‘On Swift Horses’ to Close SXSW 2025
The highly-anticipated Daisy Edgar-Jones and Jacob Elordi romance “On Swift Horses” will make its U.S. premiere at the 2025 SXSW Film & TV Festival. The film’s start marks the festival’s end.
IndieWire can announce that the epic from “Fellow Travelers” director Daniel Minahan is the Closing Night feature for SXSW. As previously confirmed, “Another Simple Favor” will make its world premiere as the Opening Night selection; Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg’s Apple TV+ series “The Studio” is the Opening Night TV premiere. Check out the full SXSW Film & TV Festival lineup here.
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“On Swift Horses” stars Elordi as veteran Julius, who upends his brother’s (Will Poulter) newlywed bliss after he returns from the Korean War, as his appearance sparks something unexpected in his new sister-in-law (Edgar-Jones). “On Swift Horses” is based on the 2019 novel by Shannon Pufahl, and Bryce Kass adapted the novel for the screen.
“On Swift Horses” is produced by Minahan, Peter Spears, Tim Headington, Mollye Asher, Theresa Steele Page, and Michael D’Alto. The film made its world premiere at TIFF 2024; read the IndieWire review here.
The film is among the 20 additional projects announced Wednesday as part of SXSW 2025. Highlights also include Dave Franco and Alison Brie’s horror film “Together,” director Jillian Bell’s sophomore film “Summer of 69,” and documentary “Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore.”
“We’re beyond thrilled to pull back the curtain on our full SXSW 2025 program!,” Claudette Godfrey, VP Film & TV, said in an official statement. “From boundary-pushing independent voices to major premiere events, this year’s lineup showcases storytelling at its finest. Whether you’re drawn to thought-provoking documentaries, innovative series, immersive XR experiences, or groundbreaking international films, there’s something here to spark every imagination. Austin’s creative energy is ready to welcome you as we gather to discover, debate, and celebrate together. Get ready for an unforgettable festival experience!”
Check out the additions to the 2025 SXSW lineup below, in the festival’s own words.
NARRATIVE SPOTLIGHT
Unforgettable features receiving their World, North American, or U.S. premieres.
Magic Hour
Director: Katie Aselton, Producers: Emily A. Neumann, Mark Duplass, Mel Eslyn, Jay Duplass, Screenwriters: Mark Duplass, Katie Aselton
Erin and Charlie escape to the desert to navigate an unexpected and challenging new phase of their relationship. Cast: Daveed Diggs, Katie Aselton, Brad Garrett, Susan Sullivan (World Premiere)
The Rivals of Amziah King
Director: Andrew Patterson, Producers: David Heyman, Teddy Schwarzman, Jeffrey Clifford, Michael Heimler, James Montague, Will Greenfield, Screenwriter: James Montague
Charismatic local beekeeper Amziah King oversees a beloved honey operation in the American southwest. When his foster daughter unexpectedly returns, Amziah sets out to bring her into the family business despite facing ruthless competitors with other plans. Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Angelina LookingGlass, Kurt Russell, Jake Horowitz, Scott Shepherd, Rob Morgan, Tony Revolori, Owen Teague, Bruce Davis, Cole Sprouse (World Premiere)
Satisfaction (United States, Ukraine, Greece, Italy, France)
Director/Screenwriter: Alex Burunova, Producers: Rafael Thomaseto, Kyle Stroud, Helena Sardinha, Iryna Asonova
Set against the Greek isles, British composers Lola and Philip’s relationship lingers in silence as she struggles to reclaim her voice. When she meets magnetic Elena and brings her into the fold, tensions rise, forcing Lola to confront her dark past. Cast: Emma Laird, Fionn Whitehead, Zar Amir, Adwoa Aboah (World Premiere)
Summer of 69
Director: Jillian Bell, Producers: Jeremy Garelick, Will Phelps, Molle DeBartolo, Jillian Bell, Breanna Bell-Singer, Matt Skiena, Adam Goodman, Lucas Carter, Screenwriters: Jillian Bell, Liz Nico, Jules Byrne
An awkward high school senior hires an exotic dancer to help seduce her longtime crush before graduation, leading to unexpected friendship and lessons in self-confidence, acceptance, and adulthood. Cast: Chloe Fineman, Sam Morelos, Matt Cornett, Nicole Byer, Liza Koshy, Natalie Morales, Alex Moffat, Fernando Carsa, Paula Pell, Charlie Day (World Premiere)
Sweetness (Canada)
Director/Screenwriter: Emma Higgins, Producers: Taj Critchlow, Daniel Quinn
When a chance encounter with her rockstar crush leads 16 year old Rylee to discover that he’s a dysfunctional drug addict, she takes it upon herself to help him, ultimately forcing her teenage fantasies into reality. Cast: Kate Hallett, Herman T?mmeraas, Aya Furukawa, Justin Chatwin, Amanda Brugel, Steven Ogg, Julius Cho (World Premiere)
Trash Baby
Director/Screenwriter: Jacy Mairs, Producers: Jacy Mairs, Karlee Boon, Cameron Holly Dexter
Stevie is stuck at home for yet another sweltering summer in Pine Park. She soon crosses paths with wild not-so-child, Edie, and finds herself grappling with the natural desire to grow up and the reality of what we lose when we do. Cast: Esther Harrison, Chloe Kramer, Eddie Lee Wollrabe, Brianna Paige Dague, Andre Wollrabe, Makenna DeCaro, Serenity Hibbard, Dominic Hendrikz, Nick Sutton, Elijah Carnazzo (World Premiere)
DOCUMENTARY SPOTLIGHT
Incredible features receiving their World, North American, or U.S. premieres.
American Sons
Director: Andrew James Gonzales, Producers: Laura Varela, Andrew James Gonzales, Elizabeth Avellan, Screenwriters: Laura Varela, Andrew James Gonzales
Haunted by a deadly deployment, a Brotherhood of Marines reunites to heal. (World Premiere)
I’m Carl Lewis! (United Kingdom)
Directors: Julie Anderson, Chris Hay, Producers: Ian Davies, Torquil Jones, Chris Hay, John McKenna, Screenwriters: Gabriel Clarke, Chris Hay
In track and field he’s remembered as The Greatest and athletics’ first commercially global star. Yet his life is often misunderstood. For the first time, Carl Lewis tells the story surrounding his uncompromising drive. (World Premiere)
24 BEATS PER SECOND
Vibrant films showcasing the sounds, culture and influence of music and musicians.
24 Hours of Grace
Director/Screenwriter: Steven Zhu, Producers: Steven Zhu, Izvor Zivkovic, Joslyn Jacoby, Jack Murgatroyd
Follow ZHU’s journey as he sets out to reclaim his seat in dance music. Featuring ZHU, Mitch Bell, Aaron Leibowitz, Vince Fossett, Dante Jones, Rush Davis, Freddy Janney (World Premiere)
FESTIVAL FAVORITE
Acclaimed standouts from festivals around the world.
40 Acres (Canada)
Director: R.T. Thorne, Producer: Jennifer Holness, Screenwriter: R.T. Thorne, Glenn Taylor
Hailey Freeman and her family are the last descendants of African American farmers who settled in Canada after the Civil War. In a famine-decimated near future, they make one last stand against a vicious militia hell-bent on taking their 40 Acres. Cast: Danielle Deadwyler, Kataem O’Connor, Michael Greyeyes, Milcania Diaz-Rojas (U.S. Premiere)
Deaf President Now!
Directors: Nyle DiMarco, Davis Guggenheim, Producers: Nyle DiMarco, Davis Guggenheim, Amanda Rohlke, Jonathan King, Michael Harte
During eight tumultuous days in 1988 at the world’s only Deaf university, four students must find a way to lead an angry mob — and change the course of history. (Texas Premiere)
The Librarians
Director: Kim A. Snyder, Producers: Kim A Snyder, Janique L Robillard, Maria Cuomo Cole, Jana Edelbaum
As an unprecedented wave of book banning is sparked in Texas, Florida, and beyond, librarians under siege join forces as unlikely defenders fighting for intellectual freedom on the front lines of democracy. (Texas Premiere)
Marlee Matlin Not Alone Anymore
Director: Shoshannah Stern, Producers: Robyn Kopp, Justine Nagan, Bonni Cohen, Shoshannah Stern
In 1987, Marlee Matlin became the first Deaf actor to win an Oscar and was thrust into the spotlight at age 21. Reflecting on her life in American Sign Language, Marlee explores the complexities of what it means to be a trailblazer. Featuring Marlee Matlin, Troy Kotsur, Henry Winkler, Aaron Sorkin, Lauren Ridloff, John Maucere, Randa Haines, Sian Heder, Shoshannah Stern, Jack Jason (Texas Premiere)
On Swift Horses
Director: Daniel Minahan, Producers: Peter Spears, Daniel Minahan, Tim Headington, Mollye Asher, Theresa Steele Page, Michael D’Alto, Screenwriter: Bryce Kass
Muriel and her husband Lee are about to begin a bright new life, which is upended by the arrival of Lee’s brother. Muriel embarks on a secret life, gambling on racehorses and discovering a love she never thought possible. Cast: Daisy Edgar-Jones, Jacob Elordi, Will Poulter, Diego Calva, Sasha Calle (US Premiere)
Sally
Director/Screenwriter: Cristina Costantini, Producers: Cristina Costantini, Lauren Cioffi, Jon Bardin, Dan Cogan
Sally Ride became the first American woman to blast off into space, but beneath her unflappable composure was a secret. Sally’s life partner, Tam O’Shaughnessy, reveals their hidden romance and the sacrifices that accompanied their 27 years together. (Texas Premiere)
Together (Australia)
Director/Screenwriter: Michael Shanks, Producers: Alison Brie, Dave Franco, Mike Cowap, Andrew Mittman, Erik Feig, Max Silva
With a move to the countryside already testing the limits of a couple’s relationship, a supernatural encounter begins an extreme transformation of their love, their lives, and their flesh. Cast: Dave Franco, Alison Brie, Damon Herriman (Texas Premiere)
TV PROGRAM
TV PREMIERE
World premieres of prestige TV series premieres from acclaimed showrunners and directors.
The Yogurt Shop Murders
Director: Margaret Brown, Producers: Alice Henty, Michael Bloch
In 1991, four teenage girls were brutally murdered at a frozen yogurt shop in Austin. What happened that night continues to mystify the police, the families, and the city. This series explores the complex questions and trauma left by the unsolved case. (World Premiere)
MUSIC VIDEO COMPETITION
A dynamic mix of creativity and stylish visuals where music and storytelling collide.
Megan Thee Stallion ft. RM – ‘Neva Play’ / Director: Warren Fu, Carl Jones
XR EXPERIENCE
The immersive arts enhance and redefine how we experience the world. These projects emphasize ingenuity and storytelling across diverse industries.
XR Experience Spotlight
Masterful immersive art from around the world.
Symphoni
Director: Ingram Mao, Producer: Seleny Xie
Step into a world of music and magic with Symphoni, techToy Studio’s innovative mixed reality experience. Symphoni reimagines classical music into a rhythm adventure, where conducting meets spell-casting in a way that feels magical yet intuitive.
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