Standout films, panels for SXSW 2013

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Film lovers: Are you prepared for the 109 feature films premiering at South By Southwest March 8-16?

That’s nine, long days of over a hundred films consisting of 69 world premiers, 14 North American premiers and 5 U.S. premiers.

And these aren’t just any films. These films were picked from a record of 2,096 feature-length film submissions composed of 1,482 U.S. and 614 international feature-length films. In total, there were over 5,000 films submitted for consideration at SXSW.

Then on top of that, SXSW Film will feature over 150 featured conversations, panels, workshops and mentor sessions to sift your way through.

Feeling overwhelmed yet? Here are a few standout movies and panels to help you organize your cinema-filled week.

Films:

• “Mud,” starring local Hollywood hotshot Matthew McConaughey.

Two boys find a fugitive hiding out on an island in the Mississippi and form a pact to help him reunite with his lover and escape.

Additional cast: Tye Sheridan, Jacob Lofland, ReeseWitherspoon, Sarah Paulson, Ray McKinnon, Sam Shepard, Michael Shannon

Director/Screenwriter: Jeff Nichols

• “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone”

As superstar Vegas magicians and former best friends Burt and Anton grow to secretly loathe each other, their long-time act implodes, allowing an ambitious rival street performer the big break he’s been waiting for.

Cast: Steve Carell, Steve Buscemi, Olivia Wilde, with Alan Arkin, James Gandolfini and Jim Carrey.

Director: Don Scardino; Story by Chad Kultgen, Tyler Mitchell, Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley; Screenplay by Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley.

• “Broadway Idiot”

Punk Rock meets Broadway - WTF!?! A documentary that goes behind the curtain with Green Day lead singer, Billie Joe Armstrong, as he ventures into the strange new world of Broadway. Will Billie Joe – or Broadway – ever be the same?

Director: Doug Hamilton

• “Evil Dead,” which had a trailer so scary it came with a disclaimer.

Five friends, holed up in a remote cabin, discover a Book of the Dead that unwittingly summons up dormant demons which possess the youngsters in succession until only one is left to fight for survival.

Cast: Jane Levy, Shiloh Fernandez, Lou Taylor Pucci, Jessica Lucas, Elizabeth Blackmore

Director/Screenwriter: Fede Alvarez; Screenwriter: Rodo Sayagues

• An Unreal Dream: The Michael Morton Story

Michael Morton’s wife Christine was brutally murdered in front of their only child, and he was convicted of the crime. Twenty-five years later, he tells the story in a documentary of his journey from despair to exoneration.

Director: Al Reinert

Panels:

• A Conversation with Matthew McConaughey

An in-depth discussion with the incredibly fascinating actor, whose career continues to evolve in exciting and unexpected ways, including his bold choices with recent projects like Magic Mike, Killer Joe, Bernie and Mud.

•   Humanizing Heroes: Storytelling Beyond Sports

The leading authorities behind some of today's most notable sports films, Connor Schell (ESPN Films), Ken Rodgers (NFL Films) and Ross Greenburg (Ross Greenburg Productions), discuss the evolution of storytelling in sports filmmaking, its influence on pop culture and its continued resonance across all cultures and backgrounds.

• Bates Motel : Story to Screen with Carlton Cuse

In a special event combining the SXSW Film Festival and Conference in one, attendees will get an exclusive first look at the pilot of Bates Motel, the thrilling new series from A&E. Following the screening, Executive Producer Carlton Cuse ("Lost") will sit down with A&E Marketing EVP Guy Slattery for an inside look and Q&A on the process for bringing this contemporary prequel to life .

• Jeffrey Tambor’s Acting Workshop

Jeffrey Tambor continues the tradition of his much loved acting and life workshop by returning to SXSW Film 2013. Part one-man show, part seminar, part question and answer and endlessly entertaining, Jeffrey’s hilarious and empowering presentation inspires the viewer to discover the artist within.