Following its successful debut in 2025, SXSW London is set to return to the capital this summer, celebrating the intersection of film, music, and technology with an impressive lineup of cinematic offerings. From June 1st to 6th, 2026, East London will host the UK's first screenings of 17 films, featuring three world premieres as part of the festival's Screen Conference.
Star-Studded Talks and International Focus
The influential Screen Keynotes series makes a comeback with notable speakers including BAFTA-winning actress and writer Sharon Horgan, Doctor Who's Russell T Davies, and Tom Quinn, founder of Oscar-winning indie film company Neon. These industry leaders will share invaluable insights with attendees.
With 22 countries represented in the confirmed lineup, SXSW London showcases a diverse range of international cinema. Films from Mexico, Slovakia, Kazakhstan, Colombia, and the UK highlight the festival's global reach, offering audiences a rich tapestry of storytelling.
Highlighted Film Premieres
Feast Or Famine
This world premiere documentary follows the acclaimed restaurant Angelina in its pursuit of a Michelin star. Narrated by culinary legend Marco Pierre White, the film demystifies the fine dining experience. Directed by Adrian Choa and Michael Boccalini, it provides an insider's look into the high-stakes world of gastronomy.
The Remedy
A stylish gothic horror from American director Alex Kahuam and writer Daniel Kuhlman, The Remedy stars Doug Jones alongside Timothy Granaderos and London Thor. The plot revolves around a son's desperate attempts to save his mother using a miraculous remedy that comes with a horrifying side effect: an insatiable craving for human flesh.
All Night Wrong
Jason James directs this anxiety-inducing comedy starring Zach Cherry and Maria Bakalova. The film depicts a disastrous first date that spirals into chaos when the couple finds themselves in possession of a killer's car, complete with a dead body and a suitcase of illicit cash.
On The Road
This Mexican film, produced by Diego Luna and directed by David Pablos, blends elements of Jack Kerouac's writing with Alfonso Cuarón's cinematic style. It follows a young sex worker who falls in love with an older truck driver while on the run, exploring themes of rebellion and connection.
Father
Slovakia's official Oscar submission for 2026, Father tackles the tragic subject of forgotten baby syndrome. Directed by Tereza Nvotová and starring Milan Ondrík, the film delves into the guilt and grief of a father whose memory lapse leads to devastating consequences.
Maddie’s Secret
American comedian John Early makes his directorial debut with this tragicomedy, starring alongside Kate Berlant and Kristen Johnston. The film follows a food influencer hiding a battle with bulimia, balancing career ambitions with personal struggles in a narrative praised for its blend of humor and drama.
Sicko
A sharp Kazakh thriller from director Aitore Zholdaskali, Sicko tells the story of a young couple who fake a cancer diagnosis to raise money online. As their scam goes viral, they become entangled in a dangerous web of lies, offering a biting satire on modern desperation.
Intelligence Rising
This British documentary, directed by Elena Andreicheva, explores the geopolitical implications of artificial intelligence. Featuring insights from experts like Yuval Noah Harari and General Patrick Sanders, it examines how AI might reshape global power dynamics beyond its creative applications.
SXSW London 2026 promises to be a landmark event for film enthusiasts, offering a diverse array of premieres, thought-provoking discussions, and international perspectives. With its focus on innovation and storytelling, the festival continues to establish itself as a key player in the global cultural landscape.
