Kevin Bacon has made a noteworthy return to directing with his latest film, “Family Movie”, after nearly two decades since his last directorial effort on “Loverboy” in 2005. The film premiered at the 40th South by Southwest (SXSW) Film & TV Festival in Austin on March 13, 2026, where Bacon shared insights into his experiences during the creative process and the unique collaboration with his family.
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In an exclusive interview following the premiere, Bacon reflected on stepping back into the director’s chair, describing it as a familiar and comfortable role. “It was a pretty familiar place to step back into, and to have my partner co-direct with me was just great,” Bacon, now 67, stated. He co-directed the comedy horror with his wife, Kyra Sedgwick, marking a significant milestone in their collaborative career as a couple, as they included their children, Sosie and Travis Bacon, in the project.
Bacon expressed how his extensive experience as an actor informed his approach to directing. He emphasised the challenges directors face, recalling how aware he has always been of the demanding nature of the role. “You’d have to be an idiot to be on a set and not realise how hard it was. All you’ve got to do is look and see; it’s just hard,” he remarked, highlighting his respect for the craft of directing.
The film revolves around the Smith family, portrayed by the Bacons, who reunite on their farm to shoot yet another low-budget horror flick. As they dive into their latest endeavour, the storyline takes an unexpected twist when a real dead body unexpectedly appears on set, plunging the family into confusion and chaos.
Joining Bacon at the premiere was Sedgwick, 60, who described the experience of filming with their family as “sublime.” She noted, “It’s always been easy, but it’s been shockingly wonderful.” The joyful atmosphere on set brought the family closer as they produced a piece of art they can all cherish. “The whole time we were shooting, we kept going, ‘God, this is just so great. This is so great,’” she recounted.
Reflecting on her children’s professionalism during filming, Sedgwick commented, “It’s very rare that, as a parent, especially of an adult child, you get to watch them in the world and how they behave with other people. They just behaved so well!” Her sentiments further underscored the familial bond that made the filmmaking process even more rewarding.
Sosie Bacon, 33, who plays Ula Smith, conveyed her excitement about working alongside her parents, stating, “[My dad] is great to work with. They both are.” She appreciated their respect for her own acting process, which facilitated easier communication during their performances. Her enthusiasm for the collaborative effort was evident, showcasing the joy of sharing the screen with family.
Travis Bacon, who plays Trent Smith and composed the film’s music, echoed similar sentiments regarding the family project. He highlighted the novelty of working together as a unit, stating, “We can put this on our wall and reminisce about it.” This joint venture not only allowed them to explore their artistic capabilities but also created lasting memories.
As the premiere concluded, both Bacons expressed pride in their collective achievement with “Family Movie”. The film, infused with elements of horror and comedy, embodies the unique dynamics of their family, exploring both the creative process and the unexpected occurrences of life. With its blend of humour and intrigue, it promises to resonate with audiences while showcasing the talents of this notable Hollywood family.
With “Family Movie”, Kevin Bacon has not only marked his return to directing but has also solidified his family’s legacy in the arts. Their joint creative journey highlights the importance of collaboration and the special connections fostered through shared experiences in the world of film.