Can't Go to SXSW? Try These Three Music and Film Fests Instead

Don't be bummed if you can't attend this year's SXSW in Austin, Texas. Sure, it's become a massive event full of cool films and rockin' bands, but it isn't the only festival to honor both mediums. There are lesser-known music-movie alternatives where you can get your fill.

Check out our three picks for music and film fests after the jump.

· Chicago International Movies & Music Festival
The Windy City fest, which runs April 14-17, is all about the crossover of music and tunes. All of the films�docs, narrative fiction, concert films, animation, music videos�have music at their center. While 2011's lineup hasn't been announced, past years have featured Ashes of American Flags, Wilco's first concert film, and Universalove, a love story that had live accompaniment from Naked Lunch.

· Sacramento Film & Music Festival
Organizers split this 10-day Sacramento fest into two seasonal events to allow more interaction with the filmmakers. While you just missed Winterfest, start planning for Summerfest, which is August 18-21. The fest highlights all film types, like Death or Taxes, about people who are targeted by IRS agents. Check out Sac Music Seen, a program that pairs local filmmakers with bands to create music videos.

· Sound Unseen
The films-on-music fest does an October event in Minneapolis and a June edition in Duluth. This past fall, it had flicks about Lil' Wayne, the Kinks, Broken Social Scene and one about the controversial Phil Spector. Dreamland Faces offered live accompaniment to The Adventures of Prince Achmed, the first full-length animated movie.

[Photo: Sound Unseen]

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