South by Southwest Conference and Festivals (SXSW) announced film director, screenwriter, and producer Darren Aronofsky as the latest Film Keynote for SXSW 2018. Aronofsky joins previously announced Keynotes Ta-Nehisi Coates (Convergence Keynote), Barry Jenkins (Film Keynote), Esther Perel (Interactive Keynote), and whurley (Convergence Keynote).
“A provocative, and virtuoso filmmaker, we’re thrilled to host Darren Aronofsky as one of SXSW Film’s 2018 Keynotes,” said Janet Pierson, Director of Film. “He’s been an original since his first independent work, and we know it will be a blast for our passionate SXSW audiences to hear his story.”
Featured Speakers announced also include Grammy award-winning singer and songwriter Keith Urban, New York Times best-selling author Luvvie Ajayi, sociopolitical comedian W. Kamau Bell, This American Life creator and host Ira Glass, co-founder of Ballmer Group and owner of the Los Angeles Clippers Steve Ballmer, designer Yiying Lu, and many more.
“Some of the world’s most imaginative thinkers are part of today’s announcement,” said Hugh Forrest, Chief Programming Officer. “These innovative speakers cover the depth and breadth of SXSW content, enhancing our standing as the foremost destination for creative people to gain the practical tools and outside-of-the-box inspiration to achieve their goals.”
The 2018 SXSW Conference & Festivals takes place March 9-18 in Austin, TX. Stay tuned for more Keynotes and Featured Speakers to be announced in November.
