At this year’s SXSW Film Festival, where breakthrough stories and bold voices take center stage, STAGES stood out—earning the prestigious Best of Texas Award. But unlike many music-driven films that focus on fame or success, STAGES leans into something far more relatable: uncertainty.
In this exclusive interview, director Ryan Booth joins stars Leslie Grace and David Ramirez to unpack a film that resonates deeply with anyone chasing a dream without guarantees.
🎬 A Music Film Without a Safety Net
“I think in this film…we do not know what’s coming around the next bend,” Ryan Booth says. “The fact that you have to continually put one foot in front of the other without any assurance of achieving a certain outcome—that’s what resonates for me.”
Rather than showing an artist already at the top of their career, STAGES captures the real-life struggles of a singer/songwriter, Ben Garza (David Ramirez), navigating the early, uncertain stages of his solo career. It’s a story that mirrors the reality of most creators: moving forward without knowing what’s next.
🎤 The Scene That Defines STAGES
One of the most poignant moments in the film takes place in a Phoenix bar, where Ben performs a song that perfectly encapsulates the emotional journey of the story. David Ramirez recalls:
“That was a fun day…even though it was such a heavy moment. But those are the most fun things in life for me.”
Ryan Booth adds context to filming the scene:
“We only shot it a few times, but all the vocals in the film are tracked live. That moment—the tear you see—was him holding it in until it naturally came out. We got it, we captured it.”
Leslie Grace reflects on the power of witnessing such intimate, vulnerable moments:
“It’s heartbreaking, but it’s also satisfying to see Ben arrive at the moment where he says, ‘I will sing this song even if no one is there to hear it.’ That’s a very personal decision, and seeing it on film is beautiful.”
💔 Creating Without Validation
The film isn’t just about music—it’s about courage. As NaVell J. Lee notes:
“A lot of people in this industry…spend years doubting themselves. But watching this film, you see the strength it takes to finally say, ‘I’m going to do this,’ regardless of validation.”
Leslie Grace echoes this sentiment, revealing how working on STAGES helped her find her own courage to create, both personally and professionally.
🎶 A Love Letter to Austin & the Music Journey
STAGES isn’t just set in iconic music cities like Nashville and Austin—it celebrates them. Ryan Booth shares:
“Many of the music venues in the film are venues currently filled with South By showcases. To premiere the film here felt like a perfect start to releasing the film.”
David Ramirez, who has performed at SXSW before, enjoyed seeing the festival from the film side:
“To come back and see it from a film perspective, with so much love for music, was amazing. No matter the outcome, we made something together, and that’s priceless.”
Leslie Grace added a personal milestone:
“Stages came into my life at a time where I didn’t feel I had the courage to even sing for myself. Now, seeing the premiere and announcing my new album on the same day…all our journeys converged beautifully.”
✨ Full Circle at SXSW
From conception to premiere, STAGES is a celebration of music, authenticity, and persistence. The filmmakers and cast highlight the importance of capturing real moments, performing live, and embracing uncertainty. For audiences, it’s more than a music film—it’s a reflection of the creative struggle and triumph we all experience in some way.
As NaVell J. Lee concludes:
“Even those who aren’t musically inclined will take away something from this movie. It’s about showing up, being vulnerable, and doing the work regardless of who’s watching.”
Watch the full interview with Ryan Booth, Leslie Grace, and David Ramirez above.
Stay tuned for more interviews surrounding SXSW 2026 here at The BUZZ.
