Robert Altman, Likes Us, Austin. He Really Likes Us.

Film and public radio fans rejoice; legendary Director Robert Altman (M*A*S*H, Nashville, Short Cuts) will open the SXSW Film Festival this March with the North American premiere of his new film “A Prairie Home Companion,” the feature-length adaptation of the wildly popular public radio presentation from original American voice Garrison Keillor. The premiere is a boon for the fest, which has establishied itself as one of the country’s premiere film festivals. The film, penned by Keillor, stars Austin-favorites Woody Harrelson and Tommy Lee Jones (whom we will, come March, finally forgive - or at least forget - for “Man of the House”) along with the always-fabulous Meryl Streep, Lindsay Lohan, John C. Reilly, Maya Rudolph and Keillor himself. The film kicks off the fest on March 10th.

There will be more premieres, as well, including United States premieres of "The Notorious Bettie Page," starring Gretchen Mol as the famed pin-up girl; "loudQUIETloud: A Film About Pixies," a documentary about the rock band the Pixies' reunion tour; and "The King," starring William Hurt and Gael Garcia Bernal in a family drama set in small-town Texas.

Festival producer Matt Dentler is obviously very pleased with the lineup. "I can't think of a more perfect opening night film than 'A Prairie Home Companion,'" he said. "Not only do you have great masters like Robert Altman and Garrison Keillor involved, but it's also a celebration of entertainment and the creative spirit."

The SXSW film fest runs thru March 18th. Check back here as the fest approaches for interviews, previews, reviews and listings of fest-related festivities.

*Photo taken from Amazon.com