From features on celebrities like Russell Brand to photojournalism in Afghanistan, SXSW showcased a diverse selection of documentaries and biopics. This spring, get the popcorn ready and bring on the encore presentations.
As I stood in line, thumbing through the latest copy of the Chronicle to bide my time before the film, "BRAND: A Second Coming," I thought about the first time I had actually heard the name, “Russell Brand.” I was just shy of 14, glued to the television for the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards. I waited anxiously for a favorite celebrity to pop out from behind backstage, but was surprised to watch a man in tight, black clothes waltz out into the arena.