sign up for sxsw sydney 2025 updates
Three weeks to go and counting!
The full SXSW Sydney lineup is here and if you’re suffering from analysis paralysis, fear not. Our programming experts have weighed in on some of the must-see experiences to get you started. And they had their work to be cut out for them – the program will feature over 1000 future-forward experiences, 700+ thought-provoking speakers, 300+ cutting-edge performances, 170+ thrilling game demos, and 200+ captivating screen events, including five exclusive gala premieres.
From a rare keynote by the likes of Chance The Rapper to a first-hand look into the changing face of independent games, our first ever event outside of Austin is a huge opportunity for creatives, leaders and thinkers to converge on Sydney from October 15 – 22 for a week of learning, inspiration and enrichment.
If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got you covered! Study this list of must-sees and dive into the schedule to choose your own SXSW Sydney adventure.
Selected by Head of Conference Programming at SXSW Sydney®, Fenella Kernebone
Experts across the creative industries, tech, startups, the media, sports, advertising, marketing, and beyond. Big names include:
Selected by Head of Tech & Innovation at SXSW Sydney®, Caroline Pegram
The Expo will be an immersive experience, with product demonstrations, interactive installations, meet-and-greets, and invaluable networking opportunities.
Witness 20 startups pitch their groundbreaking concepts to industry experts, media professionals, and venture capital investors, all in front of a live audience.
Tech in the park, all week long
I’ll just let these events speak for themselves…
An opportunity for industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators and any badge holder from any sector to come together and connect. There will be a live performance involving a local music artist using generative AI processes and visuals in their work.
Selected by Head of Music at SXSW Sydney®, Claire Collins
An epic boat party on the opening night of the music festival featuring performances from our hot tips for 2024, US hip-hop duo Flyana Boss and Canada’s EKKSTACY.
Upskill over a three-day period via a series of conference panels speaking to the topic of AI and the opportunities (and challenges) that this new technology presents.
Good times are assured at showcases and parties hosted by
and so many others
Over 300 performances including
Selected by Head of Screen at SXSW Sydney®, Ghita Loebenstein
The Australian Premiere of summery, aristocratic thriller, Saltburn from acclaimed director Emerald Fennell (Promising Young Woman), starring Australian Jacob Elordi (Euphoria).
The World Premiere of music documentary ONEFOUR: Against All Odds, about the Western Sydney drill rap band, with director Gabriel Gasparinatos and producers Sarah Noonan, Erin Moy and Jennifer Peedom attending.
An Australian-made nod to 90’s nostalgia captured on 16mm. Filled with backyards and pre-internet growing pains, this work is directed by Tim Barretto.
South Korea’s official entry for Best International Feature Film in the 2024 Academy Awards, disaster epic Concrete Utopia is Bong Joon-ho meets JG Ballard. The cast is led by Squid Game’s Byung-hun Lee and it’s the ‘feel-bad’ blockbuster of the season!
Directed by Austin Smith, produced by Devo Harris, Lab Rat is a groundbreaking interactive film about a neurological experiment, which invites the audience to participate in real time, as a community-game.
Selected by Head of Games at SXSW Sydney® Games, Luke Lancaster
No better way to kick off the week than our opening night party, featuring amazing musical performances of songs from Australian-made games, a debut song from one of Australia’s best new artists, and some very special international guests.
The Encore showcase where we’ll be collecting every game shortlisted for the SXSW Sydney Games Awards®, and where you’ll be able to play the best of the best.
Coming in hot from sellout shows at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, it’s the breakout hit social deduction horror game turned comedy stage show, and you can catch it at Midnighters Games (and get a chance to play the game yourself!)
If you’re a developer looking to network with investors, agencies, and publishers, you cannot miss the Investment Meet. A mix of casual and match-made meetings, playtest breakfasts, and seminars, specifically for the games industry.
Closing out the week, stop by the Finals for the otherwise sold-out Intel Extreme Masters. Your SXSW Sydney Games Badge® will get you into all three days of the best esports event you’ll see in Australia, but the atmosphere at the finals is going to be incredible.
Intrigued by what you see in the schedule? We thought so. If you have already secured your badge or wristband, now’s the time to decide which level of access is right for you.
Badges are your master key for SXSW Sydney – they open the doors to all activity across the week-long event, from its Conference and Tech & Innovation Expo to its Music, Screen and Games Festivals.
Wristbands give access to SXSW Sydney’s Music, Screen or Games festivals, for performances, screenings and showcases.
Click here to discover the right level of access for you.
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