South by Southwest can be overwhelming with incredible things to see every night for a two week period denoted by film and music. The music aspect of the festival receives a lot of attention through e-mail invites to shows, blogs promoting various parties, and national acts performing in every basement, club, and store around Austin. However, just as important, exciting, and entertaining is the film facet of the festival. In the past such films as I Love You Man, Moon, Adventureland, Hurt Locker, 21, American Teen, Choke, and Shine a Light have all made their debut right here in Austin. The South by Southwest Film Conference allows the average film lover sharing margaritas with industry insiders and gives viewers the unique opportunity to view first-run films for a low price.

Few realize that you can see as many movies as you wish with the SXSW Film Pass, which is available to locals for just $70. The film pass gives unlimited access to movies and is available for purchase at ALL Original Alamo Drafthouse locations in Austin and Waterloo Records.

Even if you miss a screening, not to worry because many films at SXSW have multiple screenings and run through March 20th.  Check out SWSW website for the official line up, movie times, and locations.

Films this year range from big name, high profile productions to documentaries and mainstream comedies met with arthouse flare. Excitement is buzzing about Saturday Night Live produced MacGruber with Will Forte, starring Jason Bateman and Val Kilmer in a ’80s television spoof which will get a sneak preview before its April 23 release date.

Other notable films include the Bill Murray with Robert Duvall dramatic comedy, Get Low, about a hermit who plans his own funeral. Hopefully this means there could be some Bill Murray sightings around town — he did after all attend a party in a cave for Fantastic Fest ’08. Also, Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning star in the coming-of-age 1970s band bio-pic,  The Runaways. The festival has a laundry list of promising documentaries including the world premier of The People Vs. George Lucas, The White Stripes Under Great White Northern Lights, and American: The Bill Hicks Story.

Check the SWSW website for full details and show times. Spend a week at the movies for a low price and be the first to see the newest films.