Meet Louis Black: the film-obsessed writer and publisher who helped put Austin on the cultural map. After discovering his love for movies as a kid in New Jersey—attending screenings with friends and diving into comic-book lore—he studied English and film, then relocated to Texas to pursue writing. In 1981, Louis co-founded the Austin Chronicle, an indie paper rooted in integrity and fair pay, dedicated to honest coverage of music, film, and the eclectic local scene. Six years later, he co-created SXSW, originally a regional music showcase that mushroomed into an international festival spotlighting music, film, and interactive innovation. An author and critic, Louis has profiled filmmakers, championed emerging talent through the Austin Film Society, and organized countless screenings and discussions. He’s known for connecting people—directors, musicians, writers—around shared passions and for nurturing Austin’s reputation as a creative hub. Whether digging through archive prints, editing essays on cinema, or cheering at a late-night showcase, Louis Black remains driven by the thrill of discovery and the conviction that great art and community go hand in hand.
