Robert Klein documentary joins vibrant meta comedy film slate at SXSW 2016

South By Southwest has filled out its 2016 feature film slate for SXSW, and a Robert Klein documentary directed by Klein himself will round out a comedy bill that’s quite meta.

Last year, hit flicks Trainwreck and Spy both made their world premieres in Austin for SXSW.

For 2016, the comedy movies debuting at the mega-fest in the Texas capital include:

  • Robert Klein Can’t Stop His Leg: A hilarious and heartfelt look at the career and influence of comedy legend Robert Klein. (94 minutes)
  • Don’t Think Twice: A dramatic comedy about an improv group who loses the lease on their home theater at the same time that one of their cast members gets chosen for the biggest sketch comedy show on TV. It’s about the bitterness and backstabbing that occur between friends when they realize that maybe not everyone’s gonna make it after all.  (90 minutes) Directed by Mike Birbiglia. Cast: Keegan-Michael Key, Gillian Jacobs, Mike Birbiglia, Kate Micucci, Tami Sagher, Chris Gethard
  • Pee-wee’s Big Holiday: A fateful meeting with a mysterious stranger inspires Pee-wee Herman to take his first-ever holiday in this epic story of friendship and destiny. (89 minutes) Directed by John Lee. Cast: Paul Reubens, Joe Manganiello, Jessica Pohly, Alia Shawkat, Stephanie Beatriz
  • Asperger’s Are Us: For the members of the comedy troupe Asperger’s Are Us, it’s easier to associate with a faceless audience than with their own families. No matter who the crowd, best friends Noah, New Michael, Jack and Ethan have one simple mantra: “We would much rather the audience appreciate us as comedians than people who have overcome adversity.” In this coming-of-age heartfelt documentary, this band of brothers finds themselves at a crossroad. With real life pulling them apart, they decide to plan one ambitious farewell show before they all go their separate ways. People with Asperger’s don’t deal well with uncertainty, and this is the most uncertain time in their lives. (82 minutes) Directed by Alex Lehmann.
  • Thank You Del: The Story of The Del Close Marathon: Del Close was never a household name, but any comedy enthusiast is aware of his impact. From Bill Murray to Chris Farley to Amy Poehler, many of the most famous comedians consider him their mentor. Fifteen years after Del Close’s death, thousands of Improv students, comedy fans, actors, and successful comedians gather to celebrate the most important person in modern comedy that no one knows. (84 minutes) Directed by Todd Bieber.
  • And Punching The Clown: Hapless comedy songwriter Henry Phillips is lured to LA by renowned TV producer Jay Warren, who wants to make a show about the life of a struggling performer. When Jay sees Henry bomb at a local club, he is convinced that this story must be told. With the support of his longtime musician friend Jillian, and his well-meaning but subpar manager Ellen Pinsky, Henry endures the ups and downs of LA living, and even secures what appears to be the Hollywood dream. But as a major TV network gets involved, he must decide whether his legacy will be to make jokes, or become the butt of them. (98 minutes) Directed by Gregory Viens. Cast: Henry Phillips, Sarah Silverman, Tig Notaro, J.K. Simmons, Jim Jefferies, Ellen Ratner, Mike Judge, Mark Cohen, Clifton Collins.

Sean L. McCarthy

Editor and publisher since 2007, when he was named New York's Funniest Reporter. Former newspaper reporter at the New York Daily News, Boston Herald and smaller dailies and community papers across America. Loves comedy so much he founded this site.

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