Boots Riley's "I Love Boosters" to Premiere at SXSW 2026

Boots Riley's second feature film, "I Love Boosters," is set to make its world premiere as the opening night film of the 40th South by Southwest (SXSW) Film & TV Festival, scheduled for March 12-18, 2026, in Austin, Texas. The film, distributed by Neon, follows a crew of professional shoplifters targeting a ruthless fashion maven, described in its logline as “like community service.” The ensemble cast includes Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza Gonzalez, LaKeith Stanfield, Don Cheadle, and Demi Moore.

Variety Magazine

Boots Riley is known for his unique storytelling style, which blends social commentary with surreal elements. His debut feature, "Sorry to Bother You," premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival, and he returned to SXSW in 2023 with his Amazon Prime Video series "I’m a Virgo." Riley's work often reflects his background in music and activism, having previously performed with the groups The Coup and Street Sweeper Social Club.

Variety Magazine

The announcement of "I Love Boosters" as the opening film marks a significant moment for SXSW, which will feature a simultaneous run of its film, music, and business conferences for the first time. Claudette Godfrey, SXSW's Vice President of Film & TV, expressed excitement about the film, stating, “The Velvet Gang has officially cased Austin and decided opening night at SXSW 2026 will be the start of their global takeover!” She emphasized the film's originality and its potential to captivate audiences with its "razor-sharp social commentary" and "eye-popping imagery."

Deadline Hollywood

In her official statement, Godfrey highlighted the film's audacious nature and its role in kicking off the festival with an unforgettable experience. She noted, “Boots has created another wildly original and boundary-pushing vision that’s deliciously unpredictable.” The anticipation surrounding the film suggests it will be a focal point of the festival, drawing significant attention from attendees and media alike.

Deadline Hollywood

While the excitement for "I Love Boosters" is palpable, some critics may question the film's themes and execution, particularly in relation to its portrayal of shoplifting and societal commentary. However, specific dissenting viewpoints have not been prominently featured in the current discourse surrounding the film.

IndieWire

The full lineup for SXSW 2026 will be announced in January, with expectations that it will include a diverse range of films and programming. As the festival approaches, further details about "I Love Boosters" and its reception will likely emerge, contributing to the ongoing conversation about Boots Riley's impact on contemporary cinema.

IndieWire