Home / Arts and Entertainment / Film Critic Takes Helm at SXSW Festival
Film Critic Takes Helm at SXSW Festival
26 Mar
Summary
- Peter Debruge appointed as new SXSW Film & TV Festival Director.
- Claudette Godfrey steps down after nearly 20 years with SXSW.
- Debruge brings extensive experience from Variety and global festival involvement.
Peter Debruge, a distinguished film critic, has been named the new Director of the SXSW Film & TV Festival. He officially assumes this leadership role on April 6th, taking over from Claudette Godfrey, who is stepping down after two decades with the organization. Debruge joins SXSW from Variety, where he served as Chief Film Critic for 20 years, authoring over 2,000 reviews and covering major international film festivals extensively.
His appointment signifies a return to Texas, as Debruge grew up in Waco and studied film at the University of Texas at Austin. His early career included contributions to The Daily Texan and The Austin Chronicle, covering SXSW in the late 1990s. Debruge's deep connection to the Austin community and global cinema is further evidenced by his jury service at festivals like Cannes and his co-founding of the Animation Is Film Festival.
