If you live in New England you know just how trying this winter has been on us all.  More snow has accumulated by the end of January then our average annual snowfall…and there are no signs of it letting up anytime soon.  This morning our hopes for an early spring were dashed when the Punxsutawney Groundhog saw its own shadow and predicted  6 more weeks of winter.  But there is some good news…

I can’t think of a better way to alleviate the concerns of continued hibernation then to look forward to a nice long trip to Austin, TX and the annual SXSW conference in Mid-March.  Thankfully the festival announced their Official Program late last night giving us New England film lovers something to think about other then melting snow, re-freezing and more snow on the way.  We’ll be studying all the lists over the next few weeks but first want to start out by congratulating The Way We Get By for its acceptance into the Feature Documentary Competition.  The film was 1 of 8 to be accepted into the prestigious festival, and we couldn’t be more excited for the CIFF alum.  Screened as a “work-in-progress,” and the Official Opening Night Film of the 2008 Camden International Film Festival, the sold-out show was an emotionally charged experience, complete with the film’s three stars on-hand to view the documentary alongside audience members for the first time.  Since then nearly 15 minutes have been cut.

Hours before the "Work-In-Progress" Screening of The Way We Get By at the 2008 Camden International Film Festival

Inside the beautiful Strand Theatre for the post-screening Q&A of The Way We Get By

SXSW will mark the Official World Premier of the film, and its in great company.  “”We couldn’t be more delighted with the SXSW 2009 lineup,” film conference and festival producer Janet Pierson said. “It’s a great continuation of the quality SXSW is known for: plenty of compelling, new filmmaking talent across all budget lines, engaging documentaries ranging from the socially conscious to the hilarious, electrifying music films, prominent Texas themes, cutting-edge and smart Hollywood films, and an even greater exploration into global cinema,” says newly appointed Program Director, Janet Pierson.

Full lineups can be found here.

Stay tuned for much, much more on SXSW!

Other notable premieres we’re VERY excited about:

Pulling John – Emerging Visions (we’ve blogged about the film here)

New World Order – Spotlight Premiere (new film from the creators of DARKON)

Objectified – Spotlight Premiere (new film from the creator of HELVETICA)

We Live in Public – Special Screenings (Best Documentary at 2009 Sundance Film Festival)

Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo – Emerging Visions

– Ben