Just as the world is starting to open back up (for what… the fifth time now?) Josh, Jenn and Morgen are “headed” to SXSW but only as far as their living rooms. This year marks a return to in-person for one of the first major festivals to have cancelled right at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020. Two years later, the event is returning to take over Austin, Texas while also maintaining hybrid options for those of us hoping to experience the festivities at a distance. Luckily for us there are a ton of options to take advantage of virtually so we can avoid those skyrocketing airline tickets and gas prices.

The only downside for the film festival: there are several feature films only available to those making the trip down to Austin, but still a pretty great offering available to those of us electing to stay home. They’ve also created an app available on AppleTV and Firestick among other devices. As of right now the film aspect of the conference isn’t really available on the app but a lot of content, talks and interviews from the tech conference (taking place as we speak) are already available.

We’ll be keeping you up to date as we wade through the dense waters of the fully packed week ahead. Morgen has a few films she’s already excited about seeing like Kishi Bashi’s Omoiyari and Lenoleum starring Jim Gaffigan. Unfortunately Everything Everywhere All At Once, the opening night feature, is only available in person as well as a few other highly anticipated films like Bodies Bodies Bodies and the goofy Sandra Bullock vehicle The Lost City.

If you’re not already Austin and want to get a taste of the festival from afar, an Online Pass provides all-access to a “robust digital event including programming from the Conference, Film and Music festivals, unique networking opportunities, and more.” SXSW Film runs from today until March 19th with most films getting an online screening a day after their in-person premieres.