# SXSW London Guide: The 9 Best Panels and Premieres to Catch, From Michelle Obama to the Russo Brothers to a New Virginia Woolf Film > Source: > Published: 2026-05-29 11:00:00+00:00 [SXSW London](https://variety.com/t/sxsw-london/) kicks off with near perfect timing: Just weeks earlier, the U.K.’s AI sector reported record investment numbers, underscoring London’s status as the AI capital of Europe. “AI as the New Power Structure” is, aptly, a central theme of the second edition of the Austin spinoff. In fact, a big reason SXSW made the leap to London, programming chief Katy Arnander says, is the city’s “convergence of tech, business and creative industries all in one place.” The festival is set to take over the über-hip creative hub of Shoreditch from June 1-6 and will be spread across 25 venues such as the vast Truman Brewery and Shoreditch Town Hall. The lineup boasts more than 800 speakers — including [Tom Quinn](https://variety.com/t/tom-quinn/) and the Russo Brothers — 200 music showcases and more than 40 film screenings. Roughly 25,000 people from 85 countries attended the inaugural edition, and despite rapidly heightening global tensions, organizers are expecting a similar international turnout this time around. ### Popular on Variety “We absolutely have the same DNA as Austin, which is this idea of a multi-hyphenate festival across different sectors,” Arnander says. “But what makes London different is that because it is such a hotbed of creativity, we lean into the creative industries more.” Here, a guide to the 2026 fest’s must-do events: ##### Tom Quinn The co-founder and CEO of indie distributor Neon lands in London with his 9-year-old label on a hot streak. Given that the keynote speaker helped build the multi-Oscar-winning company behind “Parasite,” “Anora,” “Longlegs” and, most recently, the Palme d’Or-winning “Fjord,” local filmmakers will likely be out in force (with, quite possibly, their scripts). What sort of peek under the bonnet Quinn offers — his studio was reportedly in talks earlier in year to sell a significant stake — remains to be seen. ##### “Virginia Woolf’s Night and Day” The festival’s Screen section will open with the world premiere of Tina Gharavi’s adaptation of Woolf ’s classic novel, which follows a passionate astronomer (Haley Bennett) doing everything she can to avoid love and marriage. With supporting players including Jack Whitehall and Lily Allen, “Night and Day” will bring some star power to SXSW London — plus, there’s nothing Brits love better than a period rom-com. ##### IMO With Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson Last year, SXSW London had a visit from King Charles. This time around, it’s getting a splash of presidential treatment in the shape of former first lady Michelle Obama, who joins the roster of keynote speakers alongside her brother, Craig Robinson. The pair will host a live recording of their “IMO” podcast, which for the last year has seen the pair attempt to answer questions about life’s colorful array of dilemmas. But in London, just to spice things up a little (and laying the groundwork for some potential unplanned hilarity), they’ll reportedly be taking real questions live from the crowd. ##### “Savage House” Another buzzy world premiere, Peter Glanz’s dark satire of class and power stars Claire Foy and Richard E. Grant as a posh 18th-century couple in pursuit of an even better life. With promises of “duels, decadence and bloodshed,” the film could prove an audience favorite. Look for Foy and Grant, two of Britain’s finest acting exports, to hit the SXSW red carpet. ##### “Intelligence Rising” Oscar and BAFTA winner Elena Andreicheva’s latest documentary tackles the urgency of AI prolifera- tion through the lens of a war-game-style simulation. Technologists, generals and philosophers all sit down to strategize, debate and decide how AI could impact the world — with varying conclusions. ##### “Get Jiro” The late celebrity chef and documentarian Anthony Bourdain loved London, so it’s only fitting that fest-goers will be served the first two episodes of this animated series based on his graphic novel. Created by Brian Gatewood and Alessandro Tanaka, “Get Jiro” is set in a near-future L.A. where chefs are the ruling class and food becomes the new currency. Bon appétit! ##### “Toy Story 5” Less than two weeks before the latest “Toy Story” entry hits cinemas, the Pixar tentpole’s VFX su- pervisor Thomas Jordan will offer a glimpse be- hind the computer-animated joints of Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Co. Jordan — who also worked on the second and fourth installments — will deep-dive into the next generation of animation, sharing insights on how to take advantage of the latest tools. ##### AGBO Ahead of the much-anticipated release of “Avengers: Doomsday” in December, Joe and Anthony Russo’s production company will have a big presence at SXSW London. Among other events, the brothers will take part in a panel discussion about storytelling and world-building; joining them is Donald Mustard, “Fortnite” co-creator and now [AGBO](https://variety.com/t/agbo/) partner. As it happens, “Avengers: Doomsday” has been shooting just up the road at Pinewood Studios. ##### Markiplier YouTuber and filmmaker Mark Fischbach — better known as [Markiplier](https://variety.com/t/markiplier/) — will talk about making “real good” AI just months after his indie sci-fi horror feature “Iron Lung” turned the industry on its head. The self-financed, self-released film debuted atop the U.S. box office and went on to reap $50 million globally. In bypassing traditional distribution routes and focusing on galvanizing his online following, Fischbach is showing the way for indie filmmakers. Plan to be there early.