Boots Riley's 'I Love Boosters' to Kick Off 2026 SXSW Film and TV Festival

The excitement for the 2026 SXSW Film and TV Festival is already building as it has been revealed that Boots Rileys latest project, I Love Boosters, will open the festivals 40th edition in March 2026.

Distributed by Neon, the film centers on a group of professional shoplifters targeting a ruthless fashion mogul. The ensemble cast includes Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza Gonzalez, LaKeith Stanfield, Don Cheadle, and Demi Moore.

This world premiere marks Boots Rileys return to SXSW, following the debut of his Prime Video series Im a Virgo at the 2023 festival. I Love Boosters is Rileys second feature film, after his 2018 Sundance premiere, Sorry to Bother You.

Claudette Godfrey, SXSW Vice President of Film & TV, expressed her enthusiasm: The Velvet Gang has set its sights on Austin, and Opening Night of SXSW 2026 will kick off their global arrival. Boots Riley delivers another distinct and daring vision that is as unpredictable as it is thrilling. With sharp social commentary, surreal storytelling, and stunning visuals, all brought to life by an incredible cast, I Love Boosters promises an unforgettable start to the festival.

SXSW 2026 will take place from March 12-18 in Austin, Texas. For the first time, all festival sections will run simultaneously, meaning film, TV, music, comedy, and business events will overlap. Additional film and TV announcements are expected in January.

Recently, Riley also participated as a mentor at the fifth annual Features Lab organized by 1497, a nonprofit supporting emerging South Asian filmmakers, alongside Ritesh Batra and Nida Manzoor.

Author: Ava Mitchell