Since 1987, South by Southwest (SXSW) has produced the internationally recognized Music and Media Conference & Festival. As the entertainment business adjusted to issues of future growth and development, in 1994, SXSW added conferences and festivals for the film industry (SXSW Film) as well as for the blossoming interactive media (SXSW Interactive Festival). Now three industry events converge in Austin during 10 days, mirroring the ever-increasing convergence of entertainment/media outlets.

The SXSW Film Conference portion of SXSW Film has been described as a five-day crash course on guerrilla filmmaking and marketing for every level of filmmaker from novice to veteran. Panels, workshops and interviews are always peopled with knowledgeable experts and entertaining speakers offering unique access to the industry. Specialized sessions such as hands on workshops, mini-meetings and one-on-one meetings in the Mentor Program distinguish the SXSW experience.

SXSW is a qualifying festival for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Short Film competition. The Best Animated Short Film, Best Narrative Short Film and Best Documentary Short Film winners become eligible for the Academy Awards.