NEONs I love boosters will open SXSW 2026. This is not only the opening film, but also the world premiere of the film directed by visionary filmmaker Boots Riley.
SXSW 2026 opening film with star-studded cast
I love boosters features an epic ensemble cast including Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza Gonzalez, LaKeith Stanfield and Demi Moore.
Um I love boosters
The mind-bending story follows a group of professional shoplifters known as “The Velvet Gang” who target a murderous fashionista. To reveal more than that would be doing a disservice to the SXSW opening audience, who will surely watch in awe as this story plays out on the big screen for the first time.
Boots Riley first appeared at the festival in 2018 with the macabre social satire Sorry to bother you. In 2023 he returned with the world premiere of his successful series I am a virgin. I love boosters is Riley’s second original feature film following a successful music career with the groups The Coup and Street Sweeper Social Club, starring Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine fame.
SXSW 2026 takes place March 12-18 in Austin. Tickets are now available here on site.




