Why I Didn’t Attend SXSW
There’s nothing like traveling to a city where half of the bicyclists, J-walkers, and tipsy guitar-toting 20-somethings are temporary residents in town for a week to enjoy one of the most fun and eclectic film/music/interactive festivals in the US.
I’m talking about SXSW!
Now imagine traveling there and not being able to attend the fest.
Of course, I already wasn’t planning on attending this year.
Were I a member of press, covering the films being shown and attending the panels with filmmakers, perhaps the couple thousand bucks I’d have to sink into tickets and lodging and Austin’s A+ eateries would either be:
- Comped by my publication/website
- Worth it to at least be the first to watch a few fantastic films
- All of the above
I didn’t get to attend SXSW this year.
Instead, I got to sit in an office building for a few days typing who-knows-what into my laptop, sharing the funniest banter with my girlfriend, and occasionally looking out my window to take in only the best view of the Capitol Building ever.
No, I didn’t get to listen to President Obama deliver his compelling keynote about the need for more civic engagement.
Instead, I got to enjoy several absolutely phenomenal meals with an even more spectacular person and — although she will have trouble ever believing this — I would not have traded it for a chance to sit in on a screening of Jeff Nichols’ Midnight Special.
No, I didn’t get to attend SXSW this year.
As much as my heart did so crave it, I couldn’t.
But what I did get was a few days to spend with the women I love, indulging in good eats and enjoying the beautiful view of Austin from atop Mt. Bonnell.
There’s always next year.
Listen to Human, Venus, and Film:
Written by Nizar Babul of Comatose.
Comatose is a weekly series of amusing anecdotes, insightful commentary, and pithy stories. Every week three contributors are featured in short segments. The segments, though often unrelated, are tied together using music and narration to set the scene. Relax and enjoy the ride while listening to topics as varied as love, birthdays, and reciprocity.
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