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.

"Landed in Austin!"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"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."

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

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

"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