SXSW Slackery News Tidbits, February 15

It's that time of year: SXSW news is flying around thick and fast. Even if you're just concentrating on the film conference and festival, it's hard to keep up. In addition, SXSW has announced some new titles and conference sessions today. Here's the new information and some other recent news, all in our handy-dandy news tidbit format.

• SXSW has just added 15 features and four shorts to this year's lineup. The features announced today include the world premiere of  Todd Rohal's Nature Calls, Sundance selection Safety Not Guaranteed (the cast includes former Austinite Mark Duplass), the cameraphone-shot King Kelly, and Blue Like Jazz, about a Texas student who escapes to the Pacific Northwest. Oh yes, and a restored print of Yellow Submarine, which I might not be able to resist.
• SXSW also announced five new Film Conference panels today, including "A Conversation with Seth MacFarlane." Personally, I'm interested in a panel about restoring films at Universal, on Monday at the Paramount, which I hope means they'll show some restored footage.
• If you're more interested in the movies than the panels, and you're on a budget, be aware that SXSW Film Passes will go on sale starting tomorrow, Feb. 16. The passes cost $80 and are available to buy from Waterloo Records and three Alamo Drafthouse locations (Ritz, Lamar, Village). A limited number are sold so if you want one, don't wait. Look for our updated guide about getting the most out of SXSW with a film pass as we get closer to the festival.
• Another option if you're on a budget: Host a filmmaker at your house during the festival and get a Film Badge. If you've got the space, this could be a lot of fun.
• The SXSW Film venue information for this year is now available. Again, keep an eye out for our annual Venue Guide about a week before SXSW begins. The surprise this year is that the SXSatellite venues (very handy for locals with cars) have changed -- no more Regal Arbor and Westgate. Instead, SXSW is using Alamo Drafthouse Village and Alamo Drafthouse Slaughter. These will be the first movies shown to the public at the Slaughter location, which officially opens later in March. SXSW is also using two screens at Violet Crown. FYI, the "Canon Screening Room at the Long Center" is a rebranding of the Rollins Theatre.