Janet Pierson, a renowned figure in the film industry, dedicated fifteen years to the vision, programming, and execution of the SXSW Film Festival, now known as the SXSW Film & TV Festival, and the film and episodic content within the SXSW Conference, from April 2008 to October 2022.
As of October 2022, Pierson transitioned to Director Emeritus for SXSW, remaining involved in programming and mentorship for the 2023 event.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, the inaugural Janet Pierson Champion Award was created in her honor by IndieWIRE in 2023 and will be presented annually at SXSW.
Prior to joining SXSW for the 2009 event, Pierson spent over thirty years championing independent films and filmmakers in various roles, including exhibitor, producer's rep, financier, co-creator, executive producer, and segment director of the IFC cable TV series Split Screen, which is now available on the Criterion Channel.
Pierson also appeared in Steve James's documentary Reel Paradise and Andrew Bujalski's Beeswax, and curated In The Dark: Filmmakers Illuminate, Stories from the Film World for The Moth in 2001.
In 2023, Pierson was inducted into the Texas Film Hall of Fame at the Texas Film Awards, presented by the Austin Film Society, along with her husband, John Pierson. She was also invited to become a member of the Academy (AMPAS).
Pierson has received numerous accolades, including being listed on The Guardian's Film Power 100 in 2010 and 2013's Indiewire Influencers. She regularly serves on panels and juries for other festivals and agencies, including the NEA, ITVS, BFI, and Creative Capital.
Pierson is a member of the Austin Film Society Advisory Board and UT Press Advisory Board.
