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| | It’s that time of year again. SXSW—the festival of discovery, where creative minds converge in Austin, Texas to share ideas, spark connections, and shape the future—is here. |
| SXSW has long been a cultural mecca for creatives—a multi-industry event at the intersection of film, tech, and music, and a launchpad for talent. This year, the festival is expanding its global footprint with the launch of SXSW London. From June 2-7, the festival will make its European debut, bringing its own distinct energy, shaped by London’s creative DNA, its proximity to major tech hubs, and its dynamic cultural landscape. |
| With just a week separating SXSW London and Cannes Lions, we’ve been thinking—how many global brands will seize the opportunity to activate at both, leveraging the first-ever SXSW in Europe before heading south to France? |
| As we gear up for an electrifying weekend in Austin, we’ve curated the must-see moments from SXSW 2025, along with inspiration for what’s to come in London. |
| | Bruce, Brian, Ed + The BMF Team |
| | |  | Pulse Check: SXSW Activations We’ve curated the must-see SXSW activations, screenings, and keynotes in an easy-to-navigate agenda for you. Check it out here. ➔ |
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| | |  | BMF Connects With Peter Lewis Brian Feit sat down with Peter Lewis, SXSW’s Chief Partnerships Officer, to discuss the festival’s evolution, from game-changing brand activations to its global expansion. ➔ |
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| | The New + The NoteworthyEverything Worth Doing/Seeing/Getting/Booking |
|  | | Join SXSW in Austin, March 7-15, 2025, for a week of innovation, entertainment, and inspiration. Hear from keynote speakers Mark Cuban and Conan O’Brien, enjoy a Rolling Stone-curated music lineup featuring Halsey and Benson Boone, and catch stars like Pedro Pascal and Kevin Bacon at the Film Festival. Check out the full lineup and more here. ➔ |
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|  | | Experience SXSW London from June 2-7, 2025, bringing Austin’s energy across the Atlantic. Hear from Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Idris Elba, enjoy an NME-curated music lineup with Rina Sawayama and Sam Fender, and catch stars like Tilda Swinton and Dev Patel at the Film Festival. Plus, don’t miss top-tier comedy from James Acaster, Aisling Bea, and more. Click here for more. ➔ |
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| | | Step into the next era of immersive storytelling, gaming, and digital interaction at the XR Experience Exhibition 2025 at SXSW. This cutting-edge showcase brings together the latest advancements in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and spatial computing, offering attendees a firsthand look at how these technologies are redefining entertainment, communication, and human connection. Don’t miss your chance to experience the frontier of immersive tech. To find out more about the event, click here. ➔ |
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|  | | The SXSW 2025 Film & TV Festival is bringing major premieres and A-list stars to Austin. In The Accountant 2 we’ll see Ben Affleck as Christian Wolff reuniting with Jon Bernthal as the lethal Brax to hunt down a killer. In Death Of A Unicorn, Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega star in a dark comedy about a father and daughter who accidentally hit a unicorn with their car, setting off a bizarre corporate conspiracy. World premieres. Big names. Can’t-miss cinema. Check out the full lineup here. ➔ |
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|  | | For those curating the perfect SXSW 2025 itinerary, here’s an absolute must-see. Whataburger, Texas’ most iconic burger chain, is bringing its Whataburger Museum of Art (WOMA) to life as a physical gallery during the festival to celebrate its 75th anniversary. That’s right art, but make it Whataburger. Among the standout pieces? A Whataburger-themed spin on Art Basel’s infamous banana. Fuel your appetite for culture here. ➔ |
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|  | | The 2025 SXSW Conference Track Sponsors are shaping the future of technology, business, creativity and more, aligning their expertise with key industry discussions. Iconic brands and corporations such as L'Oréal Groupe, IBM, NOBULL, and so much more are set to take the stage and show off their innovative work. Check out the full list here. ➔ |
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| | The FrequencyWhat We’re Listening To Now. |
|  | | Rising pop sensation Benson Boone is set to headline SXSW 2025, bringing his raw vocals and heartfelt storytelling to the stage. With a sound that blends pop, rock, and emotional balladry, Boone has quickly made a name for himself, captivating audiences with hits that explore love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Check out Benson Boone here, and see the full SXSW lineup here. ➔ |
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|  | | Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Tems is bringing her soulful sound to SXSW London! Fresh off her African Music Performance Grammy win for Love Me JeJe, Tems continues to make waves after breakout success on Wizkid’s Essence and collaborations with Future, Drake, Beyoncé, and Rihanna. Don’t miss her electrifying performance, book here! ➔ |
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| | The BeatIntroducing: The Beat by DJ Flash |
|  | BMF has partnered with Flash GEA (jē), NYC’s hottest up-and-coming DJ and genre-blending producer known for having his finger on the pulse of the city’s vibrant music scene. From his electrifying sets at the trendiest venues to his signature mix of big room techno and acid house, @flashgea is the sound selector that major brands and tastemakers are turning to. For this issue of The Pulse, Flash has curated a playlist, giving you a taste of today’s top tracks—listen here. ➔ |
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| | The DestinationNow Departing... |
|  | | Get ready to immerse yourself in the heart of Austin during SXSW and beyond! From legendary live music venues and vibrant food scenes to hidden gems and must-visit cultural spots, our updated travel guide has everything you need to make the most of your time in this unique and dynamic city. ➔ |
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| | | The SublimeCreators, Innovators, And Cool $#!+ You Should Know About. |
|  | | If you’ve ever wondered what’s next for brain-machine interfaces, longevity science, or next-gen biohacking, Bryan Johnson is the guy to follow, and he’s taking the stage at SXSW. The founder of Kernel and OS Fund, Johnson is all about pushing the boundaries of human potential, and his keynote on the future of human optimization is set to be one of the festival’s most talked-about moments. Check out more details here. ➔ |
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|  | | Idris Elba, the award-winning actor, filmmaker, musician, and entrepreneur, will take the stage as a keynote speaker at SXSW London 2025. Elba’s keynote will explore his journey through entertainment, business, and philanthropy, offering insights into his work at the intersection of storytelling, technology, and global culture. Expect thought-provoking discussions on the future of media, the power of representation, and the role of innovation in shaping creative industries. Don't miss this exclusive conversation at SXSW London 2025. ➔ |
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|  | | The 2025 SXSW Film & TV Festival is unveiling its full lineup, and it’s set to be an unforgettable celebration of creativity, innovation, and storytelling. The festival's closing night film will be the U.S. premiere of "On Swift Horses", directed by Daniel Minahan. Starring Daisy Edgar-Jones, Jacob Elordi, Will Poulter, Diego Calva, and Sasha Calle, this stunning drama promises to captivate audiences with its rich narrative and powerful performances. Check out the Film and TV Festival lineup here. ➔ |
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|  | | Victor Riparbelli, CEO of Synthesia, is revolutionizing video production with AI. At SXSW London 2025, he’ll explore how AI is reshaping storytelling, enabling realistic video creation without traditional filming, and address ethical concerns like deepfakes, misinformation, and authenticity. Join the conversation on the future of AI and creativity. ➔ |
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|  | | Rolling Stone is bringing its Future of Music showcase back to Austin for its third year, presented by JBL. From March 11–14 at ACL Live at the Moody Theater, the event will feature performances from rising stars like Benson Boone, Megan Moroney, Ivan Cornejo, and Rema. The lineup includes artists from Rolling Stone’s Future 25 list, spotlighting the next wave of musical talent. For the full schedule and RSVP details, visit SXSW Music Festival. ➔ |
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| | The Week in ReviewICYMI... |
| Travel Waymo, Uber Begin Offering Robotaxi Rides In Austin Ahead Of SXSW ➔ TDW+Co Partners With Alaska Airlines (ALK) And Hawaiian Airlines For Immersive Branded House ➔ Austin Airport Gears Up For NASCAR, SXSW, Spring Break Travel Rush ➔ The Best Hotels Still Available For SXSW 2025 ➔ Austin Expecting Thousands Of Visitors And Increased Traffic During SXSW 2025 ➔
Fashion & Beauty Streetwear Label Cherry LA Links Up With W Hotels To Ring In SXSW ➔ Sneaker Politics Reveals ASICS GEL-Kayano 14 Exclusive For SXSW ➔ Unlock The Secrets To A Stellar SXSW: Your Ultimate Prep Guide ➔ Celebrated Women's Advocates, Renowned Medical Experts, And Esteemed Thought-Leaders Take The Stage At SHE Media's Third Annual Co-Lab At SXSW®, March 7, 8, 9 ➔
Entertainment Prime Video Celebrates Women-Led Projects ‘Another Simple Favor,’ ‘Summer I Turned Pretty’ And More With Immersive SXSW Activation (EXCLUSIVE) ➔ Ben Stiller & Apple’s Eddy Cue Set For SXSW Featured Session On Media & Entertainment ➔ Anna Baryshnikov & Camila Mendes Fashion-Fueled Comedy ‘Idiotka’ Making SXSW World Premiere ➔ 20 Most Anticipated Movies At SXSW 2025 ➔
Technology A Lawyer At SXSW: Exploring The Future Of Law And Technology ➔ SXSW 2025—What Brands Need To Know About AI, Marketing Activations, Creator Deals And Tech Advancements ➔ CIA To Offer Tips On 'Creative Problem Solving' At SXSW Festival ➔ JBL’s SXSW Sound Bodega To Serve Up Performances From DJ Pee .Wee, Laila! And Many More ➔
Media Michelle Obama And John Fogerty Add Surprises To SXSW Lineup ➔ Your Ultimate Guide To SXSW 2025 ➔ The Fast Company Grill Returns To SXSW ➔ How Brands Are Showing Up At SXSW 2025 ➔ The Viral Dubai Chocolate Bar Is Making An Appearance At SXSW ➔
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