SXSW London 2026: Sharon Horgan, Russell T Davies, and Tom Quinn to Keynote
The Hollywood Reporter has revealed the first wave of keynote speakers and world film premieres for SXSW London 2026, taking place June 1–6 in Shoreditch. The Screen Festival lineup showcases a deliberately international programme with films from 22 countries, following a 2025 edition that represented more than 43 countries.
Keynote Speakers
Three major figures from film and television will headline the Screen Festival:
Sharon Horgan — The multi-BAFTA-winning actress, writer, producer, and director best known for creating and starring in Bad Sisters, which has earned multiple BAFTAs, Emmy nominations, and international awards. She also co-created the hit comedy Motherland and recently signed a two-year first-look deal with HBO for her original comedy series Youth.
Russell T Davies — The award-winning screenwriter and producer behind Queer as Folk, the Doctor Who revival, A Very English Scandal, and the BBC One/HBO drama Years and Years. He was awarded the 2006 Dennis Potter Award at BAFTA and an OBE for services to drama. His upcoming series Tip Toe is set for Channel 4.
Tom Quinn — Founder and CEO of Neon, the independent studio that has won Best Picture twice (Parasite, Anora) and six consecutive Palme d'Or awards at Cannes. Neon has accumulated 57 Oscar nominations with 11 wins. Upcoming releases include Steven Soderbergh's The Christophers and Sundance hit Leviticus.
World Premieres
Three films will make their world premiere at SXSW London:
- _Feast or Famine_ (UK) — Documentary narrated by Marco Pierre White following London restaurant Angelina's pursuit of a Michelin Star
- _The Remedy_ (US) — A supernatural horror from director Alex Kahuam about a caregiver who unleashes a flesh-eating entity
- _All Night Wrong_ (Canada) — A blind date turns into a crime caper involving a stolen car, a dead body, and $40,000
UK Premieres
Another 11 films will receive their UK premiere, spanning genres and continents: from Kazakhstan (Becoming, Sicko), Saudi Arabia (Hijra), Mexico (It Would Be Night in Caracas, On the Road), Singapore (Amoeba), Slovakia (Father), Uruguay/Argentina (The Whisper), Spain (La Carn), Australia (Whistle), and the US (Maddie's Secret, Remake).
Festival Vision
Anna Bogutskaya, Head of Screen at SXSW London, described the Screen Festival as "not designed to be just another film festival" but rather "a bridge between international talent and the UK, between film and the wider creative industries, and points of connection between film, music, art and technology."
Key Takeaways
- Sharon Horgan, Russell T Davies, and Neon's Tom Quinn headline the Screen Festival keynotes
- Three world premieres and 11 UK premieres across 14 films from 22 countries
- International focus reflects London's multicultural role as global creative hub
- Films span Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Singapore, Slovakia, and more
- SXSW London 2026 runs June 1–6 in Shoreditch