SXSW Film Preview: The Happy Poet

An Austin-based film featuring the life and trials of an optimistic food cart vendor, The Happy Poet makes its world premiere this weekend at the SXSW film festival. Filled with places you’ll recognize and a pastime that Austinites have grown to love (checking out the latest food carts, but of course), this local offering is one we’re looking forward to.

The story follows the experiences of an aspiring poet who decides to open a vegetarian food cart. Financial woes, romantic question marks and more of life’s curveballs come into play, making for a funny and poignant tale that will likely ring true in more ways than one.

In addition to the Austin scenery, you’ll probably recognize a few faces in the film, too. Paul Gordon, the film’s director and star, attended the University of Texas and has been a presence in the Austin film scene for a few years. He previously directed Motorcycle and appeared as an actor in Gretchen (a 2006 release also shot in Austin) as well as Mars, another 2010 SXSW premiere.

The Happy Poet features several of Gordon’s friends and fellow filmmakers, including actor Chris Doubek (who stars in Earthling and Lovers of Hate), filmmaker/actor/musician Jonny Mars, and producer David Hartstein (Along Came Kinky: Texas Jewboy for Governor). Austin is well-represented this year, and we can’t wait to see these guys around at the festival.

Catch The Happy Poet on Sunday, March 14th at 2 p.m., Monday, March 15th at 5 p.m. or Thursday, March 18th at 6:15 p.m. All screenings will be at the Alamo Ritz. Find the full SXSW film lineup here, and check out our interview with the film's director.