What It's Really Like to Attend SXSW as a First-Time Director

What is it really like to attend the SXSW Film Festival as a first-time director, you may ask? Well, actress-turned-director Hannah Marks took us along for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look as she made her directorial debut (at just 24 years old!) at SXSW with Shotgun, a romantic dramedy that follows the story of a young couple whose relationship is rapidly accelerated upon learning one of them has been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.

In this special, behind-the-scenes look, Marks snapped everything from her arrival at the festival to what she packed and wore to her film's premiere (we are, by the way, completely in awe of her dress of choice!). Now, read on to see the exclusive SXSW photo diary from Hannah Marks.

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(Image credit: Hannah Marks)

"Landed in Austin!"

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(Image credit: Hannah Marks)

"Unpacking at the hotel. Some Opening Ceremony, Christopher Kane, Kate Spade New York, Coach, and my trusty backpack and Stan Smiths."

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(Image credit: Hannah Marks)

"I love the detail on the back of the heel of these Kate Spade shoes."

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(Image credit: Hannah Marks)

"Everywhere I travel, I like to take pictures of the local neon signs."

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(Image credit: Hannah Marks)

"A Voodoo Doughnut opened in Austin! Obviously, it was my first food stop. And had to try several."

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(Image credit: Hannah Marks)

"My filmmaker badge! I've dreamed of having a badge like this for a decade."

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(Image credit: Hannah Marks)

"The beautiful and lovely Maika Monroe promoting our movie, Shotgun."

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(Image credit: Hannah Marks)

"My Christopher Kane Shotgun premiere dress. I love the chain belt and the bees so much."

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(Image credit: Hannah Marks)

"Our after-party at Cheer Up Charlies. It was so nice to celebrate with everyone after two years of working on the movie. I feel so grateful for the hard work of so many people."

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(Image credit: Hannah Marks)

"The next day it was 92 degrees. Here are Maika and me sweating and living for our sunglasses."

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(Image credit: Hannah Marks)

"Spotted: A PIG AT SXSW! That curly tail, though."

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(Image credit: Hannah Marks)

"The group all together for press. Joey Power, Jeremy Allen White, Maika Monroe, and me. I'm obsessed with my Adam Selman knit dress and Maika's denim romper."

Opening Image: Getty Images

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Eva Thomas
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