Keke Palmer Sings Live at SXSW After ‘I Love Boosters’ Premiere as Boots Riley Talks Fighting Fascism With Fashion

Austin, Texas, burst into a vibrant frenzy on Thursday as the 2026 SXSW Film & TV Festival officially commenced, setting an exhilarating tone for what promises to be a week of groundbreaking cinema and cultural discourse. The much-anticipated opening night belonged unequivocally to Boots Riley, whose latest cinematic offering, the wildly imaginative sci-fi comedy “I Love Boosters,” commanded the hallowed screen of the Paramount Theater. The premiere was a dazzling affair, drawing a constellation of stars led by the incomparable Keke Palmer, whose magnetic presence alongside a dynamic ensemble cast, ignited the festival with laughter, thought, and an undeniable call to action.

SXSW, long celebrated as a crucible for innovation across film, music, and technology, found a perfectly fitting opener in Riley’s genre-bending creation. The festival’s discerning audience, known for its appetite for the unconventional and the socially resonant, was met with a film that defied easy categorization while delivering a potent message wrapped in comedic brilliance. The atmosphere inside the historic Paramount Theater was electric, buzzing with anticipation that quickly transformed into an outpouring of enthusiastic applause and raucous laughter. Throughout the screening, the audience was captivated by the film’s sharp, witty dialogue and a continuous stream of ingenious visual gags, punctuating their appreciation with cheers as the protagonists navigated their journey towards their ambitious goals. It was more than just a film screening; it was a communal experience, a shared journey into a narrative that felt both fantastical and urgently relevant.

At its core, “I Love Boosters” introduces audiences to a formidable trio of “boosters” – a term ingeniously repurposed to describe professional shoplifters, portrayed with captivating energy by Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, and Taylour Paige. Their mission, however, transcends mere petty theft. These women are modern-day rebels, strategically targeting the opulent clothing stores owned by a ruthlessly cunning billionaire, brought to life with chilling precision by the iconic Demi Moore. Their audacious “heists” are not driven by personal gain, but by a deeper, more profound desire to dismantle and expose the billionaire’s exploitative business practices, which are hinted to ripple through the global fashion industry, impacting countless lives. It’s a Robin Hood narrative reimagined for the digital age, where the stakes are not just material possessions, but systemic change and social justice.

The film cleverly coins their audacious operation as “Fashion Forward Filanthropy”—a phrase intentionally misspelled, as noted by Paige’s character, to underscore its grassroots, irreverent spirit. This linguistic playfulness is indicative of Riley’s signature style: using humor and absurdity to illuminate serious socio-political critiques. On stage, following the roaring premiere, Boots Riley elaborated on the philosophical underpinnings of his characters’ unique brand of political creativity. “People want to be involved with the world and art and feel like they’re in that conversation,” he articulated, connecting the fictional boosters’ actions to a universal human desire for engagement and impact. This sentiment resonated deeply, suggesting that the film is not just entertainment, but an invitation for audiences to consider their own roles in shaping the world around them.

The choice of the fashion industry as the film’s vibrant and often cutthroat backdrop is no accident. It serves as a microcosm for broader capitalist excesses, allowing Riley to explore themes of consumerism, labor exploitation, and wealth disparity through a visually stunning and inherently theatrical lens. The film’s “larger-than-life” sci-fi elements, while not overtly detailed in the immediate post-premiere buzz, likely amplify its satirical edge, pushing reality just enough to highlight its absurdities without losing its grounded, human core. This blend of the fantastical with sharp social commentary has become a hallmark of Riley’s work, drawing parallels to his critically acclaimed debut, “Sorry to Bother You,” which similarly employed surrealism and dark humor to dissect corporate greed and racial dynamics. “I Love Boosters” appears to continue this tradition, albeit through a new, equally compelling framework, reinforcing Riley’s reputation as a singular voice in contemporary cinema.

The ensemble cast is a significant draw, with Keke Palmer leading the charge with her characteristic blend of wit, strength, and vulnerability. Palmer, who has seamlessly transitioned from a beloved child star to a versatile actress and celebrated media personality, brings an authentic spark to her role. Her ability to command both comedic timing and dramatic depth makes her the ideal anchor for Riley’s intricate narrative. Her public persona, often celebrated for its unfiltered honesty and meme-worthy moments, perfectly aligns with the film’s rebellious spirit, making her character, Corvette, feel both aspirational and incredibly relatable. Naomi Ackie and Taylour Paige, both rising stars with impressive filmographies, round out the central trio, their chemistry undoubtedly fueling the film’s dynamic energy and showcasing a powerful sisterhood at its core. Their performances are crucial in grounding the film’s more outlandish elements, providing a human heart to the “filanthropic” mission.

Demi Moore, in a pivotal role as the “evil genius billionaire,” delivers a performance that reportedly oscillates between menacing and comically exaggerated, perfectly embodying the antagonist needed to challenge our heroines. Her presence lends a certain gravitas and star power to the film, enhancing the conflict and amplifying the stakes. Supporting cast members such as Eiza González, Eric Andre (whose cameo appearance garnered significant attention), LaKeith Stanfield, Poppy Liu, Rachel Walters, and Kasmere Trice, further enrich Riley’s vibrant cinematic world, each contributing to the film’s unique tapestry of characters and comedic moments.

The celebration continued well beyond the Paramount Theater. Following the premiere, Riley and his illustrious cast converged at the highly anticipated *Variety* Cover Party, presented by Neon, the film’s distributor. This exclusive event provided another platform for the film’s stars to shine, blending industry networking with genuine revelry. A standout moment of the evening was Keke Palmer’s impromptu performance, where she took the stage to sing two captivating songs from the “I Love Boosters” soundtrack. Her powerful vocals and engaging stage presence underscored her multifaceted talents, reminding everyone that she is not just an actress, but a formidable entertainer across various mediums. It was a testament to the film’s immersive world-building that even its musical elements could translate so powerfully into the real-world celebration.

Given the film’s profound engagement with the fashion industry as a narrative device, it was only natural that the cast and crew would embrace sartorial expression at the after-party. The red carpet became an extension of the film’s themes, with attendees decked out in an array of unique and expressive pieces. Eiza González, a supporting star in the film, engaged in a lively conversation with *Variety* on the red carpet, alongside Eric Andre, who makes a memorable cameo, as they thoughtfully dissected the inspirations and nuances behind their chosen looks. Their discussions highlighted not just personal style, but also the broader connection between fashion and identity, a theme central to “I Love Boosters.”

Boots Riley himself remained true to his distinctive aesthetic, donning his signature tall hat as part of a striking black-and-white ensemble. This iconic headwear has become synonymous with his artistic identity, a visual metaphor for his towering creative vision. Keke Palmer, always one to pay homage and connect deeply with her projects, had previously sported a stylish hat in tribute to her director during her *Variety* cover shoot, signaling the profound collaborative spirit behind “I Love Boosters.” Other cast members also embraced bold fashion statements: Naomi Ackie captivated in a textured gown of vibrant red, while Poppy Liu radiated in a dazzling lime green, their choices adding to the party’s colorful tapestry and reflecting the film’s visual dynamism.

Palmer, in particular, made a personal statement with her attire, choosing to wear a stunning turquoise ensemble—a direct nod to Corvette, her character’s favorite color. This thoughtful detail underscored her immersion in the role and her commitment to bringing authenticity to the character. Speaking with *Variety* at the event, Palmer also shared her endearing perspective on her ubiquitous presence in internet culture, expressing genuine amusement and affection for the fact that she is “constantly meme’d.” This candidness, combined with her earlier in-depth discussion of “I Love Boosters” during her cover interview, showcased her unique ability to balance celebrity with down-to-earth relatability, further endearing her to fans and critics alike.

As the evening drew to a close, Boots Riley returned to the essence of the film’s purpose. Back at the premiere, his impassioned plea to the audience underscored the political urgency embedded within “I Love Boosters.” He reiterated the film’s profound message, urging everyone present to become ambassadors for its cause. “This movie, there’s silliness in it, but it’s also a very important movie to be out there right now, because I think we all need to figure out ways that we can change what’s happening. Ways that we can fight fascism and change the structure of the world around us,” Riley declared with conviction. His words transcended the typical directorial address, transforming into a heartfelt call to collective action, emphasizing the power of art as a tool for social transformation. “So tell people about this movie. I need it to be spread out there far and wide,” he implored, highlighting the grassroots effort required to amplify its impact.

Riley acknowledged the formidable reputation of the film’s distributor, Neon, known for its curated selection of boundary-pushing independent cinema. Yet, he made it clear that even with such a prestigious partner, the film’s success relied heavily on individual advocacy. “And you might think because it’s Neon and they’re the shit that we got it covered. We don’t,” he candidly stated. “We need all of you to be telling people to get there on May 22 because we need this kind of movie to do well.” This powerful statement served as a reminder that truly impactful cinema, especially that which challenges the status quo, thrives not just on critical acclaim or studio backing, but on the genuine enthusiasm and word-of-mouth support of its audience. As “I Love Boosters” gears up for its theatrical debut on May 22, the energy from its SXSW opening night promises a vibrant and thought-provoking journey for audiences ready to laugh, think, and perhaps, even boost a little change.