Once again, Roxstar’s Cinema Center proved itself as the ultimate hospitality hub for filmmakers, actors, and industry insiders at SXSW. The highly anticipated four-day pop-up wrapped up at Higbie’s cocktail bar this past weekend, leaving behind a trail of unforgettable premiere parties, A-list appearances, and an immersive experience for cinephiles.
A Star-Studded Affair
The Cinema Center’s ambitious lineup included eight exclusive red-carpet premiere parties for some of SXSW’s most buzzworthy films, backed by an impressive roster of sponsors including Bloom Nutrition, Peroni, Hendrick’s Gin, and Rendezvous Films. To elevate the experience, media powerhouse Collider set up a dynamic interview and portrait studio on-site, capturing intimate conversations with the stars and filmmakers behind this year’s standout titles.
Kicking off the festivities on Friday was the highly anticipated premiere of Chad Artigan’s The Threesome, graced by leading stars Zoey Deutch and Ruby Cruz, fresh from her role in Mare of Easttown. The night was electric, setting the tone for an action-packed weekend ahead.
Double the Celebration: Duplass Brothers Take Center Stage
Jay and Mark Duplass, the ever-present forces in independent cinema, took over the Cinema Center for a dual celebration of their films The Baltimorons and Magic Hour. In a particularly memorable moment, Jay’s birthday was commemorated with an industry-heavy gathering, attended by a stellar cast including Michael Strassner, Liz Larsen, Olivia Luccardi, Daveed Diggs, Katie Aselton, Brad Garrett, and Susan Sullivan.
Saturday’s Cinematic Marathon
Saturday saw the Cinema Center hit full throttle with three major film premieres, drawing in Hollywood heavyweights and rising stars alike. Andrew Gaines’ The Dutchman brought together an exceptional ensemble cast including Kate Mara (with three films at SXSW), Zazie Beetz, Andre Holland, and Aldis Hodge. Michael Bay’s adrenaline-fueled parkour documentary We Are Storrer captivated extreme sports enthusiasts, while American Sweatshop, starring Lili Reinhart, Daniela Melchior, Jeremy Ang Jones, Josh Whitehouse, Tim Plester, Christiane Paul, and Joel Fry, highlighted the gritty realities of modern consumer culture.
A Chilling Finale
Sunday rounded out the festivities with the premiere of We Bury the Dead, starring Daisy Ridley. The Cinema Center also hosted a screening for The Surfer, an Australian psychological thriller. While fans were left hoping for a Nic Cage appearance, the absence of the legendary actor did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the night.
Collider’s Powerhouse Interview Studio
Beyond the premiere parties, Collider’s Interview Studio added an extra layer of excitement to the Cinema Center. With over 30 million unique monthly visitors, Collider attracted a host of top-tier talent, making it a must-stop destination on the SXSW press circuit. Attendees included David Oyelowo, Matthew McConaughey, Aaron Paul, Amanda Peet, Bradley Whitford, Zoey Deutch, Ruby Cruz, Lili Reinhart, Eiza Gonzalez, Chloe Fineman, and Dennis Quaid, among many others.
Craft Cocktails & VIP Wellness Perks
Of course, no film celebration would be complete without premium refreshments. Hendrick’s Gin showcased a selection of bespoke cocktails, including the classics Hendrick’s Cucumber Lemonade and Hendrick’s Unusual Negroni, as well as the indulgent Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret Spritz Royale and Hendrick’s Oasium Fizz. Peroni Nastro Azzurro, the premium Italian lager, returned as the official beer partner of the Cinema Center, ensuring guests were never without a refreshing pour in hand.
Newcomer Bloom Nutrition made a splash as the official wellness partner, offering VIP guests access to an array of rejuvenating essentials, including their signature Greens & Superfood powders, supplements, and Bloom Sparkling Energy—a ready-to-drink canned beverage designed for an instant boost. The brand, founded by wellness influencer Mari Llewellyn and her husband Gregory LaVecchia, provided a much-needed oasis for attendees balancing the whirlwind of SXSW events.
Adding to the Cinema Center’s robust ecosystem, Rendezvous Films joined forces with Collider to provide vital support for independent filmmaking. The alternative investment vehicle specializes in creative equity financing for indie films, TV, and documentary content, reinforcing the importance of independent storytelling in the entertainment industry.
A Grateful Farewell to Austin
As the curtains closed on another successful edition of Roxstar’s Cinema Center, founder and Roxstar CEO David Manning reflected on the event’s impact. “We’re always tremendously gratified by the welcome we receive in Austin each year,” Manning shared. “With the help of our partners, we enable filmmakers to showcase, nourish, and quench their films’ thirst for celebration.”
With another unforgettable SXSW in the books, Roxstar’s Cinema Center once again cemented its reputation as the go-to destination for industry insiders looking to celebrate, connect, and elevate the art of cinema. Until next year, Austin!
