SXSW 2026 Chasing Summer red carpet interviews: Garrett Wareing and the rest of the cast talk romantic comedies and reinvention. [VIDEO]
Chasing Summer, a movie that is a love letter to Texas, was the perfect movie to play at SXSW 2026, which takes place in Austin. Directed by Josephine Decker and written by its lead star, Iliza Shlesinger, the film is a millennial coming-of-age story centered on Jamie (Shlesinger), a disaster-relief worker whose own life becomes a disaster after a sudden breakup and job loss.
Retreating to her Texas hometown, she confronts the messy crossroads of her past while navigating a questionable fling with a younger man and rekindling a connection with her high school ex. It’s a heartfelt exploration of whether you can truly go home again – or if you’re just chasing a summer that’s already passed.
The carpet was a celebration of the film’s deep Texas roots, featuring a cast that includes Cassidy Freeman, Kristin Slaysman, and breakout lead Garrett Wareing. Mama’s Geeky had the chance to speak with the ensemble about the film’s unique blend of razor-sharp wit and realistic vulnerability.
Garrett Wareing on Growth & Reinvention in Chasing Summer
Lead actor Garrett Wareing, who plays Colby, spoke passionately about the film’s themes of self-discovery.
“I think reinvention is right. It’s never too late to change your narrative,” Wareing noted.
He reflected on how he related to his character’s journey of finding himself in a small town: “I think Colby’s also caught in the crossroads of who he was as a younger man and who he wants to become”.
Despite living in Los Angeles for over a decade, Wareing emphasized that his roots still define him, stating, “I’ve been in LA for like 13 years now, but I’ll always have my boots on”.
Be sure to watch our full video for the rest of these Chasing Summer interviews. You can also check out our full SXSW coverage for other major premieres, including Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, Normal, Pretty Lethal, Brian, and Over Your Dead Body.
