The South by Southwest (SXSW) Film & TV Festival is an annual event held in Austin, Texas, known for its convergence of film, interactive media, and music. Established in 1987, it runs for nine days and features a diverse program including narrative and documentary competitions, episodic television, and an Academy-qualifying short film competition. The festival provides networking opportunities and serves as a platform for discovery in independent film, attracting a global audience of filmmakers, industry professionals, and enthusiasts. It is widely recognized for its high-caliber programming and its role in launching films prior to US distribution.