What The World's Biggest Indiana Jones Fans Think About The Reboot

Updated Sat, March 14, 2015 at 3:03 PM UTC

It's quite possible not even George Lucas and Steven Spielberg love "Raiders of the Lost Ark" as much as Eric Zala and Chris Strompolos. Back in 1982, Zala (who was 12 at the time) and Strompolos (who was 11) started filming a shot-for-shot remake of Spielberg's "Raiders of the Lost Ark" during summer vacation. Seven years later, and with help from neighborhood kids and their own families, the film was completed save for one sequence: the famed runway fight where Indiana Jones battles a burly Nazi soldier.

Unearthed by director Eli Roth in 2002, Zala and Strompolos' ambitious summer project was soon embraced by an exploding community of like-minded geeks. Emboldened by the success -- which even included a book about their exploits -- Zala and Stromopolos decided to reunite to film the lost sequence. Using funds raised on Kickstarter last year, the duo headed back to their hometown in Mississippi to shoot the scene, and brought along filmmakers Jeremy Coon and Tim Skousen to document the events. Now, the ups and downs of completing what has become the crown jewel of fan films is captured in a new documentary called "Raiders!" Coon and Skousen's movie (and the new scene) will have its world premiere at the South By Southwest Film Festival on Saturday night.

"Every cell in my body is looking forward to South by Southwest -- to see the documentary for the first time and to premiere the airplane scene and see peoples' reactions," Zala told The Huffington Post. "I only just showed my wife and kids. So it's tremendously exciting as a filmmaker to unleash that upon the world."

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Not that Zala and Strompolos should expect anything less than unbridled enthusiasm. Since Roth and Ain't It Cool News founder Harry Knowles screened part of "Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation" at Butt-Numb-A-Thon in 2002, the pair have been praised for their work and resolve. Even Spielberg is a fan of their interpretation.

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"Growing up it was always a pipe dream: Wouldn't it be cool if Spielberg saw it one day? We never expected or really even hoped to meet him," Zala recalled. He, Strompolos and a third collaborator, Jayson Lamb, met Spielberg in a conference room at his offices in Los Angeles a few years back. They discussed "Raiders of the Lost Ark," storytelling and even the home version's lack of any deleted scenes. Spielberg explained that he didn't like putting deleted scenes on DVDs and Blu-rays because he worked hard to create an illusion with his films, and the extras took away from that artifice. But what he did have to show the men were outtakes from the set of "Raiders."

"I found myself in Spielberg's office, sitting on a couch and watching the outtakes that we sensed only the cast and crew had seen," Zala said with wonder in his voice still to this day. "It was an extraordinary thing. It made me think what is possible in life. This kind of thing doesn't happen in real life, but it did. As difficult as it was to birth this film, I feel like I have been repaid 100 times over."

Steven Spielberg and Harrison Ford on set of "Raiders of the Lost Ark," (c) Paramount/courtesy Everett Collection

Despite first arriving on screen 34 years ago, Indiana Jones is as relevant as ever. With Disney controlling the film's rights, a rumored reboot has been in the works for a while. The latest bit of news had Chris Pratt possibly stepping in to play Indy in place of Harrison Ford, with Spielberg directing the character once again. So what do the world's biggest Indy fans think about the future of their beloved archeologist?

"I like Chris Pratt. I think he's a very likable movie star," Strompolos, who played Indiana Jones in the remake, told The Huffington Post. "He has the swagger and charisma and energy to pull off a heroic role of that caliber. But Indiana Jones is such a mythologically engrained, iconic character -- someone people love so much. It would have to take the absolute masterful orchestration of transitioning our collective consciousness from Harrison to somebody who is worthy of wearing that hat."

"As Chris put it, it's very difficult to separate Indiana Jones and Harrison Ford. He embodied the role and became the role so much. He's so much of the fire that burns in every Indy fan's heart," Zala added. "But while I can't imagine it happening, what's the alternative? Harrison is probably, at this point, too old for another Indiana Jones film. But I won't rule out the possibility of being pleasantly surprised. I had written off the chance of there being good 'Star Wars' films -- what 'Star Wars' fan hadn't? -- but there's a new hope. That's a bad pun, but could there be for Indiana Jones too? I would only want it to be done right, and it's encouraging that Spielberg is looking to direct it. Put me down as hopeful."

And while the "Raiders!" premiere is the end of this particular journey -- Strompolos said both he and Zala have many other projects they want to make -- there's still one last twist possibly still to come: a meeting with Ford himself.

"He knows about it. We got that confirmation through another Indy fan. Harrison asked him if he was one of the guys who did the shot-for-shot remake," Strompolos said, before adding it's unclear if Ford has seen their film.

"Maybe that's still something to look forward too," Strompolos continued. "I hope that's one of those surprises still to happen. Just got to keep Harrison out of airplanes for a little bit."

Watch the trailer for "Raiders!" below.

"Trainwreck" (dir. Judd Apatow)

<strong>What SXSW Says</strong>: "Blockbuster filmmaker Judd Apatow ('The 40-Year-Old Virgin,' 'Knocked Up,' 'This Is 40') directs Universal Pictures' 'Trainwreck,' starring breakout comedic actress Amy Schumer ('Inside Amy Schumer'). Cast: Amy Schumer, Bill Hader, Brie Larson, Colin Quinn, Vanessa Bayer, Tilda Swinton, Lebron James, John Cena. (Debut of a Work in Progress)"<br clear="all"> <br clear="all"> <strong>What We'll Add</strong>: Back in 2011, Universal screened an in-progress cut of Paul Feig's "Bridesmaids" at SXSW. Last year, the studio brought an unfinished "Neighbors" to Austin. Both films blew up soon after, and went on to reap those buzz benefits at the box office. We're fully expecting "Trainwreck" to follow suit. — **What SXSW Says**: "Blockbuster filmmaker Judd Apatow ('The 40-Year-Old Virgin,' 'Knocked Up,' 'This Is 40') directs Universal Pictures' 'Trainwreck,' starring breakout comedic actress Amy Schumer ('Inside Amy Schumer'). Cast: Amy Schumer, Bill Hader, Brie Larson, Colin Quinn, Vanessa Bayer, Tilda Swinton, Lebron James, John Cena. (Debut of a Work in Progress)"

**What We'll Add**: Back in 2011, Universal screened an in-progress cut of Paul Feig's "Bridesmaids" at SXSW. Last year, the studio brought an unfinished "Neighbors" to Austin. Both films blew up soon after, and went on to reap those buzz benefits at the box office. We're fully expecting "Trainwreck" to follow suit.

"Spy" (dir. Paul Feig)

<strong>What SXSW Says</strong>: "Susan Cooper (Melissa McCarthy) is an unassuming, deskbound CIA analyst, and the unsung hero behind the Agency’s most dangerous missions. But when her partner (Jude Law) falls off the grid and another top agent (Jason Statham) is compromised, she volunteers to go deep undercover to infiltrate the world of a deadly arms dealer, and prevent a global disaster. Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Jason Statham, Rose Byrne, Miranda Hart, Bobby Cannavale, Allison Janney, Peter Serafinowicz, Morena Baccarin and Jude Law (Premiere)"<br clear="all"> <br clear="all"> <strong>What We'll Add</strong>: The trailer for "Spy" <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/13/spy-trailer_n_6462712.html" target="_blank">was a decided "meh,"</a> but Fox and Feig must have a lot of confidence in the latest Melissa McCarthy jam if they're bringing it to Austin. As mentioned, the actress scored here with "Bridesmaids" in 2011, so maybe "Spy" is a return to form following the disappointing "Tammy." — **What SXSW Says**: "Susan Cooper (Melissa McCarthy) is an unassuming, deskbound CIA analyst, and the unsung hero behind the Agency’s most dangerous missions. But when her partner (Jude Law) falls off the grid and another top agent (Jason Statham) is compromised, she volunteers to go deep undercover to infiltrate the world of a deadly arms dealer, and prevent a global disaster. Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Jason Statham, Rose Byrne, Miranda Hart, Bobby Cannavale, Allison Janney, Peter Serafinowicz, Morena Baccarin and Jude Law (Premiere)"

**What We'll Add**: The trailer for "Spy" was a decided "meh," but Fox and Feig must have a lot of confidence in the latest Melissa McCarthy jam if they're bringing it to Austin. As mentioned, the actress scored here with "Bridesmaids" in 2011, so maybe "Spy" is a return to form following the disappointing "Tammy."

"Get Hard" (dir. Etan Cohen)

<strong>What SXSW Says</strong>: "With a 10-year stint in San Quentin hanging over his head, yuppie Brad hires city Darnell to toughen him up for prison life. Cast: Will Ferrell, Kevin Hart, Tip 'T.I.' Harris, Alison Brie, Craig T. Nelson. (World Premiere)"<br clear="all"> <br clear="all"> <strong>What We'll Add</strong>: Like "Spy," the trailers for "Get Hard" aren't doing much to evince confidence, but we've heard this movie is quite funny. That Warner Bros. is bringing "Get Hard" to Austin backs those whispers up: The studio failed to launch "Burt Wonderstone" in Austin two years ago, so perhaps it learned a valuable lesson about what works at SXSW. — **What SXSW Says**: "With a 10-year stint in San Quentin hanging over his head, yuppie Brad hires city Darnell to toughen him up for prison life. Cast: Will Ferrell, Kevin Hart, Tip 'T.I.' Harris, Alison Brie, Craig T. Nelson. (World Premiere)"

**What We'll Add**: Like "Spy," the trailers for "Get Hard" aren't doing much to evince confidence, but we've heard this movie is quite funny. That Warner Bros. is bringing "Get Hard" to Austin backs those whispers up: The studio failed to launch "Burt Wonderstone" in Austin two years ago, so perhaps it learned a valuable lesson about what works at SXSW.

"Hello, My Name Is Doris" (dir. Michael Showalter)

<strong>What SXSW Says</strong>: "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 local hipster social scene. Cast: Sally Field, Max Greenfield, Beth Behrs, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Stephen Root, Elizabeth Reaser, Jack Antonoff, Natasha Lyonne, Tyne Daly. (World Premiere)"<br clear="all"> <br clear="all"> <strong>What We'll Add</strong>: The last movie Michael Showalter directed, 2005's "The Baxter," was one of the sweetest deconstructions of the romantic comedy in modern memory. Hopes are high for this movie, which has one of the most eclectic casts at this year's festival. — **What SXSW Says**: "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 local hipster social scene. Cast: Sally Field, Max Greenfield, Beth Behrs, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Stephen Root, Elizabeth Reaser, Jack Antonoff, Natasha Lyonne, Tyne Daly. (World Premiere)"

**What We'll Add**: The last movie Michael Showalter directed, 2005's "The Baxter," was one of the sweetest deconstructions of the romantic comedy in modern memory. Hopes are high for this movie, which has one of the most eclectic casts at this year's festival.

"Ex Machina" (dir. Alex Garland)

<strong>What SXSW Says</strong>: 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. Cast: Domhnall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac, Alicia Vikander. (North American Premiere)<br clear="all"> <br clear="all"> <strong>What We'll Add</strong>: Thanks to "Force Awakens" stars Oscar Isaac and Domhnall Gleeson, "Ex Machina" looks like the best <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/22/charlie-brooker-black-mirror_n_6508790.html" target="_blank">"Star Wars" prequel Charlie Brooker never made</a>. — **What SXSW Says**: 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. Cast: Domhnall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac, Alicia Vikander. (North American Premiere)

**What We'll Add**: Thanks to "Force Awakens" stars Oscar Isaac and Domhnall Gleeson, "Ex Machina" looks like the best "Star Wars" prequel Charlie Brooker never made.

"The Road Warrior" (dir. George Miller)

<strong>What SXSW Says</strong>: "In the post-apocalypse future, where humans fight over the few remaining stores of gasoline, Mad Max offers to drive a tanker through a gauntlet of psychos to safety on the coast. Special Q&A to follow with George Miller. Cast: Mel Gibson, Bruce Spence, Virginia Hey, Emil Minty, Kjell Nilsson, Max Phipps, Vernon Wells, David Slingsby, Steve J. Spears."<br clear="all"> <br clear="all"> <strong>What We'll Add</strong>: This is a good time for George Miller. He directed "Mad Max: Fury Road," which Warner Bros. will release in May. — **What SXSW Says**: "In the post-apocalypse future, where humans fight over the few remaining stores of gasoline, Mad Max offers to drive a tanker through a gauntlet of psychos to safety on the coast. Special Q&A to follow with George Miller. Cast: Mel Gibson, Bruce Spence, Virginia Hey, Emil Minty, Kjell Nilsson, Max Phipps, Vernon Wells, David Slingsby, Steve J. Spears."

**What We'll Add**: This is a good time for George Miller. He directed "Mad Max: Fury Road," which Warner Bros. will release in May.

"Kurt Cobain: Montage Of Heck" (dir. Brett Morgen)

<strong>What SXSW Says</strong>: "'Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck' is a raw and visceral journey through Kurt Cobain’s life and his career with Nirvana through the lens of his home movies, recordings, artwork, photography, and journals."<br clear="all"> <br clear="all"> <strong>What We'll Add</strong>: "Montage of Heck" debuted to raves at this year's Sundance Film Festival. The Nirvana doc, which will air on HBO on May 4, also <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/unreleased-kurt-cobain-song-to-appear-on-montage-of-heck-soundtrack-20150309" target="_blank">includes a previously unheard song</a> by Cobain. — **What SXSW Says**: "'Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck' is a raw and visceral journey through Kurt Cobain’s life and his career with Nirvana through the lens of his home movies, recordings, artwork, photography, and journals."

**What We'll Add**: "Montage of Heck" debuted to raves at this year's Sundance Film Festival. The Nirvana doc, which will air on HBO on May 4, also includes a previously unheard song by Cobain.

"Wild Horses" (dir. Robert Duvall)

<strong>What SXSW Says</strong>: "A Texas ranch family's idyllic life unravels as the Texas Rangers reopen and investigate a 15 year-old missing person case. Cast: Robert Duvall, James Franco, Josh Hartnett, Luciana Duvall, Adriana Barraza, Jim Parrack, Angie Cepeda, Devon Abner. (World Premiere)"<br clear="all"> <br clear="all"> <strong>What We'll Add</strong>: Fresh off an Oscar nomination, the 84-year-old Duvall directs his first film in 13 years. — **What SXSW Says**: "A Texas ranch family's idyllic life unravels as the Texas Rangers reopen and investigate a 15 year-old missing person case. Cast: Robert Duvall, James Franco, Josh Hartnett, Luciana Duvall, Adriana Barraza, Jim Parrack, Angie Cepeda, Devon Abner. (World Premiere)"

**What We'll Add**: Fresh off an Oscar nomination, the 84-year-old Duvall directs his first film in 13 years.

"Steve Jobs: The Man In The Machine" (dir. Alex Gibney)

<strong>What SXSW Says</strong>: "An evocative portrait of the life and work of Steve Jobs that re-examines his legacy and our relationship with the computer. (World Premiere)"<br clear="all"> <br clear="all"> <strong>What We'll Add</strong>: It wouldn't be a film festival without a new documentary from Alex Gibney. — **What SXSW Says**: "An evocative portrait of the life and work of Steve Jobs that re-examines his legacy and our relationship with the computer. (World Premiere)"

**What We'll Add**: It wouldn't be a film festival without a new documentary from Alex Gibney.

"One & Two" (dir. Andrew Droz Palermo)

<strong>What SXSW Says</strong>: "Two siblings discover a supernatural escape from a troubled home, but find their bond tested when reality threatens to tear their family apart. Cast: Kiernan Shipka, Timothee Chalamet, Elizabeth Reaser, Grant Bowler. (North American Premiere)"<br clear="all"> <br clear="all"> <strong>What We'll Add</strong>: Shipka gets a chance to leave Sally Draper behind in this coming-of-age story that doubles as an indie origin story for some lost "X-Men" character. — **What SXSW Says**: "Two siblings discover a supernatural escape from a troubled home, but find their bond tested when reality threatens to tear their family apart. Cast: Kiernan Shipka, Timothee Chalamet, Elizabeth Reaser, Grant Bowler. (North American Premiere)"

**What We'll Add**: Shipka gets a chance to leave Sally Draper behind in this coming-of-age story that doubles as an indie origin story for some lost "X-Men" character.

"Stone Barn Castle" (dirs. Kevin Ford & Adrien Brody)

<strong>What SXSW Says</strong>: "A chronicle of the journey to restore a historic barn in Upstate New York. (World Premiere)"<br clear="all"> <br clear="all"> <strong>What We'll Add</strong>: Adrien Brody bought the film's titular dwelling in 2007, and spent the next seven years renovating the historic castle. The film follows the ups and downs of Brody's personal life throughout the construction in a way that makes this documentary a distant cousin of Richard Linklater's "Boyhood." — **What SXSW Says**: "A chronicle of the journey to restore a historic barn in Upstate New York. (World Premiere)"

**What We'll Add**: Adrien Brody bought the film's titular dwelling in 2007, and spent the next seven years renovating the historic castle. The film follows the ups and downs of Brody's personal life throughout the construction in a way that makes this documentary a distant cousin of Richard Linklater's "Boyhood."

"Raiders!" (dirs. Jeremy Coon & Tim Skousen)

<strong>What SXSW Says</strong>: "In 1982, two 11-year-olds in Mississippi set out to remake 'Raiders of the Lost Ark.' After seven turbulent years, they finished every scene except one. Thirty years later, they attempt to finally finish their fan film and realize their childhood dream. (World Premiere)"<br clear="all"> <br clear="all"> <strong>What We'll Add</strong>: Tackling the world of fan culture and what viral videos looked like before YouTube, "Raiders!" is a must-see for anyone who grew up in the 1980s. — **What SXSW Says**: "In 1982, two 11-year-olds in Mississippi set out to remake 'Raiders of the Lost Ark.' After seven turbulent years, they finished every scene except one. Thirty years later, they attempt to finally finish their fan film and realize their childhood dream. (World Premiere)"

**What We'll Add**: Tackling the world of fan culture and what viral videos looked like before YouTube, "Raiders!" is a must-see for anyone who grew up in the 1980s.

"Fresno" (dir. Jamie Babbit)

<strong>What SXSW Says</strong>: "'Fresno' is a comedy that follows lonely but stoic lesbian Martha (Natasha Lyonne), whose sister Shannon (Judy Greer), a sex addict with no impulse control and a long history of poor decisions, winds up back in Fresno cleaning hotel rooms with her. Cast: Natasha Lyonne, Judy Greer, Aubrey Plaza, Fred Armisen, Jessica St. Clair, Molly Shannon, Michael Hitchcock, Ron Livingston. (World Premiere)"<br clear="all"> <br clear="all"> <strong>What We'll Add</strong>: Babbit just directed that <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/09/girls-gay-dad_n_6830352.html" target="_blank">great episode of "Girls"</a> where Hannah's dad comes out. — **What SXSW Says**: "'Fresno' is a comedy that follows lonely but stoic lesbian Martha (Natasha Lyonne), whose sister Shannon (Judy Greer), a sex addict with no impulse control and a long history of poor decisions, winds up back in Fresno cleaning hotel rooms with her. Cast: Natasha Lyonne, Judy Greer, Aubrey Plaza, Fred Armisen, Jessica St. Clair, Molly Shannon, Michael Hitchcock, Ron Livingston. (World Premiere)"

**What We'll Add**: Babbit just directed that great episode of "Girls" where Hannah's dad comes out.

"All Things Must Pass" (dir. Colin Hanks)

<strong>What SXSW Says</strong>: "'All Things Must Pass' is a feature documentary that explores the rise and fall of Tower Records, and the legacy forged by its rebellious founder, Russ Solomon. (World Premiere)"<br clear="all"> <br clear="all"> <strong>What We'll Add</strong>: Our teenage self, the one who went to Tower Records on the Upper West Side while waiting to see movies at AMC Lincoln Square, is pumped. — **What SXSW Says**: "'All Things Must Pass' is a feature documentary that explores the rise and fall of Tower Records, and the legacy forged by its rebellious founder, Russ Solomon. (World Premiere)"

**What We'll Add**: Our teenage self, the one who went to Tower Records on the Upper West Side while waiting to see movies at AMC Lincoln Square, is pumped.

"A Wonderful Cloud" (dir. Eugene Kotlyarenko)

<strong>What SXSW Says</strong>: "When Eugene’s ex-GF Katelyn lands in LA to disband their business, the two of them must negotiate between past tensions and future possibilities, in this raw bittersweet rom-com that walks the line between fiction and reality. Cast: Kate Lyn Sheil, Eugene Kotlyarenko, John Ennis, Vishwam Velandy, Rachel Lord, Lauren Avery, Elisha Drons, Niko Karamyan, Tierney Finster, Mikki Olson. (World Premiere)"<br clear="all"> <br clear="all"> <strong>What We'll Add</strong>: Sheil plays Lisa on "House of Cards," the new owner of America's favorite guinea pig, Cashew. — **What SXSW Says**: "When Eugene’s ex-GF Katelyn lands in LA to disband their business, the two of them must negotiate between past tensions and future possibilities, in this raw bittersweet rom-com that walks the line between fiction and reality. Cast: Kate Lyn Sheil, Eugene Kotlyarenko, John Ennis, Vishwam Velandy, Rachel Lord, Lauren Avery, Elisha Drons, Niko Karamyan, Tierney Finster, Mikki Olson. (World Premiere)"

**What We'll Add**: Sheil plays Lisa on "House of Cards," the new owner of America's favorite guinea pig, Cashew.

"GTFO" (dir. Shannon Sun-Higginson)

<strong>What SXSW Says</strong>: "Almost half of all gamers are women; yet, female gamers are disproportionately subject to harassment and abuse. 'GTFO' seeks to investigate misogyny in video game culture and questions the future of this 20 billion dollar industry. (World Premiere)"<br clear="all"> <br clear="all"> <strong>What We'll Add</strong>: Sun-Higginson's documentary hopes to show audiences that sexism in gaming started long before Gamergate reached critical mass. — **What SXSW Says**: "Almost half of all gamers are women; yet, female gamers are disproportionately subject to harassment and abuse. 'GTFO' seeks to investigate misogyny in video game culture and questions the future of this 20 billion dollar industry. (World Premiere)"

**What We'll Add**: Sun-Higginson's documentary hopes to show audiences that sexism in gaming started long before Gamergate reached critical mass.

"Deep Web" (dir. Alex Winter)

<strong>What SXSW Says</strong>: "'Deep Web' gives the inside story of one of the the most important and riveting digital crime sagas of the century -- the arrest of Ross William Ulbricht, the entrepreneur alleged to be “Dread Pirate Roberts,” leader of online black market Silk Road. (World Premiere)"<br clear="all"> <br clear="all"> <strong>What We'll Add</strong>: Alex Winter, aka Bill from "Bill and Ted," directed the Napster documentary "Downloaded," which debuted at SXSW in 2013. This EPIX original doc looks similarly enticing. — **What SXSW Says**: "'Deep Web' gives the inside story of one of the the most important and riveting digital crime sagas of the century -- the arrest of Ross William Ulbricht, the entrepreneur alleged to be “Dread Pirate Roberts,” leader of online black market Silk Road. (World Premiere)"

**What We'll Add**: Alex Winter, aka Bill from "Bill and Ted," directed the Napster documentary "Downloaded," which debuted at SXSW in 2013. This EPIX original doc looks similarly enticing.

"A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story" (dir. Sara Hirsh Bordo)

<strong>What SXSW Says</strong>: "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)"<br clear="all"> <br clear="all"> <strong>What We'll Add</strong>: Find out more about <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c62Aqdlzvqk" target="_blank">Lizzie Velasquez's inspiring story here</a>. — **What SXSW Says**: "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)"

**What We'll Add**: Find out more about Lizzie Velasquez's inspiring story here.

"Life in Color" (dir. Katharine Emmer)

<strong>What SXSW Says</strong>: "With no place to live, two strangers are stuck house sitting together. To get back on their feet, this odd couple reluctantly help each other overcome the very personal obstacles that are holding them back in life and from each other. Cast: Josh McDermitt, Katharine Emmer, Adam Lustick, Fortune Feimster, Jim O'Heir. (World Premiere)"<br clear="all"> <br clear="all"> <strong>What We'll Add</strong>: Keep an eye on Katharine Emmer, one of the first-time filmmakers at SXSW. — **What SXSW Says**: "With no place to live, two strangers are stuck house sitting together. To get back on their feet, this odd couple reluctantly help each other overcome the very personal obstacles that are holding them back in life and from each other. Cast: Josh McDermitt, Katharine Emmer, Adam Lustick, Fortune Feimster, Jim O'Heir. (World Premiere)"

**What We'll Add**: Keep an eye on Katharine Emmer, one of the first-time filmmakers at SXSW.

"Ktown Cowboys" (dir. Daniel Park)

<strong>What SXSW Says</strong>: "Against the alluring backdrop of LA’s Koreatown, five legendary partiers go out for one more night of 'Ktown' debauchery, eventually growing up by throwing down like they did in their glory days. Cast: Danny Cho, Bobby Choy, Peter Jae, Sunn Wee, Shane Yoon, Eric Roberts, Steve Byrne, Kim Young Chul, Simon Rhee, Daniel Dae Kim. (World Premiere)"<br clear="all"> <br clear="all"> <strong>What We'll Add</strong>: "Ktown Cowboys" is one of the fest's buzziest titles. <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/11/spring-breakers-sxsw_n_2852667.html" target="_blank">Let's hope for a "Spring Breakers" moment</a>. — **What SXSW Says**: "Against the alluring backdrop of LA’s Koreatown, five legendary partiers go out for one more night of 'Ktown' debauchery, eventually growing up by throwing down like they did in their glory days. Cast: Danny Cho, Bobby Choy, Peter Jae, Sunn Wee, Shane Yoon, Eric Roberts, Steve Byrne, Kim Young Chul, Simon Rhee, Daniel Dae Kim. (World Premiere)"

**What We'll Add**: "Ktown Cowboys" is one of the fest's buzziest titles. Let's hope for a "Spring Breakers" moment.

"Final Girls" (dir. Todd Strauss-Schulson)

<strong>What SXSW Says</strong>: "Max and her friends are mysteriously transported into a famous 1980s horror movie that starred Max's mother, a celebrated scream queen. Reunited, they team up to fight the film's maniacal killer and find their way back home. Cast: Taissa Farmiga, Malin Akerman, Adam DeVine, Thomas Middleditch, Alia Shawkat, Alexander Ludwig, Nina Dobrev. (World Premiere)"<br clear="all"> <br clear="all"> <strong>What We'll Add</strong>: Just the description alone gives us a whiff of "Cabin in the Woods," the meta-horror movie that blew up at SXSW in 2012. — **What SXSW Says**: "Max and her friends are mysteriously transported into a famous 1980s horror movie that starred Max's mother, a celebrated scream queen. Reunited, they team up to fight the film's maniacal killer and find their way back home. Cast: Taissa Farmiga, Malin Akerman, Adam DeVine, Thomas Middleditch, Alia Shawkat, Alexander Ludwig, Nina Dobrev. (World Premiere)"

**What We'll Add**: Just the description alone gives us a whiff of "Cabin in the Woods," the meta-horror movie that blew up at SXSW in 2012.

"7 Chinese Brothers" (dir. Bob Byington)

<strong>What SXSW Says</strong>: "A man unaccustomed to telling the truth learns to at least describe it. Cast: Jason Schwartzman, Tunde Adebimpe, Eleanore Pienta, Olympia Dukakis, Stephen Root. (World Premiere)"<br clear="all"> <br clear="all"> <strong>What We'll Add</strong>: An intriguing logline and the presence of Schwartzman and TV on the Radio lead singer Adebimpe put this high on our must-see list. — **What SXSW Says**: "A man unaccustomed to telling the truth learns to at least describe it. Cast: Jason Schwartzman, Tunde Adebimpe, Eleanore Pienta, Olympia Dukakis, Stephen Root. (World Premiere)"

**What We'll Add**: An intriguing logline and the presence of Schwartzman and TV on the Radio lead singer Adebimpe put this high on our must-see list.

"Breaking A Monster" (dir. Luke Meyer)

<strong>What SXSW Says</strong>: "'Breaking a Monster' chronicles the break-out year of the band Unlocking The Truth, as the 12- and 13-year-old members first encounter stardom and the music industry, transcending childhood to become the rock stars they always dreamed of being. (World Premiere)"<br clear="all"> <br clear="all"> <strong>What We'll Add</strong>: Who doesn't want to watch kids becoming rock stars? — **What SXSW Says**: "'Breaking a Monster' chronicles the break-out year of the band Unlocking The Truth, as the 12- and 13-year-old members first encounter stardom and the music industry, transcending childhood to become the rock stars they always dreamed of being. (World Premiere)"

**What We'll Add**: Who doesn't want to watch kids becoming rock stars?

"6 Years" (dir. Hannah Fidell)

<strong>What SXSW Says</strong>: "A young couple bound by a seemingly ideal love begins to unravel as unexpected opportunities spin them down a volatile and violent path and threaten the future they had always imagined. Cast: Taissa Farmiga, Ben Rosenfield, Lindsay Burdge, Joshua Leonard, Jennifer Lafleur, Peter Vack, Dana Wheeler-Nicholson, Molly McMichael, Jason Newman. (World Premiere)"<br clear="all"> <br clear="all"> <strong>What We'll Add</strong>: Put Fidell, who directed "A Teacher," on your radar of up-and-coming filmmakers to follow. — **What SXSW Says**: "A young couple bound by a seemingly ideal love begins to unravel as unexpected opportunities spin them down a volatile and violent path and threaten the future they had always imagined. Cast: Taissa Farmiga, Ben Rosenfield, Lindsay Burdge, Joshua Leonard, Jennifer Lafleur, Peter Vack, Dana Wheeler-Nicholson, Molly McMichael, Jason Newman. (World Premiere)"

**What We'll Add**: Put Fidell, who directed "A Teacher," on your radar of up-and-coming filmmakers to follow.

"Night Owls" (dir. Charles Hood)

<strong>What SXSW Says</strong>: "After Kevin has a one night stand with Madeline, he discovers she’s actually his boss’ jilted mistress. When she takes a bottle of sleeping pills, Kevin has to keep her awake... and over the course of the night they begin to fall for each other. Cast: Adam Pally, Rosa Salazar, Rob Huebel, Peter Krause, Tony Hale. (World Premiere)"<br clear="all"> <br clear="all"> <strong>What We'll Add</strong>: The two-hander gives Pally a lead role, and portends as a breakout for Salazar (best know for a guest arc on NBC's "Parenthood"). — **What SXSW Says**: "After Kevin has a one night stand with Madeline, he discovers she’s actually his boss’ jilted mistress. When she takes a bottle of sleeping pills, Kevin has to keep her awake... and over the course of the night they begin to fall for each other. Cast: Adam Pally, Rosa Salazar, Rob Huebel, Peter Krause, Tony Hale. (World Premiere)"

**What We'll Add**: The two-hander gives Pally a lead role, and portends as a breakout for Salazar (best know for a guest arc on NBC's "Parenthood").

"Mania Days" (dir. Paul Dalio)

<strong>What SXSW Says</strong>: "Two manic-depressive poets meet in a psychiatric hospital and begin a romance which brings out all the beauty and horror of their condition until they have to choose between sanity and love. Cast: Katie Holmes, Luke Kirby, Christine Lahti, Griffin Dunne, Bruce Altman. (World Premiere)"<br clear="all"> <br clear="all"> <strong>What We'll Add</strong>: Katie Holmes tried her hand at festival life with "Miss Meadows" during last year's Tribeca to mixed results. Let's hope this film, from Spike Lee protegé Paul Dalio, fares better. — **What SXSW Says**: "Two manic-depressive poets meet in a psychiatric hospital and begin a romance which brings out all the beauty and horror of their condition until they have to choose between sanity and love. Cast: Katie Holmes, Luke Kirby, Christine Lahti, Griffin Dunne, Bruce Altman. (World Premiere)"

**What We'll Add**: Katie Holmes tried her hand at festival life with "Miss Meadows" during last year's Tribeca to mixed results. Let's hope this film, from Spike Lee protegé Paul Dalio, fares better.

"Unexpected" (dir. Kris Swanberg)

<strong>What SXSW Says</strong>: "An inner-city high school teacher discovers she is pregnant at the same time as one of her most promising students and the two develop an unlikely friendship while struggling to navigate their unexpected pregnancies. Cast: Cobie Smulders, Anders Holm, Gail Bean, Elizabeth McGovern."<br clear="all"> <br clear="all"> <strong>What We'll Add</strong>: "Unexpected" was one of the most highly touted indies to come out of this year's Sundance Film Festival, giving Kris Swanberg (wife of Joe Swanberg) her first breakout film. — **What SXSW Says**: "An inner-city high school teacher discovers she is pregnant at the same time as one of her most promising students and the two develop an unlikely friendship while struggling to navigate their unexpected pregnancies. Cast: Cobie Smulders, Anders Holm, Gail Bean, Elizabeth McGovern."

**What We'll Add**: "Unexpected" was one of the most highly touted indies to come out of this year's Sundance Film Festival, giving Kris Swanberg (wife of Joe Swanberg) her first breakout film.

"BRAND: A Second Coming" (dir. Ondi Timoner)

What SXSW Says: "'BRAND: A Second Coming' follows comedian/author Russell Brand’s evolution from addict & 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)"

What We'll Add: Russell Brand's best role yet may be as himself.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.

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