SXSW 2023

A organização do SXSW, cuja 37ª edição está marcada para os dias 10 a 19 de março em Austin (Texas), anunciou uma sessão especial em sua programação: “Unfold The Universe: Nasa’s Webb Space Telescope”. No painel, estarão cientistas ligadas ao telescópio espacial James Webb, que vem impressionando o mundo com as imagens que capta de planetas, galáxias, estrelas e fenômenos astronômicos e alimenta expectativas de revolucionar a maneira como entendemos o universo.

“Unfold The Universe” contará com as presenças de Laura Betz (Goddard Communications Team Lead), Knicole Colón (astrofísica e cientista do projeto dirigido para exoplanetas), Stefanie Milam (pesquisadora dedicada à ciência planetária) e Amber Straughn (astrofísica e responsável pela área de comunicações científicas). Elas vão debater como o telescópio espacial, que foi lançado em dezembro de 2021 e transmitiu suas primeiras imagens em julho do ano passado, continuará a explorar territórios desconhecidos do cosmos. A sessão terá uma imagem capturada pelo James Webb nunca exibida antes.

Esta é a terceira rodada de anúncios de palestrantes e painéis do SXSW. A conferência está dividida em 25 trilhas de programação com distintos formatos de conteúdo. Nesta edição, elas estão distribuídas desta forma: 2050, Advertising & Brand Experience, Cannabis, Civic Engagement, Climate Change, Creating Film & Episodics, Culture, Design, Energy, Film & TV Industry, Food, Game Industry, Health & MedTech, Markets & Economies, Media Industry, Music & Tech, Music Careers, Psychedelics, Sports, Startups, Tech Industry, Transportation, Travel & Leisure, Workplace Revolution e XR & Metaverse.

Entre os nomes já divulgados na grade estão: Eva Longoria (atriz, diretora, ativista), RZA (rapper, compositor, diretor e produtor musical), Simran Jeet Singh (autor do livro “The Light We Give: How Sikh Wisdom Can Transform Your Life”), Cheryl Strayed (autora do livro “Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail”), Everette Taylor (CEO do Kickstarter) e Jen Wong (COO do Reddit).

Já entre os painéis, alguns dos destaques são (em inglês):

- Autonomous Driving: More Time to Do What You Love - The future of mobility will be electric, autonomous, entertaining and above all: exciting. There is a paradigm shift happening as the automotive industry transitions gradually to a safe autonomous driving future and a new sense of freedom is coming for both drivers and passengers sooner than you might think. In this session, join founder and CEO of ZYNC Rana June, founder and CEO of Luminar Austin Russell and Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG and CTO Markus Schäfer as they discuss how the software-defined car, autonomous technology and embedded entertainment content aim to give you back your most valuable resource — time — and how this lets you experience your car like never before.

- Creating Happiness: The Art & Science of Disney Parks Storytelling - For nearly 70 years, Disney Parks has created happiness for millions through experiences that bring Disney’s beloved stories to life. Across its theme parks, hotels, cruises and adventures, Disney Parks has curated magical places around the world where a simple moment can become a treasured lifelong memory. The ‘Art & Science’ of storytelling is the secret to how Disney amazes its Guests and delivers memorable experiences.  In this session, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro will share how Disney’s storytelling techniques will build on its legacy of creativity and innovation for a world that can always use just a little more happiness.

- Don’t be a Drag, Just be a Queen - 2022 saw a record number of anti-LGBTQ bills introduced across the country, and we’ve already seen one Texas lawmaker announce that he will introduce a bill to ban youth from attending drag shows next year. The heated political discourse has led to threats against Pride celebrations and drag shows around the world. We know these debates are negatively impacting LGBTQ youth — and that access to affirming spaces and representation is crucial to mental health. In this session, join drag queen, makeup artist, author and trans rights activist Gottmik, drag queen Jaida Essence Hall, attorney, activist, Adjunct Professor of Law at American University Washington College of Law and Director of Advocacy and Government Affairs for The Trevor Project Preston Mitchum and drag queen and model Symone as they discuss drag’s historical roots and cultural significance today, why promoting self-expression is so important, and how we can all help create a more accepting world.