Terrence Malick’s latest feature Song To Song, which takes place against the backdrop of Austin’s music scene, will be the opening night film this year at SXSW.

The love story, written and directed by Malick, features an all-star cast with La La Land’s leading man Ryan Gosling starring alongside Rooney Mara, Natalie Portman and Michael Fassbender. It also has cameos from a wealth of legendary musicians, including Iggy Pop and Patti Smith.

“Terrence Malick is a world class revered cinematic poet. His work is a treasure trove of talented actors and vision,” said SXSW’s director of film Janet Pierson. “Set in the world of music and Austin, Song To Song couldn’t be a more perfect Opening Night film for SXSW.”

Song To Song was partially shot during the 2012 Austin City Limits festival. It has been rumoured that more artists from its lineup, like Arcade Fire, Lykke Li, the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Iron & Wine may also appear amongst the ensemble cast.

In the film, Ryan Gosling and Rooney Mara play a pair of struggling indie rockers, Fassbender a smooth-talking music mogul and Portman the waitress whom he ensnares. The two entangled couples chase success through a rock ‘n’ roll landscape of obsession and betrayal. “We thought we could just roll and tumble, live from song to song, kiss to kiss,” Mara’s character says in a voiceover.

Malick’s epic drama The Tree of Life opened the 2011 Cannes Film Festival. Since then, the acclaimed director has released Voyage of Time, To the Wonder and Knight of Cups.

Song To Song is expected to hit select theaters on March 17, following its SXSW debut on March 10. Watch the first trailer, soundtracked by Del Shannon’s ‘Runaway’, now: