The wait for the next big cinematic explosion in Austin is finally over.
South by Southwest organizers officially announced today that Boots Riley’s highly anticipated film I Love Boosters will serve as the Opening Night Film for the 2026 festival.
This selection sets a chaotic and electric tone for the event. Film fans are already buzzing about this follow-up to Riley’s modern classic Sorry to Bother You.
Festival Kicks Off With A High Stakes Fashion Heist
The SXSW Film & TV Festival has a reputation for highlighting bold and unconventional voices.
Selecting Riley’s latest project cements that legacy for the 2026 season. The festival runs next March in Austin and brings together the biggest names in tech, music and film.
Boots Riley is no stranger to the Texas festival circuit.
His directorial debut Sorry to Bother You made massive waves during its festival run years ago. His Prime Video series I’m A Virgo also found a warm home at the fest in 2023.
“Boots Riley is a singular visionary who demands your attention,” a festival programmer stated during the announcement. “There was no other choice to start 2026 than this masterpiece.”
The movie promises to be a wild ride through the world of “boosting” or shoplifting.
It is not just a simple crime caper. The story dives deep into the ethics of fashion and capitalism.
Keke Palmer and Demi Moore movie scene I Love Boosters
FAST FACTS: I LOVE BOOSTERS
- Director: Boots Riley
- Genre: Satirical Heist / Dark Comedy
- Distributor: NEON
- Theatrical Release: May 22, 2026
- SXSW Premiere: Opening Night (March 2026)
Riley wrote the script and directed the project with his signature surrealist style.
Production reportedly wrapped earlier this year after shooting in varied locations. The hype has been building steadily since the first casting announcements dropped.
Keke Palmer And Demi Moore Lead An All Star Cast
The sheer star power attached to this project is undeniable.
Keke Palmer takes the lead role as a “booster” with a very specific plan. She is joined by the legendary Demi Moore in what insiders are calling a career-defining villain role.
The dynamic between these two powerhouses will drive the central conflict of the film.
Palmer leads a ring of shoplifters who decide to aim higher than usual. Their target is a ruthless fashion maven played by Moore.
Here is the confirmed main ensemble taking over the screen:
- Keke Palmer: Plays the ringleader of the boosters.
- Demi Moore: Plays the cutthroat fashion icon target.
- LaKeith Stanfield: Returns to work with Riley after his breakout role.
- Naomi Ackie: Joins the crew in a pivotal supporting role.
- Taylour Paige: Brings her intense energy to the heist team.
- Will Poulter: Takes on a key role within the fashion empire.
This cast list represents a perfect blend of veteran talent and current superstars.
LaKeith Stanfield reuniting with Riley is a major selling point for fans of their previous collaboration. Their creative partnership previously resulted in one of the most original films of the last decade.
Eiza González and Poppy Liu also round out this impressive roster.
Every actor seems perfectly cast to handle the unique tone Riley creates. It requires a balance of grounded emotion and absolute absurdity.
Plot Details Reveal A Dark Satire On Corporate Greed
The premise sounds simple on the surface but expects heavy layers underneath.
The story follows a group of daring shoplifters or “boosters” who challenge the system. They do not just steal for money.
They steal to prove a point against the rigged game of the fashion industry.
Riley has always used his art to critique social structures and economic disparity. His music career with The Coup was built on these radical foundations.
I Love Boosters looks to continue that mission with a glossy cinematic coat.
The characters challenge a fashion goddess who thinks she is untouchable.
It asks the audience who the real thieves are in a capitalist society. Is it the person stealing the purse or the person selling it for thousands of dollars?
Key Themes Expected in the Film:
- Labor Rights: The value of work versus the value of branding.
- Surrealism: Visuals that break the laws of physics and reality.
- Rebellion: Ordinary people taking extreme measures to survive.
Sources close to the production hint at a visual style that is vibrant and aggressive.
Expect bright colors and jarring camera angles that mirror the tension of the heist. The fashion world setting provides the perfect backdrop for excess and beauty.
Neon Sets Theatrical Release Date For Late May
Film lovers will not have to wait long after the festival premiere.
NEON has acquired the distribution rights and set a firm theatrical date. The movie lands in theaters nationwide on May 22, 2026.
This is a prime release window that signals confidence from the studio.
NEON has become the premier home for high-concept independent cinema. Their track record includes massive hits like Parasite and Longlegs.
They know exactly how to market a film like this to a broad audience.
The studio likely sees this as a summer alternative to big franchise blockbusters. Counter-programming with a smart adult comedy is a proven strategy.
Why NEON is the perfect fit:
| Feature | NEON’s Strategy | Benefit for the Film |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing | Viral, cryptic social campaigns | Builds organic hype online |
| Audience | Cultivates loyal “cinephile” fanbase | Guarantees opening weekend ticket sales |
| Awards | Strong history of Oscar campaigns | Positions Riley for potential awards love |
The May release allows the SXSW buzz to build for two months.
Reviews from the festival will likely flood the internet in March. This word-of-mouth marketing is essential for an original intellectual property.
Fans are already predicting that the soundtrack will be another highlight. Riley usually composes or curates music that fits the rhythm of his editing perfectly.
We can expect the first full trailer to drop shortly after the new year begins.
Until then, this SXSW announcement serves as the first major domino to fall. The road to the premiere has officially begun.
Boots Riley is back to disturb the comfortable and comfort the disturbed.
The 2026 film calendar just got a whole lot more interesting. SXSW attendees are in for a chaotic and thought-provoking treat.
For everyone else, mark your calendars for late May. You will not want to miss the conversation this movie will spark.
I Love Boosters is shaping up to be the must-see event of the spring season.
