Filmmaker’s Guide to SXSW: Tips, Takeaways & Tough Lessons

Mar 21, 2025

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No Film School founder and director Ryan Koo flips the script in this special episode, interviewing regular podcast host GG Hawkins about the world premiere of her feature film I Really Love My Husband at the 2025 SXSW Film Festival. GG shares her whirlwind experience of showcasing her first feature, from managing the chaos of festival logistics and marketing, to the overwhelming response from audiences and peers alike. This episode offers a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like to premiere at a major festival, how to prepare, and what filmmakers can learn to maximize their presence.

In this episode, No Film School's Ryan Koo and GG Hawkins discuss...

GG’s emotional and logistical journey leading up to the world premiere of her film
How SXSW’s ticketing and badge system works—and how to prep for packed screenings
Tips for marketing your film and working with PR ahead of a major festival
The importance of pacing, wardrobe strategy, and managing energy during festival week
Lessons learned from networking, screenings, and audience feedback
A broader look at SXSW as a convergence of film, tech, and immersive media, including the Apple Vision Pro

Memorable Quotes:

"One of the best things you can do for yourself is have your family come to the second and third screening." (05:49)
"If you make a movie and nobody sees it, what’s the point?" (08:32)
"Don’t get a perm before your premiere." (17:01)
"I didn't know I would be in sort of like a therapy support situation, which is awesome that the movie resonated with folks that way." (24:00)
"This is the truest form for what it'll be in the long game—people who don't know me are going to sit back and watch and not know what's going to happen." (28:45)

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