Sydney, Australia –Charlie Brooker, the mastermind behind the mind-bending Netflix anthology series Black Mirror, has been confirmed as a headline speaker at SXSW Sydney 2023. This futurist extravaganza, making its debut outside of Austin, Texas, in October, promises to ignite discussions about humanity's darker facets, groundbreaking innovations, and the unsettling possibilities that await us. In a world where Black Mirror delves deep into our potential futures, SXSW Sydney offers a platform for contemplating and shaping these impending scenarios.
Charlie will be part of an extensive lineup featuring over 1,000 revolutionary events and sessions, showcasing insights from visionary minds spanning the realms of Technology and Innovation, Screen, Music, Games, and Culture. As Sydney steps into the spotlight as the global epicenter for creative industries, SXSW Sydney's diverse program will captivate and inspire.
In Charlie Brooker's own words, "Being asked to provide a personal quote for a press release about my excitement in joining the inaugural Sydney-flavored SXSW event is precisely what ChatGPT was created for. Nevertheless, I penned this one myself because, deep down, I still care about our species. Though I must admit, I initially misspelled 'inaugural' until a machine set me straight, so perhaps our dependence on technology is more complicated than we think. This complex love-hate relationship with technology is the essence of Black Mirror. That, and stories involving Prime Ministers and pigs. Regardless, I eagerly await the experience and fully expect to be both awestruck and humbled by the creativity and innovation on display, leaving me feeling somewhat depressed and inadequate. I'm genuinely looking forward to it."
Colin Daniels, Managing Director of SXSW Sydney, expresses enthusiasm about Charlie's inclusion, saying, "SXSW Sydney aims to offer unique insights into the future, making Charlie Brooker an ideal speaker for our event. Black Mirror consistently leads the cultural conversation by addressing current and future challenges, providing a platform for reflection and transformation. Charlie embodies what attendees can anticipate at SXSW Sydney: a fusion of creativity and innovation."
As Sydney shines as a cultural and creative hub during this week-long festival of innovation and artistic expression, Charlie will share the stage with other headline speakers like GRAMMY Award winner Chance The Rapper, Coachella festival CEO Paul Tollett, visionary Slack Co-Founder Cal Henderson, and futurist and AI expert Amy Webb.
The event boasts over 700 world-leading speakers and industry luminaries, including De-extinction entrepreneur Ben Lamm, Motion Picture Association CEO Charles Rivkin, advertising icon David Droga, Google Australia MD Mel Silva, Netflix ANZ Director of Content Que Minh Luu, broadcaster Osher Günsberg, World Surfing Champion Layne Beachley, tech entrepreneur Paul Bassat, Reddit CMO Roxy Young, artistic director Wesley Enoch, Expedia CTO Rathi Murthy, and many more.
SXSW Sydney will feature more than 300 panels and sessions, offering a front-row seat to discussions on brain-computer interfaces, lab-grown meat's future, incorporating First Nations knowledge into design, coexisting ethically with robots, AI fluency, Big Tech transparency, reimagining news media, the convergence of recruitment and online dating, the future of venture capital, AI-driven music videos, the evolving landscape of love, and more.
The SXSW Sydney Screen Festival, supported by Official Major Sponsor Telstra, will encompass red carpet premieres, XR showcases, conference sessions, activations, parties, meet-ups, and 'Minimart'—a SXSW Sydney-flavored Screen market catering to investors, buyers, producers, and creatives. Notable films include the Opening Night Film and AUS Premiere of the Aussie outback thriller "The Royal Hotel," "Catching Fire: The Story of Anita Pallenberg" (US), a tribute to the Rolling Stones muse, "Jamojaya" (US), depicting Indonesian rap star Brian Imanuel (Rich Brian), "The Last Year of Darkness" (US/CN), a neon-hued portrayal of alternative Chinese youth, and the world premiere of "Hot Potato: The Story of the Wiggles." The complete Screen Festival program, featuring over 75 features, five Shorts programs, TV premieres, music videos, and an XR Showcase, will be unveiled on Thursday, September 21.
SXSW Sydney will also feature over 300 artist performances, including emerging talents like TikTok sensation Flyana Boss, Indonesian multi-talent Isyana Sarasvati, Japanese punk phenomenon Otoboke Beaver, rising Blak hip-hop powerhouse Miss Kannina, and New Zealand's genre-blending artist Will Swinton.
Accessing SXSW Sydney requires badges and wristbands:
Badges unlock access to all activities throughout the week, including the Conference, Tech & Innovation Expo, Music Festival, Screen Festival, and Games Festival. Wristbands provide access to SXSW Sydney's Music, Screen, or Games festivals, enabling attendance at performances, screenings, and showcases.
Music Festival: 300 performances across 25 venues over four nights.
Screen Festival: A week of unlimited screenings.
Games Festival: 150 new indie games and parties spread over six nights.
