Emily Hagins
A filmmaker who started directing feature-length horror movies as a pre-teen, becoming a poster child for the DIY digital generation.
Born 1992 (age 34)·American filmmaker·Birthday: October 27·Millennials
Biography
Emily Hagins didn't wait for permission to make movies. Growing up in Austin, Texas, she picked up a camera at age 10 and directed her first feature, 'Pathogen,' at 12—a zombie film made for a mere $300. This micro-budget debut captured the attention of the film community, landing her documentaries and profiles that framed her as a prodigy of the new, accessible digital filmmaking era. She continued crafting genre films through her teens and into adulthood, with works like 'My Sucky Teen Romance' and 'Coin Heist,' honing a style that mixed horror and comedy with a distinct, personal voice. Hagins's career is less about blockbuster accolades and more about a foundational truth: she represents the empowered, start-making-it-now spirit that defines modern independent cinema.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Emily was born in 1992, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Emily Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Emily's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Directed her first feature film, 'Pathogen,' at the age of 12, gaining national media attention.
- Had her filmmaking process documented in the feature film 'Zombie Girl: The Movie.'
- Directed several independent feature films before the age of 25, including 'My Sucky Teen Romance' and 'Coin Heist.'
Did You Know?
She was homeschooled, which she said allowed her more time to focus on filmmaking.
Her early work was heavily supported by the Austin film community, including director Robert Rodriguez.
She has worked extensively as an editor on other filmmakers' projects in addition to directing.
“I just wanted to tell a story with my friends and a camera.”
