Multiple Standing Ovations for 'My Dead Friend Zoe' at SXSW Premiere

Utkarsh Ambudkar, Sonequa Martin-Green, and Gloria Reuben attend the premiere of My Dead Friend Zoe at SXSW 2024 in Austin, TX.

The Paramount Theatre on Congress Avenue in Austin TX on Saturday March 9th was nothing short of electric. Lines snaked around the block while onlookers lined the streets and stanchions awaiting a glimpse of the cast. The Legion was out in force, and it was incredible to see so many investors and familiar faces out to support the premiere. The Paramount, with a max capacity of 1,270, was packed with excited fans, veterans, cast, crew, and their families.

After seeing the completed film on the big screen, we can confidently say that My Dead Friend Zoe (MDFZ) is not just one of the best movies Legion M has produced to date, but it’s also one of the most important. Directed by Bronze Star combat veteran Kyle Hausmann-Stokes, the narrative draws from his own struggles with PTSD, masterfully told through Sonequa Martin-Green’s portrayal of Merit, the main character. According to Collider: “She’s no doubt delivered one of the best performances of not only South by Southwest 2024, but possibly of the year.”

In attendance were stars Sonequa Martin-Green (The Walking Dead, Star Trek: Discovery), Natalie Morales (Parks & Recreation, Girls), Gloria Reuben (ER, Mr. Robot), and Utkarsh Ambudkar (Ghosts, Free Guy), as well as numerous veterans who had shared their real stories in the film.

After the credits rolled (featuring all of the names of Wefunder investors in the film!) Kyle and the cast took the stage to a standing ovation. There’s no way we can fully express just how powerful the Q&A was as Kyle shared his reasons for making the film, so instead we’re working on acquiring the full recording from SXSW to share with you at a later time. Stay tuned!

After the Q&A more than 300 people attended the afterparty two blocks south at Speakeasy on Congress. The night was a fusion of Hollywood glamor mixed with Texas bbq, as the drinks flowed from our sponsors Betty Booze & Pantalones Tequila (oh yes, there was a Tequila ice luge). We love Texas, y’all.

Capping off the evening were speeches from Kyle and our impact partners (The Bob Woodruff Foundation, Everytown For Gun Safety, The Mission Continues), as well as standup from comedian Thom Tran, and a word from Legion M Cofounder and MDFZ Producer Paul Scanlan:

“We started this company with a purpose, and that purpose was to unite fans to find and discover original breakthrough artists like Kyle, and then back them with everything that we have. And I’m so proud of our community, because they have rallied around this project like I've never seen before, and it made it possible. We’re so grateful to them.”

It was a night that none of us in attendance will soon forget. We will keep you up to date with the sales process as we move forward with our sales representatives at CAA– In the meantime, check out a few of the amazing reviews that the film has received in the last few days below:

Collider: My Dead Friend Zoe Review: Sonequa Martin-Green Gives One of the Year’s Best Performances

IndieWire: My Dead Friend Zoe Review: Complex Veteran Grief Takes the Spotlight with Valiant Performances

RogerEbert.com: SXSW Film Festival 2024: Babes, My Dead Friend Zoe, Y2K

There’s a lot of momentum for this project, and we’re excited to see what the future has in store for My Dead Friend Zoe.

Onward & Upward!