Colin Trevorrow’s Safety Not Guaranteed is a feel-good comedy about a group of misfits looking for love and acceptance. The film uses a touch of movie magic to form an interesting new twist on the same old romantic comedies seen time and again. With a fantastic all-star cast to boot, this was one of the festival’s greatest gems.

Fat Kid Rules The World, based on the K.L. Going book of the same name, marks actor Matthew Lillard’s impressive directorial debut. A microbudget film, it is notably well shot and cast and is simply a very fun time at the movies. It is no big surprise it received the Narrative Spotlight Audience Award at this year’s South By Southwest festival.

Stephen Kessler’s Paul Williams Still Alive is a charming documentary about legendary songwriter and unlikely 70’s icon Paul Williams. A film six years in the making, it’s the story of Stephen’s childhood idol and how the unlikeliest of friendships is born between them. It is a kind of love letter that manages to be captivating and funny while not having to resort to any extravagant Hollywood magic.

Jay and Mark Duplass hold a special place in the heart of many Austinites. This is why it was only fitting that their long delayed yet highly anticipated film The Do-Deca Pentathlon would have its world premiere at this year’s South by Southwest. A film that has been in some form of production for several years (before shooting began on Cyrus), it was a great treat to have the final cut finally available for audience viewing.

A dark, realistic character study that isn't for the easily offended.

Ashtar Sayed’s Bijuka (meaning “scarecrow”) is a compelling Indian film with a strong point of view regarding the high number of rapes occurring in the country. Unfortunately, while the message comes across loud and clear, the execution manages to be both dull and highly traumatizing for the viewer. Its purpose is reached at a high cost.

Australian film The Hunter is the type of film you immediately identify as brilliant but also regret watching because it leaves you in such a somber mood.

Found footage helps a true-crime novelist realize how and why a family was murdered in his new home.