Tribeca Storytellers and Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift left a lasting impression at the Tribeca Film Festival with her unexpected performance of All Too Well that wasn’t on Saturday’s agenda. Additionally, the singer offered insightful discussion of filmmaking process with writer-director Mike Mills – something not commonly done among mega celebrities like Swift who take to an esteemed NYC institution to discuss short films like All Too Well. Swifties were clearly delighted at this special treat!

Fans were treated to an exclusive glimpse into the directing process during this fascinating discussion between Mills and Taylor, providing them with an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse at directing. Topics discussed by them ranged from challenges for female directors, dramatizing relationships that break apart, as well as their future in directing. Mills even asked Taylor about becoming involved, with Taylor seeming extremely open.

Swift also shared some personal insights from her project, discussing her desire to craft characters who have more depth, as well as the difficulties associated with creating an authentic love story. Furthermore, she talked about how her past relationships inspired the short and how it provided an outlet to explore these experiences through storytelling.

Swift also revealed her favorite spots in New York City during this event, including Sarabeth’s, an iconic brunch spot where she first had breakfast with Karlie Kloss in 2014. Four minutes from Swift’s Tribeca apartment, Sarabeth’s serves up their signature popovers along with mimosas for breakfast or brunch.

At her talk, it was evident that Swift sees herself as just another normal person despite all of the public attention she receives. During the discussion, she made sure to note how her tabloid-covered persona is only part of who she truly is.

Surprise performances of All Too Well were met with enormous applause from the audience, adding a special element to an already engaging one and half hour conversation that started with screening of the film.

At the close of the event, Swift was joined onstage by Dylan O’Brien and Sadie Sink – stars of her short film – who both expressed praise for Swift’s approach to directing and her willingness to push herself within this medium.

If you want to visit the Taylor Swift: Storyteller exhibit in NYC, MAD Columbus Circle is currently hosting it. Not only should fans of Taylor Swift see this exhibition; even non-Taylor Swifties should make time for it if in the area. You can step inside her closet with outfits from various eras — like her iconic Junior Jewels T-shirt from “Look What You Made Me Do” music video — plus an iconic red typewriter she starts writing on at the end of film! Tickets can be obtained online; expect long lines while entering MAD itself (free admission). Tickets to enter MAD or MAD must be paid separately (but entrance costs apply depending on which is used).