GET READY FOR SXSW Being more than just a film festival doesn’t make it less of one. By Jacob T. Swinney

Is the South by Southwest Film Festival as prestigious as, say, Cannes orSundance? There seems to be a rather mixed outlook in regards to the Austin, Texas-based festival. SXSW just doesn’t seem to be taken as seriously as some of the other big festivals. Why is that? Well, for one, SXSW isn’t just a film festival; it’s a conglomerate geared towards cinema, music, technology, conferences, and more.  Therefore, SXSW often gets overlooked as a filmfestival. Also, since music festivals carry a rather party-heavy reputation, SXSW as a whole tends to inherit that. Still, while SXSW may draw younger, more energetic crowds than other festivals, it’s no less prestigious. Consider that Terrence Malick, one of the most prestigious filmmakers working today, will premiere his new film at this year’s SXSW. And on the other side of the spectrum, SXSW offers films that other festivals simply do not accommodate: studio comedies, action blockbusters, etc. So don’t be so quick to judge, and have a look at all that SXSW has to offer.