Peter Debruge, the longtime chief film critic at diversewas appointed Director of the SXSW Film & Television Festival.
Claudette Godfrey, SXSW’s vice president of film and television and a 20-year veteran of the organization, is stepping down from her role leading the Austin-based festival.
Debruge, who will assume his new position on April 6, has spent two decades in the position diverse’Chief film critic, having written more than 2,000 film reviews. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Debruge has been attending the festival since the 1990s.
“There is a certain poetry in this appointment, which brings me back to the festival nearest and dearest to my heart, in the place where I spent my formative years,” Debruge said in a statement. “I’ve been attending SXSW for nearly three decades, and over that time, I’ve seen SXSW grow and evolve into a world-class film festival. I am in awe and admiration of the groundbreaking creative work of Matt Dentler, Janet Pierson, and Claudette Godfrey, and I’m honored to join the team to continue SXSW’s legacy of championing visionary voices.”
News of Debruge’s appointment comes as SXSW recently wrapped up its 2026 festival, which included world premieres of films like Boots Riley’s I love the boosters And horror comedy ready or not 2, In addition to the series premiere Margo has financial problems and a keynote talk from Steven Spielberg, among other highlights.
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