'Moonlight' Director Barry Jenkins Among First SXSW 2018 Keynote Speakers Announced

SXSW 2018 Keynotes Named

SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST has kicked off its 2018 season (MARCH 9th through 18th) by unveiling select Keynotes and Featured Speakers, bringing together a diverse group of storytellers, creators, inspirational figures, and changemakers who share forward-thinking ideas and imaginative insights, helping creative people achieve their goals.

Commented SXSW Chief Programming Officer HUGH FORREST, "SXSW has become a premier destination for innovation and creative discovery. We're pleased to begin our 2018 season with strong programming that represents a diverse and talented group of pioneers in the technology, social sciences, healthcare, and entertainment industries. The depth and breadth of knowledge these speakers bring to the event is an excellent indicator that this is going to be one of our best years ever.”

Keynotes announced today include ACADEMY AWARD-winning "Moonlight" writer/director BARRY JENKINS, psychotherapist and best-selling author ESTHER PEREL, and technology entrepreneur and quantum computing expert WHURLEY. Featured Speakers announced today include space entrepreneur and futurist BOB RICHARDS, EMPOWERING A BILLION WOMEN BY 2020 Chairman/CEO INGRID VANDERVELDT, artist and poet CLEO WADE, and author and founder of the FUTURE TODAY INSTITUTE, AMY WEBB. 

Added SXSW Director Of Film JANET PIERSON, “We are overjoyed to invite BARRY JENKINS back to SXSW as a Film Keynote having presented the world premiere of his first feature, 'Medicine for Melancholy,' in 2008. 'Moonlight' is a magnificent piece of work, transcendent, and made on his own terms. We couldn’t be happier for his success and to have this remarkable artist with such a generous soul return to SXSW.”

Registration opens for SXSW 2018 beginning AUGUST 1st. SXSW CONFERENCE programming is organized into 24 Tracks divided between Interactive, Film, Music, and Convergence, presented in a variety of session formats. Once again, SXSW is offering expanded access to events for all registrants. Attendees will receive primary access to programming associated with their badge type but now also enjoy secondary entry to most other SXSW events.

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