The Freshest Faces Filmmaker magazine’s annual list highlights 25 up-and-coming filmmakers. This year’s group includes SXSW alumni Barry Jenkins, The Zellners Bros., Jesse Epstein, Joshua Safdie, Tom Quinn, Benh Zeitlin, and John Magary. Simon Pegg’s Geek Roots Show in Spaced An interview with the actor/creator, just in time for the US DVD release. Another One Bites the Dust indieWIRE’s Anthony Kaufman has the scoop on Netflix’s decision to abandon the theatrical acquisitions and production business. Harrington to Head Up IndiePix Studios Ryan Harrington, a former A&E IndieFilms exec, will spearhead IndiePix Studios, a newly launched production and filmmaker relations branch of the IndiePix site.

I Want My-IPTV Mobile video is becoming increasingly popular with more people want the ability to watch television on the move. In steps, My-IPTV Anywhere Mobile 2.0 Deluxe. It allows you to record cable TV programs and then watch then from your PC or mobile device. Ebert, Roeper walk out of ‘At the Movies’ Roeper hints at plans for another review show. VOD ASAP Amazon, Netflix, and Apple Duke it out Over Your TV Borat’s Been Busy! Sacha Baron Cohen is set to produce “Accidentes” a comedy about ambulance-chasing lawyers. See what else he’s been working on…

Wow, That is Fantastic Austin’s Fantastic Fest Unfurls Film and Fun. Ze Frank Goes to the Movies Blogebrity Ze Frank is jumping from the computer screen to the silver screen. Before you see it before The Dark Knight… The Watchmen trailer. Amazon Video on Demand Launches Yeah, but how much content? Tons of content! Okay, what special equipment do I need? Streaming videos makes watching TVs/movies easier than ever! Well, what about DRM issues? It’s a total non-issue! A Dash of Hobbit Despite trying to keep a focus on promoting Hellboy II, Guillermo del Toro hints about The Hobbit. See a compilation of interviews.

Another summer of Hollywood blockbusters is winding down. Cars will stop exploding and super heroes will take the night off. Yes, this is the little window in the movie season that’s a bit more up my alley. I’m definitely excited for a couple of upcoming screwball comedies. STEP BROTHERS This Friday, Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly are back in “Step Brothers.” Did you happen to catch them on the ESPYs last night? Hilarious! PINEAPPLE EXPRESS Then James Franco has ditched the summer blockbuster and gone back to his “Freaks and Geeks” roots with “Pineapple Express". A much better choice, James. TROPIC THUNDER I didn’t see “Iron Man", but I’ll definitely watch Robert Downey Jr. in “Tropic Thunder". BURN AFTER READING And the last comedy on the list is from my favorite directors, The Coens. “Burn After Reading” has a stellar cast. Frances McDormand is always great and I can’t wait to see Brad Pitt work with that witty Coen dialogue. AMERICAN TEEN This one doesn’t fit in this genre, but “American Teen” is another flick I’ve been anxiously anticipating. I sadly missed the screening of this A&E IndieFilms production at SXSW. I regrettably missed it at LAFF. Lucky for me, I can catch it in the theater this Friday. Hey, maybe I’ll make it a double feature!

We are thrilled to announce the fifteen finalists in the five SXSWclick categories. The finalists have been posted here for your viewing pleasures. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite finalist to win the Popularity Contest Award. In addition to the Popularity Contest Award, jury winners in each of the five categories, including the Grand Jury Prize winner, will be announced August 1st. You can vote once daily for your favorite finalist until midnight on Friday, July 27th. Happy Viewing!

New book by Joe Nick Patoski Local Texas writer Joe Nick Patoski’s new book, Willie Nelson: An Epic Life, came out this April and has been receiving rave reviews across the globe, from the New York Times to the UK music magazine MOJO and all points in between. "An Epic Life comes aptly titled.... Mr. Patoski interviewed countless people close to Willie as well as the man himself, and his attention to detail is impeccable....We experience the heart of Willie Nelson." —Dallas Morning News "A much-needed and well-told biography,...Nelson's quiet determination and unwavering focus shine through the pages of this admirable biography.... He has lived a sprawling, uniquely American life, and it deserves an examination this comprehensive." —Alan Light, New York Times Book Review Joe Nick has a slate of upcoming book signings and an interview on the Bob Edwards Show to air June 18th on XM 133. Joe Nick interviewed Willie Nelson’s long-time harmonica player Mickey Rafael at SXSW this year. Watch the video here.

SXSW Interactive is excited to partner with Mashable, one of the web’s top blog sites for social media news. Did we mention that they also know how to put on a pretty good party? Indeed, Mashable is coming to a city near you to connect with local tech communities and those who lead, power and embrace them. These events mix networking with prizes, food, drinks, music, and web interviews. Come see for yourself at SummerMash Austin, occuring at Buffalo Billiards at 7pm on July 30.

Launched in 2006, SXSWclick is the year-round initiative created to showcase short-form storytelling via mobile devices and the web. This competition also highlights the ever-increasing impact of these emerging technologies on traditional filmmaking. The 15 finalists for this year’s event have been posted online and now is your chance to vote for your favorite finalist in the Popularity Contest Award. But please don’t delay as the final Click voting deadline is Friday, July 25. Point your browser here for complete details on the balloting process.

Friday, July 11 was the last day for submitting panel ideas for 2009 SXSW Interactive Festival. Indeed, we received quite a barrage of last-minute entries – more than 700 proposals from across the United States and around the world arrived on deadline day! So, if you sent us something, please be patient in regards to your receipt letter as this process is a little bit backed up at present. As for the Panel Picker voting interface, this application should go live on Friday, August 8. As always, please e-mail us if you have questions.