SXSW Perform 2025

Over the years, the SXSW Music Festival in Austin has been a launchpad for many famous musicians who later achieved significant acclaim. Artists like Billie Eilish and Lizzo first gained attention at SXSW, showcasing their talents to industry professionals and music lovers alike. Other notable names include The Strokes, who performed early in their career, and Norah Jones, whose breakthrough moment occurred at the festival.

Emerging acts like Hozier and Khalid made waves at SXSW, helping to propel their careers forward. This history of nurturing talent reflects the festival's role as a vital space for artistic growth and discovery, making it a cornerstone of the music industry. Each year, SXSW continues to highlight both established artists and the next generation of musical innovators, solidifying its reputation as a cultural phenomenon.

The final Deadline is October 31, 2024

By @katharinedesenne

In a year marked by heightened social consciousness and environmental crises, "El Gran Aviso" emerges as a poignant cinematic experience that tackles pressing global issues through a gripping narrative. Directed by [Director's Name], the film blends drama and thriller elements to create a story that resonates with contemporary audiences.

Set against the backdrop of an unnamed city grappling with political unrest and ecological disaster, "El Gran Aviso" follows the journey of [Protagonist's Name], a whistleblower working within a powerful corporation. As [he/she/they] uncovers a chilling conspiracy that threatens both the environment and societal stability, [Protagonist's Name] finds [himself/herself/themselves] at the center of a moral battle that could change the course of humanity.

The film artfully weaves together personal struggles with larger societal themes, showcasing the tension between individual responsibility and corporate greed. As the protagonist races against time to reveal the truth, viewers are compelled to reflect on their own roles in the world’s current statUs.

"El Gran Aviso" explore several critical themes, including:

- Environmental Responsibility:** The film underscores the urgency of addressing climate change and the consequences of ignoring scientific warnings.

- Corporate Ethics:** It critiques the morally ambiguous actions of corporations that prioritize profit over the planet, sparking discussions about ethical leadership and corporate accountability.

- Civic Engagement:** By highlighting the importance of standing up against corruption and advocating for truth, the film encourages audiences to be active participants in shaping their communities.

Critical Reception

Early screenings have generated buzz for their compelling performances and tight screenplay. Critics have praised [Lead Actor/Actress’s Name] for a standout performance that captures the character's internal conflict and determination. The film’s cinematography, marked by [describe visual style, e.g., "stunning landscapes and gritty urban settings"], further enhances its emotional weight.

By @Katharinedesenne

Watch the trailer on IMDB

In a cinematic landscape increasingly defined by complex narratives and emotional depth, "We Live in Time" (2024) emerges as a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the relentless passage of time. Directed by [Director's Name], this film invites audiences to reflect on how our relationships are shaped by the moments we share and the fleeting nature of time itself.

Set in a bustling metropolis, the story follows [Main Character's Name], played masterfully by [Lead Actor/Actress], who navigates the challenges of personal and professional life while grappling with the emotional weight of impending change. As the narrative unfolds, we see how the protagonist’s relationships—both romantic and familial—are tested against the backdrop of life’s unpredictability.

One of the film’s standout features is its innovative use of time as a narrative device. The director skillfully manipulates the timeline, allowing viewers to experience pivotal moments out of sequence, creating a sense of urgency and emotional resonance. This technique not only heightens the stakes but also emphasizes the idea that every moment matters, encouraging audiences to reflect on their own experiences and choices.

By @katharinedesenne

Watch the Trailer IMDB

In a bold exploration of societal attitudes, the documentary "Am I Racist" delves deep into the complexities of racial bias and discrimination. Directed by [Director's Name], this thought-provoking film invites viewers to reflect on their own beliefs and behaviors in a world increasingly divided by race.

Through candid interviews and real-life scenarios, "Am I Racist" confronts the uncomfortable truths about prejudice that often lie beneath the surface. The film features a diverse range of voices, allowing audiences to hear personal stories that highlight the impact of racism on everyday lives.

The documentary stands out for its unflinching honesty and commitment to sparking dialogue. By encouraging viewers to examine their own biases, "Am I Racist" serves as a powerful catalyst for change, fostering understanding and empathy in a society grappling with issues of race.

As the film continues to make waves in film festivals and discussions, it challenges us all to engage in critical self-reflection and ultimately work towards a more inclusive future.

by @katharinedesenne

Watch the Official Trailer Joker: Folie a Deux

The highly anticipated Joker: Folie à Deux is poised to take audiences into an even darker, more chaotic world, with Joaquin Phoenix reprising his Oscar-winning role as the disturbed Arthur Fleck. This time, the sequel has an unexpected twist—Lady Gaga joins the cast as Harley Quinn, the Joker’s equally unhinged counterpart. Directed by Todd Phillips, the film explores a complex, psychological descent into madness, with Fleck and Quinn's shared delusions driving the story.

The film’s title, “Folie à Deux,” refers to a rare psychiatric phenomenon where two individuals share the same delusion, hinting at the deeply intertwined mental states of the Joker and Harley. Gaga’s casting adds a new layer of intrigue, especially with her rumored musical performances, making this film a hybrid of psychological thriller and musical—a genre-bending approach that breaks new ground for both the Joker franchise and comic book films.

Phillips promises a stylized, intense narrative, with Gotham’s underbelly serving as the perfect stage for this tragic love story. With Phoenix and Gaga’s powerhouse performances, Joker: Folie à Deux is set to be a visually striking, emotionally haunting experience unlike any other.

by @katharinedesenne

The National Museum of Denmark has returned a sacred 16th-century Tupinambá cloak to Brazil, sparking a debate over its permanent home. The cloak, made from scarlet ibis feathers and once worn by Indigenous leaders, was repatriated after a year of negotiations. A ceremonial event was held at the National Museum in Rio de Janeiro, attended by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Minister of Indigenous Peoples Sônia Guajajara, and over 200 members of the Tupinambá community.

While its return is widely celebrated, Indigenous leaders argue that the cloak should be housed in Bahia, where a cultural center is being built. Anápuàka Tupinambá and President Lula both emphasized that the cloak’s rightful home is within Indigenous territory, not the National Museum in Rio.

The cloak’s return sets an important precedent for the repatriation of other sacred Indigenous artifacts held in foreign museums. Only 11 cloaks of this kind are believed to exist, most of which are housed in European institutions. The return from Denmark is the first successful repatriation of such an item.

Though the National Museum plans to feature the cloak in its reopening exhibitions in 2026, it maintains that the artifact was returned on a permanent basis. However, Indigenous leaders and activists continue to push for its final transfer to Bahia, where it can be properly honored and preserved within its cultural and spiritual context.

By Katharine De Senne

Lisa Schiff’s once-prestigious art collection is headed for the auction block following her bankruptcy, with more than 200 pieces slated for sale. The auction, overseen by Phillips and scheduled for November, will proceed pending a court hearing on September 25. The sale is expected to generate around $2 million, according to estimates, and comes after months of speculation about the future of Schiff’s holdings.

Schiff, a prominent art advisor, gained a formidable reputation in the art world. She worked with an impressive array of clients and built a collection featuring works by artists such as Judy Chicago, Damien Hirst, and Richard Prince. However, her career took a dramatic downturn when lawsuits surfaced earlier this year accusing her of fraud and running a Ponzi scheme through her advisory firm, Schiff Fine Art. These allegations culminated in Schiff’s bankruptcy filing, which has now set the stage for this large-scale auction.

The bankruptcy trustees enlisted Winston Art Group to conduct an extensive cataloging process, which lasted eight months and uncovered over 1,000 pieces in Schiff’s collection—though some artworks remain unaccounted for. Trustees decided to divide the sale, with Phillips taking the higher-value pieces and Millea Brothers Auctioneers handling decorative items. Phillips was selected for its expertise and favorable terms, offering a zero-percent seller’s commission and waiving other fees, ensuring that creditors receive the maximum possible return.

The auction is slated to begin on November 18, coinciding with major art sales in New York. The proceedings, however, will take place in a market already experiencing turbulence. Those involved with Schiff’s advisory dealings have been given until September 18 to object to the sale of specific works, adding a layer of complexity to the event.

As this sale unfolds, it marks a pivotal moment not only for Schiff but also for the broader art community, raising questions about the future of high-end collections caught in financial and legal turmoil.

By Katharine De Senne

Tim Burton's highly anticipated Beetlejuice 2 promises to resurrect the eccentric and macabre world of the original 1988 cult classic, this time with a fresh twist on both modern and timeless themes. Burton dives into contemporary issues like influencer culture, online shopping, and the persistent dominance of capitalism while maintaining his signature dark humor.

Winona Ryder reprises her iconic role as Lydia Deetz, but now her teenage daughter, Astrid (played by Jenna Ortega), takes center stage, capturing the angst and rebellion of a new generation. Jenna Ortega’s rising star power, fueled by her performances in Wednesday and Scream, ensures a seamless generational handoff, perfectly channeling the same "gothic" energy Lydia embodied decades earlier.

Michael Keaton's return as the irreverent and chaotic Betelgeuse injects the film with the same mischievous charm fans adored, while Monica Bellucci brings flair as his vengeful ex-wife, Delores. Willem Dafoe, portraying an afterlife cop, adds even more intrigue, while Danny Elfman's score will tie everything together with the spooky vibe's fans expect.​

Click Here to Watch MTV 2024 Video Music Awards 

The 2024 MTV Video Music Awards have officially kicked off, with music's biggest stars gathering to find out who will claim the top honors. Taylor Swift leads the nominations with 12, mostly for her collaboration with Post Malone on the single "Fortnight" from Tortured Poets Department. The video is up for Video of the Year, giving Swift a shot at her fifth win in that category. She’s also nominated for Artist of the Year, with "Fortnight" earning nods in Song of the Year, Best Collaboration, and several technical categories.

Post Malone racked up nine nominations, largely thanks to "Fortnight," and he also received another nod in Best Collaboration for his hit with Morgan Wallen, "I Had Some Help." Ariana Grande secured six nominations, along with Eminem and first-time VMA nominee Sabrina Carpenter.

Artist of the Year
Ariana Grande
Bad Bunny
Eminem
Sabrina Carpenter
SZA
Taylor Swift

Song of the Year
Beyoncé – “Texas Hold Em”
Jack Harlow – “Lovin on Me”
Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us”
Sabrina Carpenter – “Espresso”
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight”
Teddy Swims – “Lose Control