REFLECTIONS ON FILM CULTURE

Daily | SXSW 2015 Lineup, Round 1

BRAND: A Second Coming

Russell Brand in ‘BRAND: A Second Coming’; photo: Courtesy of Interloper Films

The SXSW Film Conference and Festival has announced that its 2015 edition (March 13 through 21) will open with Ondi Timoner‘s documentary on Russell Brand, BRAND: A Second Coming, and unveiled a first round of six more titles set to screen in Austin. With descriptions from the festival:

Ondi Timoner’s BRAND: A Second Coming follows comedian/author Russell Brand’s evolution from addict and Hollywood star to unexpected political disruptor & newfound hero to the underserved. Brand is criticized for egomaniacal self-interest as he calls for revolution. (World Premiere)

Sara Hirsh Bordo’s A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story. From the producers of the most viewed TEDWomen event of 2013 comes A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story, a documentary following the inspiring journey of 25-year-old, 58-pound Lizzie from cyber-bullying victim to anti-bullying activist. (World Premiere)

Jessica Edwards’s Mavis! Her family group, the Staple Singers, inspired millions and helped propel the civil rights movement with their music. After 60 years of performing, legendary singer Mavis Staples’ message of love and equality is needed now more than ever. (World Premiere)

Alex Garland, writer of 28 Days Later and Sunshine, makes his directorial debut with the stylish and cerebral thriller Ex Machina, starring Domhnall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac and Alicia Vikander. (North American Premiere)

Adam Hootnick’s Son of the Congo. Serge Ibaka’s improbable journey has taken him from the violence of Congo to the top of the NBA. In Son of the Congo, Ibaka returns home, hoping his basketball success can help rebuild a country and inspire a new generation to dream of a better life. (World Premiere / SXsports screening)

Karyn Kusama’s The Invitation. A reunion of old friends turns into a nightmare when one guest, a haunted man whose ex-wife is among the hosts, begins to fear that the night is part of a terrifying agenda. With Logan Marshall-Green, Tammy Blanchard, Michiel Huisman, Emayatzy Corinealdi, Lindsay Burdge. (World Premiere)

Michael Showalter’s Hello, My Name is Doris. An isolated 60-year-old woman is motivated by a self-help seminar to romantically pursue a younger coworker, causing her to stumble into the spotlight of the Brooklyn hipster social scene. With Sally Field, Max Greenfield and Beth Behrs. (World Premiere)

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