SXSW Taps Peter Debruge as Film Festival Head as Claudette Godfrey Exits

Summary: Peter Debruge is the new boss of the SXSW Film & TV Festival in Austin, Texas. He is taking over for Claudette Godfrey, who is leaving after working there for almost 20 years. Peter used to be the top movie critic for Variety magazine, where he wrote over 2,000 reviews. He actually grew up in Texas and went to college in Austin, so this new job is like coming home for him. Claudette started at SXSW as a volunteer and helped many famous movie directors get their early breaks. Now, Peter is ready to lead the famous festival into the future.

Source: Variety / rssapp-rollingstone-com URL: variety.com/2026/film/news/sxsw-peter-debruge-claudette-godfrey-1236700966/ (opens in new tab)