SXSW London kicks off with near-perfect timing: just a few weeks ago, the UK AI sector reported record investment figures, underscoring London’s status as Europe’s AI capital. “AI as a new power structure” is, fittingly, the central theme of the second edition of Austen’s spin-off. In fact, a big reason SXSW moved to London is because the city’s “tech, business and creative industries are all in one place,” says head of programming Katie Arnander.
The festival will take place in the ultra-hip creative hub of Shoreditch from June 1st to 6th, and will be held across 25 venues, including the expansive Truman Brewery and Shoreditch Town Hall. The lineup includes more than 800 speakers including Tom Quinn and the Russo brothers, 200 music showcases, and more than 40 film screenings. Some 25,000 people from 85 countries took part in the first edition, and organizers are hoping for a similar international turnout this time around, despite rapidly escalating global tensions.
“We have the exact same DNA as Austin, which is the idea of a multi-disciplinary, multi-hyphenate festival,” says Anander. “But what makes London different is that we lean more towards the creative industries because London is a hotbed of creativity.”
Here’s your guide to must-see events at the 2026 fest.
tom quinn
The co-founder and CEO of indie distribution company Neon is landing in London with his nine-year-old label on the rise. Perhaps local filmmakers (with scripts in hand) will join forces, considering the keynote speaker helped found the multi-Oscar-winning company behind “Parasite,” “Anora,” “Long Legs” and, most recently, the Palme d’Or winner “Fjord.” What lies under the hood of Quinn’s offering – his studio was reportedly in talks to sell a significant stake earlier this year – remains to be seen.
“Virginia Woolf’s Night and Day”
The festival’s screen section opens with the world premiere of Tina Galavi’s film adaptation of Woolf’s classic novel. The film tells the story of a passionate astronomer (Haley Bennett) who does everything in her power to avoid love and marriage. With a supporting cast that includes Jack Whitehall and Lily Allen, “Knight and Day” brings star power to SXSW London. Plus, there’s nothing Brits love more than a period romantic comedy.
IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson
Last year, King Charles visited SXSW London. This time, there’s presidential treatment in the air in the form of former First Lady Michelle Obama, who joins her brother Craig Robinson on the list of keynote speakers. The two will be hosting a live recording of the podcast IMO, where for the past year they have been trying to answer questions about life’s colorful dilemmas. But in London, they’ll reportedly be taking live questions from the audience to spice things up a bit (and lay the groundwork for potential unscheduled hilarity).
“Savage House”
Another much-talked-about world premiere is director Peter Grants’ dark satire of class and power, starring Claire Foy and Richard E. Grant as an genteel 18th-century couple in pursuit of a better life. The film, which promises “duels, decadence and bloodshed,” could be an audience favorite. Look for iconic British actors Foy and Grant to hit the SXSW red carpet.
“Intelligence Rising”
Oscar and BAFTA winner Elena Andreycheva’s latest documentary tackles the urgency of AI adoption through the lens of wargame-style simulation. Engineers, generals, and philosophers all sit down to strategize, debate, and decide how AI will impact the world and come to different conclusions.
“Get Jiro.”
The late celebrity chef and documentary maker Anthony Bourdain loved London. So it’s no surprise that festival-goers will be offered the first two episodes of this animated series based on his graphic novel. Created by Brian Gatewood and Alessandro Tanaka, Get Giraud is set in a near-future LA where chefs are the ruling class and food is the new currency. thank you!
“Toy Story 5”
With less than two weeks until the latest Toy Story movie hits theaters, Pixar’s lead VFX supervisor Thomas Jordan offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the computer animation of Woody, Buzz Lightyear and friends. Jordan, who also worked on the second and fourth films, takes a deep dive into the next generation of animation and shares his insights on how to take advantage of the latest tools.
avo
Joe and Anthony Russo’s production company will have a big presence at SXSW London ahead of the long-awaited release of Avengers: Doomsday in December. Among other events, the brothers will participate in a panel discussion on storytelling and world-building. Joining them will be Donald Mustard, co-creator of “Fortnite” and now a partner at AGBO. Coincidentally, “Avengers: Doomsday” was being filmed at nearby Pinewood Studios.
mark plier
YouTuber and filmmaker Mark Fischbach, better known as Markiplier, talks about how to make “really good” AI, just months after his indie sci-fi horror film Iron Lung turned the industry on its head. The self-financed and independently released film debuted at the top of the U.S. box office and grossed $50 million worldwide. By bypassing traditional distribution channels and focusing on activating a fan base online, Fischbach is showing the way for independent filmmakers. Please plan to arrive early.
