The 2026 SXSW Film Festival is set to host the North American premiere of SOUVENIR, an intimate and unsettling coming-of-age short film by award-winning filmmaker Renée Marie Petropoulos. This poignant and thought-provoking film delves into themes of womanhood, power dynamics, and sexual violence, all explored through a queer lens.
Set in the summer of 2008, SOUVENIR follows the story of Keira (played by Tanzyn Crawford), a closeted teenage girl vacationing at a tropical resort with her family and girlfriend Zoe (portrayed by Emily Grant). The film captures the secrecy and intensity of their relationship as the girls steal private moments to be together. However, the dynamic takes a dark turn when Zoe photographs Keira during an intimate encounter, leaving Keira confused and unsettled. This act forces her to confront the complex power Zoe holds over her, culminating in a deeply personal reckoning. Renée Marie Petropoulos, known for her ability to craft emotionally raw narratives, uses SOUVENIR to explore the cycle of abuse through small, painful moments. “With SOUVENIR, I hope to lead the audience through a realistic take on the cycle of abuse through an accumulation of small, painful moments,” says Petropoulos.
Renée Marie Petropoulos, a queer Greek-Australian filmmaker from Gadigal/Sydney, has a history of creating impactful films that resonate with audiences worldwide. Her previous short, TANGLES AND KNOTS, premiered at Berlinale 2018 and SXSW 2018, earning multiple awards, including the Canon Award for Best Direction in an Australian Film at Flickerfest 2019. With SOUVENIR, Petropoulos continues to push boundaries, drawing from her own experiences to tell stories that are both deeply personal and universally relatable. The film also benefits from the creative expertise of Yingna Lu, a celebrated producer and co-founder of Spaceboy Studios. Lu’s impressive portfolio includes internationally acclaimed projects like VOICE ACTIVATED, which premiered at Tribeca and won Short Film Production of the Year at the 2023 Australian Screen Producer Guild Awards. Together, Petropoulos and Lu bring a wealth of talent and authenticity to SOUVENIR.
The film features a standout performance by Tanzyn Crawford, whose breakout role as Rae Kincade in Hulu’s TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS earned her widespread recognition. Crawford is joined by Emily Grant, known for her work in Disney+’s LAST DAYS OF THE SPACE AGE. The cinematography, helmed by Adric Watson, adds a visual depth to the story. Watson’s accolades include the 2022 Camerimage Golden Frog for A MOUTHFUL OF PETROL and the Palme d’Or-winning ALL THESE CREATURES.
SOUVENIR serves as a proof of concept for Petropoulos’ upcoming semi-autobiographical feature film, KEEP WALKING, which is currently in development with support from Screen NSW’s Short to Feature Fast Track Initiative. This short film not only showcases Petropoulos’ storytelling prowess but also sets the stage for her future projects.
SOUVENIR will make its North American premiere at the 2026 SXSW Film Festival, offering audiences a chance to experience this deeply moving and visually stunning short film. With its powerful themes, exceptional cast, and visionary direction, SOUVENIR is poised to leave a lasting impression. For more information about the screening, visit the SXSW Film Festival website.
SOUVENIR will screen at the 2026 SXSW Film Festival. Find more information here.