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

The cast and crew of the sci-fi comedy celebrated the film's opening night at the Variety Cover Party presented by Neon.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 9:50pm

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Keke Palmer sang live at the Variety Cover Party presented by Neon after the SXSW premiere of her new film 'I Love Boosters'. The larger-than-life sci-fi comedy, directed by Boots Riley, follows a trio of boosters (professional shoplifters) who steal from clothing stores owned by an evil genius billionaire as a way to fight her exploitative business dealings. Riley and the cast attended the party decked out in unique fashion pieces, with Riley donning his signature tall hat and the supporting stars wearing bright, textured gowns.

Why it matters

The film uses the fashion industry as a backdrop to tell a story about working class women coming together to fight against a corrupt system, reflecting Riley's desire to create art that inspires political change. The cast and crew's fashion choices at the party further emphasized the film's themes of using creativity and style as a form of resistance.

The details

At the SXSW premiere, the crowd enthusiastically responded to the film's witty dialogue and visual gags. Afterwards, Riley and the cast celebrated at the Variety Cover Party, where Palmer took the stage and sang two songs from the 'I Love Boosters' soundtrack. The cast and crew attended the party in unique fashion pieces, with Riley wearing his signature tall hat and the supporting stars donning bright, textured gowns.

  • The 2026 edition of the SXSW Film & TV Festival opened on Thursday, March 13, 2026.
  • The Variety Cover Party presented by Neon took place on the same day as the 'I Love Boosters' premiere.

The players

Keke Palmer

The lead actress in 'I Love Boosters' who sang live at the Variety Cover Party.

Boots Riley

The director of 'I Love Boosters' who attended the party in his signature tall hat and spoke about the film's political message.

Naomi Ackie

A supporting actress in 'I Love Boosters' who attended the party wearing a textured red gown.

Taylour Paige

A supporting actress in 'I Love Boosters' who attended the party.

Demi Moore

The actress who plays the evil genius billionaire in 'I Love Boosters'.

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What they’re saying

“People want to be involved with the world and art and feel like they're in that conversation.”

— Boots Riley, Director (Variety)

“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. So tell people about this movie. I need it to be spread out there far and wide.”

— Boots Riley, Director (Variety)

What’s next

The film 'I Love Boosters' is set to debut in theaters on May 22.

The takeaway

Boots Riley's 'I Love Boosters' uses the fashion industry as a backdrop to tell a story about working class women fighting against a corrupt system, reflecting the director's desire to create art that inspires political change. The cast and crew's fashion choices at the SXSW premiere party further emphasized the film's themes of using creativity and style as a form of resistance.