Trending Now - Peter Debruge Appointed Director of SXSW Film & TV Festival

WHO:

Peter Debruge, former chief film critic at Variety

Claudette Godfrey, former Vice President of Film & TV at SXSW

South by Southwest (SXSW) Film & TV Festival

WHAT:

Peter Debruge has been appointed as the Director of the SXSW Film & TV Festival.

Debruge will take over the film and television programming from Claudette Godfrey.

Claudette Godfrey is stepping down after nearly 20 years with the organization.

WHERE:

Austin, Texas (location of the SXSW Film & TV Festival)

WHEN:

Peter Debruge will begin his role on April 6th, 2026.

Claudette Godfrey has served nearly 20 years at SXSW.

WHY:

Claudette Godfrey is stepping down from her role, allowing for a new director to take over.

HOW:

Peter Debruge was selected for the position based on his previous experience as a chief film critic.

(UPDATED March 26, 2026 21:09 UTC)

Peter Debruge has been appointed as the Director of the SXSW Film & TV Festival in Austin, Texas, and he will officially begin his role on April 6, 2026. He takes over the film and television programming from Claudette Godfrey, who is stepping down after nearly 20 years with the organization. Debruge was selected for this position due to his extensive experience as a chief film critic at Variety.