Austin, Texas – Amy Wang’s directional venture, “Slanted,” clinched the grand jury prize for narrative features at the 2025 SXSW Film and TV Festival, in a robust competition showcasing a variety of cutting-edge films and television series. The film, featuring a senior high school student who undergoes a controversial racial transformation, stood out for its stark, satirical examination of racial identity.
“Slanted” explores the lengths Joan Huang, the protagonist, is willing to go in her quest to fit in and achieve her dream of becoming Prom Queen by transforming into a white person. This bold narrative dives deep into the complex discourse of racial identity, framed within the competitive, high-pressure environment of American high school culture.
The jury, comprised of influential figures including film critics Clayton Davis, Rebecca Ford, and Ryan Lattanzio, praised the film for its poignant portrayal of Asian American identity crises and its broader relevance. They described it as a film that unflinchingly addresses the universal desperation to belong, backed by compelling performances from the cast.
In other recognitions, the narrative section of the festival honored Annapurna Sriram and Amanda Peet with special jury awards for their roles in “Fucktoys” and “Fantasy Life,” respectively, highlighting their exceptional contributions in multitasking and performance.
Documentaries and independent TV pilots also received their share of the spotlight. “Shuffle,” directed by Benjamin Flaherty, which delves into the exploitation within the addiction treatment industry through the story of three individuals, took home the grand jury prize for documentary features. The category also celebrated “The Python Hunt” and “Remaining Native” with special jury awards for their compelling storytelling and exploration of unique subjects.
The independent TV pilot competition saw “F*ckups Anonymous” garner the grand jury prize. Directed by Kat Whalen and helmed by showrunner Joe Tierney, the pilot weaves a tale of mishaps and redemption, subtly critiquing social norms. Tedra Wilson’s “Denim” received a special jury prize for its originality and narrative strength.
Additionally, the festival was abuzz with excitement for the premieres of major films such as “Another Simple Favor,” “The Accountant 2” featuring Ben Affleck, and “Holland” starring Nicole Kidman, each adding a dash of star power and cinematic flair to this year’s lineup.
The 2025 SXSW Film and TV Festival not only showcased a broad spectrum of genres and stories but also reflected the evolving dynamics of film and television storytelling. As audiences digest the vivid themes and narratives, the full list of this year’s winners promises more gems waiting to be discovered.
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