in the U.K. and raised in the Bay Area, Fergus graduated from Columbia in 2022 after creating the experimental web series “Sankyo Stream,” which he also animated, edited and starred in. He discovered the region where “Sparks” is set while collaborating with producer Lola Lafia on research for Burning Man Project near the Black Rock Desert.

Alamo Lamar 5

Seahorse

African American
Health/Disability/Illness
Social Issues
Women

Cleo is new to Sparks, Nevada when she discovers a cigarette vending machine that inexplicably produces a book on Jean-Luc Godard. When she meets the Crop soon after, Cleo’s morphed into a cinephile, and when she learns of the Crop’s reservoir visits, she’s certain that she could time travel and meet Godard in 60s Paris.

Crop leader Antoine is enamored with Cleo but rankled by her insinuations that Crop life is boring. When Cleo disappears at the reservoir, Antoine calls into question his own sense of purpose, before unexpected adventures materialize—a shootout, a dreamy gay barbecue—until Cleo returns to Sparks and the Crop must figure out where she’s been and if she’s lost her mind.

Sparks

Urban legend has it that a Nevada reservoir is a time portal—the tease of which is enough to keep life exciting for the Crop, an aimless but spirited group of teenage best friends, until Cleo moves to town hell-bent on reaching 1960s Paris.

Elsie Fisher, Charlie B. Foster, Denny McAuliffe, Madison Hu, Simon Downes Toney, Thomas Deen Baker, Julia D'Angelo

Assistant director: Naomi Rubin, Consulting producers: Sean Gullette, Christian Palomares


Pete Ohs

Hailed by Indiewire as “a rising filmmaker well worth the attention,” Pete works as a director,
producer, writer, editor and cinematographer. He has produced and directed five feature films in the
past five years. In 2025,  he directed The True Beauty of Being Bitten by a Tick, which premiered at SXSW.

State Theatre

The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist

Courtesy of Focus Features © 2025 Focus Features, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

American Sign Language
Closed captioned
High sensory experience

Set in Poland, Erupcja follows two women as they complicate their romantic lives. Nel lives in Warsaw where she works at a flower shop. When her childhood friend Bethany comes to visit with a new boyfriend, a volcano erupts.

Erupcja

Pete Ohs
Charli xcx
Luke Arreguin
Jeremy O. Harris
Josh Godfrey

Pete Ohs
Charli xcx
Lena Góra
Jeremy O. Harris
Will Madden

Charlie xcx, Lena Góra, Jeremy O. Harris, Will Madden

Composer: Charles Watson, Composer: Isabella Summers


Susannah Joffe

Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater


Health/Disability/Illness
The Arts/Theater
Women

Emily Robinson

Emily Robinson is a writer, director, and SAG Award-nominated, Special Drama Desk Award-winning actor known for her work in "Eight Grade", "The Year Between", "Private Life", "Edge of Everything", and "Transparent".

She is thrilled that her directorial debut feature film, "Ugly Cry", is making its premiere here at SXSW. Her short films have screened at numerous festivals, such as LA Film Festival, Outfest, and Frameline.

Her debut novel, "Consumed", was published in 2023.

Robinson holds a B.A. in Creative Writing from Columbia University.

Alamo Lamar 7

My Brother's Killer

LGBTQ
Sex
Social Issues
Mature/Adult
Social Issue

Small Town Boys: The Murder of Billy London

When Delaney's boyfriend leaves town to shoot a splashy zombie movie, she becomes obsessed with a character she’s auditioning for after she learns the producers think she has an "ugly cry." But when she tries to make her cry prettier, her performance suffers. Can she contort herself, and her face, to have the perfect cry? Her attempts to change herself cause Young Delaney to haunt her, catapulting present day Delaney deeper down the rabbit hole. She isolates herself and grows increasingly delusional, and interested in physical fixes to her acting problem. How can she make the world see her as she sees herself? How can she become and become and become? She will become famous. Or die trying.

Ugly Cry

An actor loses their dream role because of their "ugly cry" causing them to spiral down the dark and dangerous path to perfection.

Debbie von Ahrens
Jim Robinson
Kyle Campbell
Troy Press
Bella Appel
Darci Price
Galileo Mondol

Sophia Sabella
Pablo Feldman
Jolene Mendes
Rhianon Jones
Tristan Scott-Behrends
Emily Robinson

Emily Robinson, Ryan Simpkins, Aaron Dominguez, and Robin Tunney

Costume Designers: Sophia Sabella & Lucy Black, Hair and Makeup Department Head: Josie Rodriguez, Visual Effects: Matt Lathrom & Patrick Lomantini, Co-Executive Producer: Patrick Lawrence, Associate Producer: Rachel Nagao, Script Supervisor: Martha Carey, Assistant Director: Veronica Deeds, Colorist: Steff Walk


Amber Love

Amber is a filmmaker and documentary editor based in Chicago, IL whose films explore intimate bonds and how we build futures together. Her work has been supported by PBS, HBO, IF/Then, The Gotham, NeXt Doc, and Short of the Week as well as screened at festivals including Doc 10 and Camden International Film Festival. Her most recent short film, “Lifetimes,” was funded by Firelight Films' Homegrown: Future Visions initiative and is available through PBS Digital. She has been a 2023 HBO/Gotham Diversity Development Fellow and a 2020 Sundance Art of Editing Fellow. One Another is her debut feature.

Violet Crown 1

Daughters of the Forest: Mycelium Chronicles

Sometimes it takes the end of something to know what is really at stake. Joe, Giorgia, and Lorri are all grappling with the possible end of an intimate friendship at vastly different stages of life: a cross-country move, a mental health crisis, and a shift into empty-nesting have forced them each to reevaluate the support they need from those closest to them. Chronicling three different friendships over the course of three years, "One Another" brings together verite with a wealth of personal archives to intertwine their journeys as they search for what it really means for us to care for each other. The result is a story of change, heartache, and connection in this ode to platonic love.

One Another

As three of the filmmaker’s loved ones confront the possible end of close friendships, "One Another" follows their life changes, heartaches, and attempts to reconnect as they find a way forward.

Co-Producer: Elivia Shaw, Associate Producer: Matthew Shimmel, Color by: Quicksilver Color


Caleb De Casper

Label Management, Brand Partnership, Gear Endorsement, Distribution - US, Distribution - Worldwide, Other Artists to Tour With, Booking Agent - US, Booking Agent - UK/Europe, PR/Publicity Agency, Sync/Music Supervisors

From the horror cabaret and glam-rock theatrics of his early career to the shadowy, neon-lit world of his current dark synth-pop, Austin-based performer Caleb De Casper has never stopped evolving. A classically trained pianist and vocalist, De Casper commands the stage with a sharpened, unmistakable intensity — trading in the avant-garde gowns and stilettos of the past for a bold, more masculine and unfiltered presence that puts the focus squarely on the music, the message, and the electricity of performance. His 2022 debut LP Femme Boy expanded his sonic world, weaving dancefloor heat, cinematic drama, and queer storytelling into a record that was equal parts brooding and explosive. That same year, the City of Austin proclaimed Caleb De Casper Day, recognizing his cultural impact. He went on to perform yearly at SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Utopia Fest, Houston’s Art Car Festival, Thin Line Fest,  and multiple Pride celebrations, while continuously advocating for LGBTQIA rights at the Texas State Capitol and beyond. Now, with his forthcoming sophomore album Delirium, De Casper enters a new creative chapter — darker, dirtier, dance-driven, and poised for a breakthrough.


Grace Sorensen

Grace Sorensen

Label Management, Brand Partnership, Other Artists to Tour With, Booking Agent - US, Booking Agent - UK/Europe, Booking Agent - Worldwide, PR/Publicity Agency, Publishing, Sync/Music Supervisors

Grace Sorensen is one of the fastest independent-rising stars in the music scene. As a multi-hyphenate singer, songwriter, and dancer, she’s been dubbed "Austin's Wonderkid" and “Austin’s R&B Cool Girl” by the Austin Chronicle and KUTX. In her young career she has already been featured on Joe Budden’s “Sleeper Picks,” collaborated with BLK ODYSSY, been inducted to the Recording Academy's Class of 2025, played Austin City Limits Festival, SXSW Austin & London, and surpassed one million organic streams on her single "Digits.” She debuted her versatile album "BLUEPRINT" February 2025 and has exciting expectation of new collaborations, visual projects, and records.

Zilker Brewing

Isak Thomas and The Stoop Boys

courtesy of the band/artistPool Stoop_Square_5mb


grima

Label Management, Distribution - Worldwide, Other Artists to Tour With, Booking Agent - Worldwide

Reverby guitars and post-punk energy meet dreamy Spanish
vocals – somewhere between future anxiety and the desire for
self-realization.
German-Spanish artist grima emerged on Cologne’s wave scene in
2024, leaning into a '90s-inspired shoegaze sound that now defines
both his live shows and debut EP.
Early single En busca de caught international attention – including
airplay by London DJ and musician Nabihah Iqbal on her BBC Radio
6 show. Following his live debut in Berlin, grima played international
showcases in spring 2025, including Liverpool Sound City (UK) and
c/o pop Festival (DE).
His debut EP instantes (antes de caer) was released in July 2025,
accompanied by a sold-out release show in his adopted hometown
Cologne. The EP was featured on several Spotify Editorial Playlists
and even landed the cover of Fresh Finds Spain.
Recent highlights include a support slot for acclaimed American
shoegaze band glare and three shows at Reeperbahn Festival
2025 – all while grima is already working on new material.


Startup Germany Night

Join us for the Startup Germany Night, the central meeting point for Germany’s startup scene and its global partners in Austin. After a productive day at SXSW, we invite you to unwind in a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. Connect with founders, investors, and ecosystem builders from both sides of the Atlantic. Discover the bold ideas driving the next wave of innovation while enjoying first-class DJ sets and a premium selection of drinks. Experience firsthand why Germany remains a world-class launchpad for scalable solutions and lasting partnerships.
<p>
https://startupgermanynightsxsw.eventbrite.de
<p>


Beth Harrington

Beth Harrington is an Emmy-winning Grammy-nominated indie filmmaker whose work explores American history, music and culture. Her films have premiered at scores of festivals here and abroad including multiple times at SXSW. She’s also worked with public television stations WGBH in Boston and OPB-Portland creating shows for local and national air.

Alamo Lamar 8

Dead Deer High

Education
Social Issues
The Arts/Theater
Youth/Teen

In 1979, David Greenberger, a recent art school grad became activities director at a Boston nursing home. David began interviewing the residents, rejecting pat questions with the unexpected: "Which do you prefer – coffee or meat?," “What is embarrassment?,” and “How close can you get to a penguin?” The result was The Duplex Planet, an early ‘zine characterized by humor, warmth and sincerity. Today David’s work takes the form of spoken word shows and recordings. Beyond the Duplex Planet explores notions of aging and its intersection with art and community. It’s also a slightly ironic look at the life of an artist devoted to documenting the elderly who is himself in his senior years.

Beyond The Duplex Planet

In 1979, artist David Greenberger's talks with senior citizens become a word-of-mouth hit 'zine, "The Duplex Planet." Four decades on, now a senior himself, he has much to tell us about the nature of art, conversation and growing old.

David Greenberger, Penn Jillette, Louie Perez, Ed Ruscha, Michael Stipe, Norabelle Greenberger, Rae Greenhart, Tyson Rogers


African American
Legal
LGBTQ
Politics
Social Issues
Women
Social Issue

Juliane Dressner

Juliane Dressner is a documentary director, producer, cinematographer and editor. Her films include "Personal Statement" (broadcast on PBS and nominated for an Emmy), "The Scars of Stop-and-Frisk," (part of an Emmy-winning season of the New York Times Op-Docs series) and "An Education" (Winner of The National Magazine Award for video for the NY Times).

Miriam Shor

Miriam Shor is a director and actor, focused on stories that challenge traditional female narratives. Her work includes "Pluribus" (Apple TV), "Younger" (Critics Choice nom.), "Hedwig and the Angry Inch"(Sundance Directing and Audience Awards, Berlinale Best Feature Film), "Maestro," "American Fiction," and spans HBO, FX, Netflix, ABC, CBS, and NBC.

Alamo Lamar 4

Cookie Queens

African American
Latino
Texas
Women
Children
Disability
Native American/Indigenous
Youth/Teen

Courtesy of Beautiful Stories and AJNA Films

The Life We Leave

Business/Entrepreneurial
Environment
Social Issue

Three people bound by non-disclosure agreements face extreme personal risk to expose how a simple intellectual property contract is weaponized to silence, manipulate and control.

My NDA

Penny & Thomas Jackson - The Brandt Jackson Foundation

Elizabeth Woodward
Hanna Gray Organschi
Juliane Dressner
Miriam Shor


Jessie Chambers

Label Management, Brand Partnership, Other Artists to Tour With, Booking Agent - US, PR/Publicity Agency, Publishing, Sync/Music Supervisors

Jessie Chambers is an independent singer-songwriter crafting timeless pop with a glam-rock edge. Her effortless, unmistakable voice delivers songs that are both deeply personal and irresistibly catchy. After featuring on Nurko & Last Heroes’ “Promise Me,” Chambers broke through with singles like “Guess U Suck” (850K+ streams) and “Fever Dream,” which landed on Spotify’s Fresh Finds Pop.
In 2025, she was featured on Algorhythm by Los Wizzards, a project nominated for a 2026 Grammy Award, marking a career milestone and highlighting her versatility as an artist and collaborator. Her music will also be featured in the upcoming short film Lake St. Claire, written & directed by Caitlin Meyernik, expanding her work into film and visual storytelling.
Her single “Fall Right Back” made waves across streaming and social media and was highlighted by Women in Music as one of their Top Songs of 2025. Chambers’ performances have taken her from The Troubadour to Revolution Live, opening for Saint Motel, appearing in respected showcases nationwide, and making her SXSW debut this year. With new music on the way, Jessie Chambers continues to carve a singular path through today’s indie-pop landscape.


Sam LLanes

Brand Partnership, Gear Endorsement, Distribution - US, Other Artists to Tour With, Booking Agent - US

Sam Llanes is a Christian Hip Hop artist with a message rooted in hope, love, and faith. Blending CHH with heartfelt storytelling, Sam brings a fresh sound with a timeless purpose. His music speaks to the ones who feel forgotten, the youth searching for direction, and anyone needing a reminder that God still moves.

From the stage to youth groups, and through his work with 4KIDS and the Youth Group Tour, Sam lives what he raps. Every lyric is a reflection of his journey—a husband, a father, a worship leader, and a man who found purpose through Jesus.

For the overlooked. For the outcast. For every kid. This is Sam Llanes.

Love God Love People Change The World


Saint Harison

Bio: Saint Harison is a rising artist with an undeniable voice from Southampton, United Kingdom. He currently lives in Los Angeles, CA. Having quickly risen to Internet fame from public support from SZA and Jazmine Sullivan to Justin Bieber, Timbaland and Elton John, he’s one of the latest artists to watch. Citing Amy Winehouse and Frank Ocean as two key musical influences, Saint has been covered by Rolling Stone, British Vogue, Wonderland, etc. and was named Apple Music's global Up Next artist. He made his late night TV debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live! after his viral COLORS performance of “ego talkin,” which sparked the viral #egotalkinchallenge on TikTok. His 7-track EP lost a friend was released in 2023 and has amassed over 200M cumulative streams, continuing to grow. He returned in fall 2025 with his single "ghosted," and recently released his latest single "bad," produced by Grammy-winning producer duo NovaWav (Beyoncé, JAY-Z, Jazmine Sullivan, etc.). He's gearing up to release his highly anticipated project this year.


Next of Kin

In March of 2023, Lili Hickman, Caelin Tralongo and Madison Baker,  didn't realize what awaited them on the other end of a rough mix. After a single listen, what began as a collaboration on Jekyll & Hyde transformed into a full album and the budding of new band. Some may call it fate, others pure luck, but they call it Next of Kin.
With a sound that blends country-tinged soundscapes, marked by rich three-part harmonies and honest storytelling, it's hard for any listener in any room not to be moved by this cult country trio currently taking Austin, TX by the horns-one venue at a time.


Caleb Lemons

Label Management, Brand Partnership, Gear Endorsement, Distribution - US, Distribution - Worldwide, Other Artists to Tour With, Booking Agent - US, Booking Agent - UK/Europe, Booking Agent - Worldwide, PR/Publicity Agency, Producer/Studio Engineer, Publishing, Sync/Music Supervisors

26 Year Old Vocalist, Songwriter, & Music Producer based out of Austin, Texas. Caleb blends classic soul melodies with the combined use of real instruments , & modern R&B and Hip Hop production, for a poppy but classic feeling in his songs.


I See Orange

We are a Mexican lead British 3-piece alternative post-grunge rock band. Starting in early 2022, our lead singer moved from Mexico to the UK. The band formed after an impromptu rehearsal session and discovering the chemistry we had playing together we quickly got to work. Writing, playing gigs and recording, releasing our first single in that same year, shortly followed by our debut EP Lonesome Joy. We are now about to release our debut Album with the first few singles already out and their music videos on YouTube hitting almost half a million views.
Hailing from Mexico, Giselle brought to the UK her unique taste and a talent for writing folk pop, looking to explore a new musical direction fuelled by a passion for rock. Finding Cameron and Charlie, two British born and raised musicians marked the inception of I See Orange, mixing multiple genres into their unique post-grunge sound, a deliberate combo of captivating melodies, clever lyricism and heavy rock.
Bringing raw energy, heavy riffs and powerful melodic vocals to every stage we hit. We blend the gritty, nostalgic sound of the 90's with our own unique twist.


Pierce Washington

Brand Partnership, Gear Endorsement, Booking Agent - Worldwide, PR/Publicity Agency, Sync/Music Supervisors

Pierce Washington is an award-winning hip-hop artist from Dallas, Texas, whose sound bridges jazz influences, live instrumentation, and modern production — creating music that feels both timeless and forward-thinking. Known for his cinematic storytelling and commanding stage presence, Pierce has emerged as one of the leading voices in Dallas hip-hop. His collaborations with legendary producer Madlib and rap icon Lil Wayne showcase his versatility and creative range. Fresh off headlining The Proof of Concept and Folktales tours, Pierce continues to push artistic boundaries through his innovative approach to music, visuals, and brand artistry.


Astralorp

They define themselves “Discomatica”: an electric guitar that becomes a synthesizer, were a classic arpeggio moves bass and melody in a flowing counterpoint as if it were three instruments in one, and a drumbeat that flows between disco, dance, math-rock and alternative, all with a video game feel. Everything is recorded live! An electronic DJ set played with feet and fingers by guitarist Andrea Faccioli (already with Vasco Brondi, Le Luci Della Centrale Elettrica, Baustelle, Cisco), and drummer Niccolò Fornabaio (already with Vasco Brondi, Le Luci Della Centrale Elettrica, Vinicio Capossela, Marlene Kuntz).


Saige Davis

Other Artists to Tour With, Booking Agent - US, Booking Agent - UK/Europe, Booking Agent - Worldwide, Producer/Studio Engineer, Publishing, Sync/Music Supervisors

Raised in a sunny southern California beach town, Saige Davis writes country-leaning songs straight from the heart with melodies that feel everlasting. Writing primarily on her own, she creates music that feels grounded and familiar - and yet wholly her own. Influenced by both the country classics and also Americana with a modern edge, her songs lean on acoustic guitars, simple arrangements, and lyrics that leave room to breathe. Whether written quietly at home or brought to life in the studio with producers Caleb Nelson (Mt. Joy) and Patrick Lyons (Colter Wall, Luke Grimes, Noeline Hoffman), Saige’s music shows a deep respect for timeless storytelling and feels imminent for a breakthrough in the year ahead.


The Haunted Youth

British Music Embassy @ Palm Door on Sixth Patio


Astrokeyy

Brand Partnership, Gear Endorsement, Distribution - US, Distribution - Worldwide, Other Artists to Tour With, Booking Agent - US, Booking Agent - UK/Europe, Booking Agent - Worldwide, Publishing, Sync/Music Supervisors

Astrokeyy is a Houston-based hip-hop artist carving his own lane with sharp lyricism, atmospheric production, and a sound rooted in Southern culture with a forward-thinking edge. Known for his commanding live presence, Astrokeyy has been selected as an **official SXSW artist twice**, cementing his reputation as a standout performer on one of the world’s most influential stages.

He has shared stages with respected names in hip-hop including **Rome Streetz, Jay Worthy, and Devin The Dude**, holding his own alongside both underground heavyweights and Southern legends. Recently, Astrokeyy released his latest project "Southern Hospitality" fully produced by Marc Spano and executive produced by Dough Networkz a cohesive body of work that highlights his growth, Southern identity, and refined sonic vision.

Blending raw storytelling, confident delivery, and hypnotic beats, Astrokeyy represents the grind, ambition, and creativity of Houston’s new generation. With momentum fueled by high-profile performances and a focused artistic direction, he continues pushing his sound forward with longevity, authenticity, and impact in mind.


Zastava

zastava is a music band from detroit, mi


Horsepower

Horsepower

Label Management, Brand Partnership, Other Artists to Tour With, Booking Agent - UK/Europe, Booking Agent - Worldwide, Publishing

The 13th Floor

Glass Mansions

Art Decade Creatives - Austin Heavy Hitters


Gavin the Hotrod

Brand Partnership, Gear Endorsement, Other Artists to Tour With

Gavin the HotRod is a Jacksonville, Florida–based hip-hop artist known for blending Southern grit, faith-rooted conviction, and sharp, punchline-heavy lyricism. He has steadily built momentum through consistency, live shows, and a catalog that balances technical skill with substance. Drawing from classic Southern rap energy while staying modern and introspective, Gavin has grown a loyal audience with thousands of monthly listeners.


Nathaniel Stewart

Label Management, Brand Partnership, Gear Endorsement, Other Artists to Tour With, Booking Agent - US, Booking Agent - UK/Europe, Booking Agent - Worldwide, PR/Publicity Agency, Publishing, Sync/Music Supervisors

Nathaniel Stewart writes songs that evoke nostalgic memories, inspired by the sincerity and sound of early 1970s songwriters, engulfed in the hazy glow of modern dreamy indie. His music drifts between melancholy and hope, acting as a witness to the human experience. Each song is a quiet reflection of nature, stillness, and a longing for connection and purpose – an invitation to slow down and be present in the moment.


Lew Apollo

Lew Apollo is a rising force in modern soul, captivating audiences with his soul-stirring melodies and poignant songwriting. KUTX praised him as “the perfect summer vibe,” a fitting description for an artist whose music blends hypnotic guitar, cinematic production, and a sultry, smoky voice into lush, resonant soundscapes. Originally hailing from rural Barnum, MN, Lew’s artistry is deeply rooted in his home state’s heritage, fusing the legacies of Bob Dylan and Prince with modern influences like Hozier, Leon Bridges, and Labrinth.
The tragic loss of his father in 2022 profoundly shaped Lew’s songwriting, catalyzing a body of work that confronts themes of grief, isolation, and resilience while offering hope and connection. His debut EP JUNGLE, produced by BLK ODYSSY, introduced him as a bold new voice and fueled a run of sold-out shows at iconic Austin venues like The Pershing and Antone’s.
Since then, Lew has taken his music to wider audiences, touring in support of Los Lonely Boys and earning airplay on KUTX with his single “Diamonds and Gold” as well as “Let the Light In” from his debut album. Self-produced from start to finish, Fool’s Gold has already surpassed 300,000 streams in under two months and is creating buzz for its fearless vulnerability and lush production. Press outlets have echoed the excitement: AMP Music declared “Lew Apollo will be a force in the R&B and pop stratospheres. Be warned,” while Earmilk praised how “Apollo’s signature smoky voice sets the tone for a sultry soundscape.” With his clear vision and unwavering dedication to using music as a vessel for healing, Lew Apollo is quickly emerging as one of the most exciting new voices to watch in soul.


Tipa Tipo

Tipa Tipo fuses '70s soft rock and disco with Latin rhythms to create their fresh take on tropical yacht rock en español. Praised by KEXP for their "spellbinding rhythms, infectious pop hooks and endless grooves," the power trio serves up a bilingual sonic landscape that makes you want to dance and think.  Fronted by co-producers Adele Fournet and Felipe Wurst, with Jordan Auber on drums and percussion.


Mission

Brand Partnership, Gear Endorsement, Booking Agent - US

Born in Greenville, Mississippi, and raised in Sacramento, California, Antonio Smith, better known as Mission, is a genre-defying Christian music artist who has dedicated his life and music to glorifying God. As a husband to Shawnay Smith and father of four—two boys and two girls—Mission’s journey of faith began when he gave his life to Christ at the age of 18, and his music continues to reflect that commitment. Mission’s life and music are deeply rooted in Matthew 6:33: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” He believes in doing God’s will, not his own, and encourages others to love God’s people. His personal motto, “All of You, none of me,” is based on the scripture “I must decrease so the Lord can increase,” signifying his desire for God’s will to be done in his life above all else.


Dearbhla Walsh

Dearbhla Walsh is an acclaimed Irish film and television director known for helming episodes of major series like "The Handmaid's Tale," "Fargo," and "Bad Sisters." Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including an Emmy Award for "Little Dorrit" and an IFTA for "Fargo." Walsh is recognized for her skill in directing character-driven drama and her abil

American Sign Language
Closed captioned
Subtitles

“Margo’s Got Money Troubles” is a bold, heartwarming and comedic family drama following recent college dropout and aspiring writer, Margo (Elle Fanning), the daughter of an ex-Hooter’s waitress (Michelle Pfeiffer) and ex-pro wrestler (Nick Offerman), as she’s forced to make her way with a new baby, a mounting pile of bills and a dwindling amount of ways to pay them.

Margo's Got Money Troubles

Margo’s Got Money Troubles is a bold heartwarming and comedic family drama following recent college dropout and aspiring writer Margo as she’s forced to make her way with a new baby a mounting pile of bills, and a dwindling amount of ways to pay them

David E. Kelley
Elle Fanning
Dakota Fanning
Nicole Kidman
Matt Tinker
Brittany Kahan Ward
Per Saari
Michelle Pfeiffer
Rufi Thorpe
Eva Anderson
Boo Killebrew

Elle Fanning, Michelle Pfeiffer, Nick Offerman, Thaddea Graham, Nicole Kidman, Greg Kinnear, Marcia Gay Harden, Michael Angarano, Rico Nasty, Lindsey Normington


Danxgerous

Danxgerous – the solo project of Daniela “Dan” Mariti – is born from the meeting of Italian and Czech roots and a musical heritage steeped in singing and instruments. A singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Danxgerous crafts a sonic universe suspended between indie-rock, dreamy pop, and contemporary indie-folk, where light and melancholy intertwine to create deep and captivating emotional landscapes.
After studying music theory and harmony at Saint Louis in Rome and performing with the band In June, Danxgerous debuted as a solo artist in 2023 with the independent label We Were Never Being Boring (WWNBB), releasing the singles Keys, Sides, Cold Yet Dazzling, and Venom. In 2024, she brought the project to international stages, with a standout moment at SXSW 2024 in Austin, Texas, performing four shows including the prestigious International Day Stage, marking a pivotal step in her career and expanding her international audience.
2025 is dedicated to writing, recording, and producing her debut album “Old Soul” — a journey into the universe of an old soul navigating the modern world, exploring mystical dreams, introspection, and the beauty of nature.


Dallas Tetnus

Brand Partnership, Gear Endorsement, Distribution - US, Other Artists to Tour With, Booking Agent - US, PR/Publicity Agency, Publishing, Sync/Music Supervisors

Dallas Tenus is a four piece rock band from Raleigh, North Carolina that formed in 2022 and includes a collective of members who have traveled the world playing and performing music.  The four established band members - Greg Clayton (Rhythm guitar and vocals), Billy Alphin (drums), Danny Kurtz (lead guitar) and David Wright (bass guitar) - have collectively played in various major label and national touring bands through the years including Whiskeytown, AntiSeen, Drivin’ n Cryin', Flat Duo Jets, Squirrel Nut Zippers, The Backsliders, Sarah Shook, Lustre, and The Rosebuds (to name a few).  The new collective that is Dallas Tetnus is a musical combination of all of these influences, with a stage show that is packed with static energy and a pure rock showmanship that is one to be seen.

The band plays loud, short, catchy, 70s - inspired tunes with influences from The Ramones, The Stooges, and KISS. Their unique and original stage presence is hard to forget. Their shows have plenty of visual appeal and engagement with smoke and bubbles rolling through every set, with white suits and a pink lit backdrop to boot.

The debut album, Welcome To Dallas Tetnus, is available everywhere now.


Boooka

Distribution - US, Distribution - Worldwide, Booking Agent - US

Boooka is an Austin-based hip-hop artist, curator, and creative director known for blending sharp lyricism with intentional storytelling. As the founder of SUMN2SAY, he has built a platform dedicated to spotlighting independent artists and cultivating real community through live experiences. With the release of his 2026 album BTS, Boooka continues to push his sound forward—balancing introspection, ambition, and culture while creating opportunities both on and off the stage.


OKAN

Brand Partnership, Other Artists to Tour With, Booking Agent - US, Booking Agent - Worldwide, PR/Publicity Agency, Publishing

Taking their name from the word for “heart” in the Afro-Cuban religion of Santería, the duo OKAN creates an alchemy of Cuban rhythms and chants with high-octane indie jazz and pop. Singing in Spanish, Yoruba, and Spanglish, OKAN explores resistance, rebirth, and joy — forging rhythm and harmony through acts of survival, both personal and cultural.

Following their Juno Award–winning album Okantomi — performed on NPR’s Tiny Desk and toured internationally while supporting Grammy-winning duo Rodrigo y Gabriela — OKAN’s upcoming fall release "Ife Ira" features a collaboration with Daymé Arocena.

OKAN is led by violinist and vocalist Elizabeth Rodríguez and percussionist and vocalist Magdelys Savigne — both Grammy and Latin Grammy nominees — whose powerful harmonies and fearless musicianship have earned the duo a global following.


Parris Chariz

Brand Partnership, Gear Endorsement, Publishing, Sync/Music Supervisors

"A Detroit native, on the rise with a mission to bridge the gap between faith-based platforms and mainstream music. Parris Chariz, short for charismatic, is an edgy, yet vibrant artist with a trap sound. Parris experienced numerous downfalls throughout his life but those valleys lead him to music. His debut album “2045” gained the attention of tastemakers within the CHH and mainstream Hip-Hop community. From being listed on Rapzilla’s Freshman in 2016 List to headlining a nationwide tour along with Ty Brasel, WHATUPRG, & Aaron Cole. Parris has made his mark within the Hip-Hop community that is extremely unique and far from the rest. His music has encouraged his listeners to know what’s real and to be true to yourself through every obstable this life brings us. His recently released album “Take You To Parris” has set a standard of authentic creativity provided a voice to the unheard. Parris has made his mark as a creative and will continue to make music that speaks to the soul."


NOAMZ

Label Management, Brand Partnership, Gear Endorsement, Booking Agent - US, Sync/Music Supervisors

NOAMZ is a flutist, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and producer making alt soul music. She was raised in a small town in Wisconsin by a Guadeloupean mother and French father.

She went on tour in 2024 on her artist project, released her EP “Personne” August of 2025 with Guesthouse, and plays regularly across SoCal and the Midwest. And has recently grown in popularity online for her flute beatboxing.

Featured on numerous LA based artist tracks, radios, and the Senegalese soccer anthem, she plans to release three musical projects this coming year, from her meditative flute project “Retrouvaille” to her soulful Melodic DnB EP “TEXTURES” dropping this March.


Yoso

Yoso is an Austin-based hip-hop artist known for blending high-energy performance with melodic, emotionally driven records. His sound reflects Southern influence, ambition, and authentic storytelling, allowing him to connect with both hype-focused and vibe-driven audiences. After gaining traction with his breakout single “You Don’t Know,” which surpassed 200K+ views, Yoso has continued building momentum through consistent releases and strong digital engagement. His latest release “NOW” represents a new chapter focused on growth and creative evolution. With official SXSW artist recognition and an expanding catalog of music and visuals, Yoso continues to establish himself as a rising independent artist focused on long-term development, performance excellence, and cultural impact.


xBValentine

xBValentine is a queer Latina artist from Georgetown, Texas, unapologetically carving her own lane in the music world. As a first-generation creative, she’s spent over a decade breaking barriers from racking up accolades at open mics to sharing stages with names like Joyner Lucas, WESTSIDE Boogie, Snow Tha Product, Lupe Fiasco, & more. Known for her bold, genre-blending sound, XB’s music fuses hip-hop, R&B, and Latin influences, reflecting her diverse roots and fearless individuality. Her rise has been meteoric first going viral in 2020 with her LGBTQ+ anthem “Vibe With You,” surpassing a million streams across platforms. In 2023, she made waves again with Paul Wall on “LIKE DIS,” amassing over 10 million TikTok views. Most recently, her hit “Don’t Play With Me” featuring Amanda Perez exploded online, earning 2.2 billion TikTok views, nearing 1 million YouTube views, and surpassing a million streams across platforms. xB isn’t just a voice; she’s a movement.


Canon

Brand Partnership, Gear Endorsement, Booking Agent - US, Sync/Music Supervisors

Canon is an independent artist who turns pain into purpose and lyrics into lifelines. Raised between Chicago and Atlanta, his music is raw, cinematic, and rooted in real-life battles—surviving trauma, questioning faith, rebuilding identity, and refusing to quit. Every bar is personal, every beat intentional. He doesn’t make music to impress—he makes it to connect, to challenge, to heal. Fully hands-on with his sound, visuals, and message, Canon creates from a place of truth, and invites his listeners to face theirs. This isn’t just music—it’s movement. Welcome to the journey.


Lauren Noll

Lauren Noll is an L.A. based actor-director from the mountains of East Tennessee. Her feature
directorial debut, SAME SAME BUT DIFFERENT, is a female-driven ensemble comedy
highlighting three women navigating the tensions of their cross-cultural relationships and the
pressures of modern life, friendship, and womanhood. It will premiere at SXSW 2026.

Hailing from a rich background in theatre, she earned her graduate degree in Acting at Harvard’s
American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) and the Moscow Art Theatre (MXAT) before her focus
pivoted toward film. Lauren first stepped behind the camera with the short drama HONOR, an
intimate, autobiographically inspired story about coming of age, coming out, and facing
expulsion from Brigham Young University. The film earned multiple awards and launched her
new path as a filmmaker. She followed this short debut with GEN V, which began an ongoing
creative partnership with actor-writer Dalia Rooni and secured the pair a development deal with
Adi Shankar’s Bootleg Universe. The duo went on to make CLEAN SLATE, a recipient of the
Collaborative Film Challenge Grand Jury Prize and a grant from Blackmagic Design, before
embarking to make their first feature film SAME SAME BUT DIFFERENT together.

Most recently, Lauren co-wrote and starred in the Oscar Qualified short film, THE HEART OF
TEXAS, which screened at more than 75 festivals worldwide and earned Lauren a dozen acting
awards on the festival circuit for her performance as Janie May, a down-on-her-luck country
singer caught between a last shot at her dream and the crushing responsibility she bears for
another dreamer she collides with on her path. Across all of her work, Lauren is drawn to
intimate, character-driven stories about ordinary people searching for grace and meaning in
chaotic worlds. Her love for actors and their craft is undeniably infused into her directing style.
She approaches each project with honesty, humor, and deep compassion, crafting stories that
reveal the beauty and hilarity of being human.

When Rana’s visa application is denied, she faces the reality of returning home to Iran. That is, until Adam – her wealthy boss’s son and her summer fling – proposes a green card wedding. Wrestling with the implications of his offer, Rana enlists help from a questionable shaman, Adam’s pure-hearted mom, and most importantly her two Iranian best friends Nadia and Setareh, who arrive on Cape Cod for a wedding weekend full of opinions, chaos, and drama with their own American boyfriends. Just as total disaster approaches, the three women come together in a transformative moment of acceptance, growth, and coming of age – evolving this weekend into one that will change them all forever.

Same Same But Different

An Iranian immigrant agrees to marry her boss’s son to stay in the U.S., but their simple green card wedding on Cape Cod gets complicated when her two Iranian best friends arrive with their own American boyfriends and cross-cultural baggage in tow.

Dalia Rooni
Lauren Noll
Zein Khleif
Medalion Rahimi
Emily Reach White

Medalion Rahimi, Logan Miller, Layla Mohammadi, Dalia Rooni, Richie Moriarty, Michael Baszler, Danielle Pinnock, Lauren Noll, Nicholas Coombe, with Kevin Nealon, and Joey Lauren Adams

Line Producer: Alecia Orsini Lebedi: Costume Designer: Dimanne Mota, Post Producer: Sam Zarrin: Art Director: Layla Calo-Baird, Language and Cultural Consultant: Arash Azizi: Associate Producers: Frances Komoda, Connor Rosenberg, Casting Director: Jamie Ember, Colorist: Keyhan Bayegan, Re-recording Mixer: Abby Austria, VFX Supervisor: Andrea Abtahi, 1st AD: Tishna Lodi, Script Supervisor: Alisa Traskunov, Gaffer/ Key Grip: Melanie Nesteruk