SXSW Film 2010: Opening Night Will ‘Kick-Ass’

Get used to the puns on all manners of things kicking ass for the next few months – it’s a testament to the undercurrent buzz generated by Matthew Vaughn’s upcoming “superheroes-without-powers” film. If you want an indicator of its wide-reaching power, look no further than the selection of “Kick-Ass” as the Opening Night Film of SXSW Film 2010.

The festival has an interesting track record of picking its Opening Week Film: “I Love You, Man” opened the 2009 confab, and “21″ led off the 2008 conference.

“Kick-Ass is a truly fun ride, with non-stop action, clever humor, and even heart, which is exactly what our audience has come to love and expect from SXSW every year,” said Film Conference and Festival Producer Janet Pierson, “We feel fortunate to have found such a tailor-made good time to kick off our 2010 event!”

SXSW Film also confirmed several films that would be showcased in the nine-day festival:

Cold Weather – SXSW Alum Aaron Katz directs this feature about a former forensic science major and avid reader of detective fiction, who, after making a mess of his life in Chicago, returns to his hometown of Portland, Oregon. There, he, his sister Gail, and new friend Carlos become embroiled in something unexpected.

Elektra Luxx – Following the successful world premiere of Women In Trouble at SXSW 2009, writer/director Sebastian Gutierrez returns with the world premiere of its hotly anticipated sequel. The film follows a hectic day in the life of former adult film superstar Elektra Luxx as she tries to survive in the straight world. The film stars Carla Gugino in the title role, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Timothy Olyphant, Emmanuelle Chriqui and Malin Akerman.

Hubble 3D – SXSW will present the first public screening of Hubble 3D at the Bob Bullock IMAX® Theater. Through the power of IMAX® 3D, Hubble 3D will enable movie-goers to journey through distant galaxies to explore the grandeur and mysteries of our celestial surroundings, and accompany space-walking astronauts as they attempt the most difficult and important tasks in NASA’s history. The film is directed and produced by Toni Myers.

Lemmy РA documentary from director Wes Orshoski, the film delves into the personal and public lives of heavy metal icon and Moțrhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister. Nearly three years in the making, and featuring appearances by such friends/peers as Metallica, Dave Grohl, Billy Bob Thornton and pro wrestler Triple H, the film follows Kilmister from his Hollywood bedroom to the hockey arenas of Scandinavia and Russia.

SATURDAY NIGHT – Directed by actor James Franco, the documentary looks at what it takes to create an episode of the legendary comedy show, Saturday Night Live. Follow behind the scenes as the actors, writers and producers go through one frenetic week of trials and tribulations as each volley to get sketches on air.

SXSW Film 2010 runs March 12-20, and Red Carpet Crash will be in Austin throughout the festival bringing you news, interviews, and video clips from the Texas-sized event.