Highway 10 Premieres Dual Films at SXSW: A New Chapter for Matt Smith and Dan Gedman

Producers Matt Smith and Dan Gedman, who have a long-standing friendship rooted in their shared love for cinema, premiered two films at the 2026 South by Southwest (SXSW) festival: “The Saviors” and “Wishful Thinking.” Both films represent the inaugural projects from their production company, Highway 10, which they launched in 2024. “The Saviors” is a comedy-thriller that explores the dynamics between a couple and a Middle Eastern brother-sister duo renting their guest house, while “Wishful Thinking” follows a couple in Portland, Oregon, whose relationship issues may be linked to a global crisis.

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Smith and Gedman’s partnership began in Kansas City, where they bonded over their mutual interest in films during their college years at the University of Kansas. Their cinematic journey has culminated in the establishment of Highway 10, named after the road connecting their hometown to their alma mater. The duo aims to produce indie films with significant themes and engaging narratives.

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“The Saviors” was filmed in Altadena, California, just before the Los Angeles wildfires, which later impacted the homeowners involved in the project. In contrast, “Wishful Thinking” was shot in Portland during 2025, completing post-production just days before its SXSW debut. The films are characterized by their unique storytelling and strong performances, with Smith highlighting the influence of filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino and Paul Thomas Anderson on their creative vision.

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Both films tackle contemporary issues, with “The Saviors” addressing immigration and the treatment of foreigners in the United States. Gedman noted the film's relevance in today’s socio-political climate, emphasizing its timely questions about societal attitudes toward immigrants.

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Looking ahead, Smith and Gedman plan to expand their filmography with projects like “When a Stranger Venmos,” a thriller centered on a young woman navigating the internet age. They have several other projects in the pipeline, aiming to continue delivering engaging cinematic experiences.

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Smith expressed excitement about the dual premieres, stating, “These films represent the last two years of our work... We are genre agnostic, but we want films that have big central hooks or big ideas.” Gedman added, “It’s grounded in great performances from wonderful actors telling a relatable story,” highlighting the collaborative nature of their projects.

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While the films have received positive attention, there may be critiques regarding their thematic choices and portrayal of sensitive subjects such as immigration. However, specific dissenting viewpoints were not detailed in the sources.

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• “These films represent the last two years of our work, so to have them premiere back-to-back is exciting and terrifying,” — Matt Smith, Producer

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• “But it’s also asking questions about immigration and the way that foreigners are treated in this country that feel sadly relevant.” — Dan Gedman, Producer

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• “It was like a mixture of all these sensibilities — Tarantino and PTA, who really turned us on to cinema, and Spielberg, whose movies we grew up watching,” — Matt Smith, Producer

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Through their work, Smith and Gedman aim to create films that resonate with audiences, reflecting their journey from Kansas to the vibrant film scene in Austin.

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