One of the world’s largest convergences of the film, music and technological industries, this year’s South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference and Festival features several Oklahoma films & filmmakers, musicians, and more as part of its programming to take place in Austin, Texas, March 12-18, including “Brian,” which was filmed in Oklahoma utilizing the film incentives from both the state and Oklahoma City.
“We’re thrilled ‘Brian’ is heading to SXSW! This sharp, hilarious coming-of-age comedy is a true testament to the incredible talent and crew right here in Oklahoma,” said Talia Bella of Rebellium Films. “Filmed in Oklahoma City with the generous support of Oklahoma Film + Music and Film in OKC, ‘Brian’ showcases just how vibrant and capable our local film community is.”
Notable SXSW film and music programming featuring Oklahomans include:
- “Brian” (FILM) – Produced in Oklahoma by local production company Rebellium Films and utilizing film incentives from both the state and Oklahoma City, “Brian” is a coming-of-age story starring Ben Wang (“The Long Walk”), William H. Macy (“Fargo”) and Natalie Morales (“Parks and Recreation”) among others that will celebrate its world-premiere at SXSW in the Narrative Feature Competition presented by Kickstarter with screenings on March 14, 15 & 17.
- The All-American Rejects (MUSIC) – Following the success of their sold-out House Party Tour, The All-American Rejects will make their first-ever SXSW appearance performing at the SXSW 2026 Music Opening Party on March 12, with band members appearing on a featured conference session, “A Conversation with The All-American Rejects,” on March 13.
- Brainwasher (MUSIC) – Oklahoma City’s rock/psychedelic band Brainwasher will perform at the Mothland Music Showcase on March 14.
- Parris Chariz (MUSIC) – Rising Tulsa hip-hop/rap artist will perform at the Hip Hop Forever Music Showcase on March 12.
- Wyatt Flores (MUSIC) – Oklahoma-born singer/songwriter Wyatt Flores will appear on a music panel session, “Tour Support 2.0: How Mental Health Is Reshaping Live Music,” as well as perform in the evening as part of the CMA Songwriters Series showcase on March 13.
- Going Off Script: Filmmaking Through an Indigenous Lens (FILM) – Cherokee Film sits down for a panel with leading Native American directors and writers Erica Tremblay, Sydney Freeland and Tim Hanada to discuss breaking the industry, working in Hollywood and what’s next for independent film with Cherokee Film Senior Director Jen Loren on March 14.
- Hollywood in the Heartland (FILM) – The Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture, Cherokee Film, New York University and Creative Equity Initiative will host a mix and mingle with film commissioners, filmmakers and industry creatives open to all platinum and film/tv badge holders on March 17.
- “Lainey Wilson: Keepin’ Country Cool” (FILM + MUSIC) – Directed by Oklahoman Amy Scott, “Lainey Wilson: Keepin’ Country Cool” follows the chart-topping, award-winning country star on her personal journey, struggles and triumphs as she captivates stages across the country. Screenings on March 17 & 18.
- Jordan Bush (MUSIC) – Broken Arrow native and University of Oklahoma alum Jordan Bush will participate in mentoring sessions for Women in Music on March 18. Bush is a music and partnerships leader with 15+ years of experience driving artist growth, collaborations and large-scale campaigns across the industry with a career that has taken her from WME and Epic Records to her current role as Vice Chair of Development & Partnerships for Women in Music Austin, where she currently resides.
“We’re thrilled to see such a strong showcase for Oklahoma’s film and music industries at this year’s South by Southwest Festival and Conference,” said Oklahoma Film + Music Office Director Jeanette Stanton. “We applaud our film commission partners at the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture and Cherokee Film for their engagement efforts alongside the incredibly talented filmmakers and musicians who will be represented at this prestigious event.”
Platinum, Film & TV and/or Music Badges are required to attend many events.
For more information on SXSW and further details, visit sxsw.com.
###
About the Oklahoma Film + Music Office
Under the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO) works to promote the state as a viable hub for film, television and music production as well as further develop opportunities for workforce, business and community growth within these sectors. For more information on the Oklahoma Film + Music Office, including the state’s film incentives and additional resources, visit okfilmmusic.org.
