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SXSW Interview: The Hawkins Brothers, ‘Buttercup’ and ‘Ode to Fredo’
Directors: Zeke and Simon Hawkins
Film: “Buttercup” and “Ode to Fredo”
Category: Narrative Shorts and Music Videos
Sites: SXSW - “Buttercup” and “Ode to Fredo”
Screening: “Buttercup” — 11 a.m. Saturday, March 10; 11 a.m. Monday, March 12; 11 a.m. Thursday, March 15; all at Alamo South. “Ode to Fredo” — 10:30 p.m. Saturday, March 10; 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 17; both at Dobie
Film synopsis from SXSW.com: “Buttercup” — Craig Tyler had the life he’d always planned. With his wife, Mary Anne, and his daughter, Buttercup, Craig lived a picture-perfect existence in Darien, Connecticut. That is, until Mary Anne fell ill and Jacques the herbalist moved in. “Ode to Fredo” — The last minutes of Fredo Corleone’s life.
Is this your first time at SXSW? If not, what has your experience been like in previous years?
It’s my first time. Never even been to Texas.
What are your impressions of the festival compared to others of its kind around the country, and of Austin as a film town, in general?
As I understand it, SXSW is one of the best festivals in the country in terms of both industry exposure and having fun. And with the music festival going on as well, there’s just so much to see. I’m looking forward to it.
What do you hope to take away from your time at the festival?
Have fun, show our two films, see some good movies and some good bands, meet some people in the film industry, and maybe meet some girls.
Why should audiences be excited to see your film?
For “Ode to Fredo,” my friend Tom DiMenna wrote a great spoof song taken from the “The Godfather.” And I like it because it’s funny, but also kind of tender, and just a fun song to listen to. And “Buttercup” tells the story of an upper-class family on the verge of implosion. And I think it’s interesting because it really tries to show everyone’s point of view without being judgmental or offering easy solutions. And it looks great. My brother Simon and our DP Nick Wong did an awesome job.
Are there any other films screening that you hope to see?
Definitely all the short film sections and the music video section. Just because it’s harder to see that kind of stuff normally in theaters and it’s mostly what we’re working on right now. Also, “All the Boys Love Many Lane”, directed by Jonathan Levine, and “Knocked Up.” I’m a huge Judd Apatow fan, especially “Freaks and Geeks.”
Any restaurants, parties, tourist locations you want to get to while in town? If you live in Austin, where do you suggest out-of-towners visit while in town?
To be honest, I don’t really know that much about Austin. I saw some of “Real World Austin,” but I don’t think that counts. My brother has some friends at UT, so I’m sure they will show us around a bit. But if anyone has any suggestions, I’m up for whatever.
When you think of Texas and the movies, what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
Richard Linklater, “Dazed and Confused”; The South by Southwest Festival; “Texas Chainsaw Massacre”; “Real World Austin”; and “Friday Night Lights.”
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