Best in Fest

The conversations continue from the La Femme International Film Festival as Best in Fest sits down with another group of filmmakers to explore the passion, persistence, and creative decisions behind their work.

In Part 2, we go deeper into what it really takes to make independent films—from developing an original idea and assembling the right team to overcoming production challenges and getting a finished project in front of an audience.

These filmmakers share the personal stories behind their films, the lessons they learned along the way, and the moments that tested their determination. We also discuss the importance of film festivals like La Femme International Film Festival in creating opportunities for filmmakers to connect, gain exposure, and build momentum for their careers.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Where filmmakers find inspiration for their stories
• The creative and logistical challenges of independent filmmaking
• How directors and producers bring their vision to the screen
• Lessons learned from setbacks during production
• The importance of collaboration in filmmaking
• How film festivals can help filmmakers gain visibility and build relationships
• Advice for anyone working to turn a film idea into a finished project

Join us for another behind-the-scenes look at the people, stories, and determination that keep independent cinema moving forward.

What does it take to bring an independent film from an idea to the festival screen?

In this special episode of Best in Fest, we sit down with filmmakers featured at the La Femme International Film Festival to talk about the stories behind their films, the challenges of independent filmmaking, and what it takes to turn a creative vision into a finished project.

From writing and directing to producing, financing, casting, and navigating the film festival circuit, these filmmakers share candid insights into the realities of bringing a movie to life. We also explore the inspiration behind their work, the obstacles they faced along the way, and what being part of La Femme means to them as filmmakers.

Whether you're a filmmaker, screenwriter, producer, actor, or simply someone who loves discovering the stories behind independent cinema, this episode offers an inside look at the passion, persistence, and creativity that drive today’s filmmakers.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• The inspiration behind the filmmakers’ latest projects
• The realities of producing independent films
• Challenges filmmakers face from development through post-production
• Lessons learned during the filmmaking process
• The value of film festivals for emerging and established filmmakers
• What it means to have a film featured at the La Femme International Film Festival
• Advice for filmmakers trying to get their own projects made and seen

Best in Fest goes beyond the finished film to discover the filmmakers, decisions, struggles, and breakthroughs that made it possible.

What happens when Hollywood stops simply portraying autism and starts listening to the people who actually live it?

On this episode of Best in Fest, La Femme International Film Festival founder Leslie LaPage sits down with actress Lillian Carrier, star of the film Horse Girls, for a candid conversation about autism, acting, disability representation, authentic casting and the changing face of Hollywood.

Lillian shares the remarkable story of how she went from studying to become a biologist to landing a television role after a single audition — launching an acting career she never expected.

She also takes us behind the scenes of Horse Girls, where she plays Margarita, an autistic woman navigating adulthood, independence, family, friendship and the wonderfully unexpected world of hobby horsing.

But this conversation goes far beyond one movie.

Lillian opens up about growing up without seeing people like herself represented authentically on screen, why the disability community embraces the principle “Nothing About Us Without Us,” and what can happen when filmmakers include people with lived experience in the creative process.

In this episode:

• How Lillian Carrier unexpectedly became a professional actress
• The story behind Horse Girls and her character Margarita
• Why authentic casting of autistic and disabled actors matters
• How Hollywood’s portrayal of autism has changed
• The difference between representation and genuine inclusion
• Why autistic actors need opportunities to play neurotypical characters too
• How Lillian advocated for herself while filming Horse Girls
• The surprising story behind Margarita’s adult tricycle
• Learning hobby horsing for the movie
• Why accommodations can actually create better creative solutions
• The relationship between autism, independence and adulthood
• Lillian’s work advocating for autistic adults
• Why disability representation still has significant room to grow
• Her goal of helping create a film with a predominantly autistic cast and crew
• What Lillian hopes Hollywood changes next

It’s a conversation about much more than acting. It’s about who gets to tell stories, who gets hired to tell them, and what becomes possible when Hollywood expands its definition of who belongs on screen and behind the camera.

What does it take to spend years working beside some of Hollywood’s top directors—and finally decide it’s time to tell your own story?

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with writer-director Brenda Wachtl and Romanian-born actress Maria Bata to discuss their new short film, In the Deep, as well as directing, acting, career reinvention, film festivals, and the persistence required to build a career in Hollywood.

Before stepping into the director’s chair, Brenda built an extensive career as a script supervisor, working on major films including I Am Sam, October Sky, and Collateral. She describes those years beside accomplished directors as an ongoing filmmaking “masterclass”—one that taught her the importance of preparation while still leaving room for the unexpected magic that can happen on set. 

Maria’s path was equally unconventional. Born and raised in Transylvania, Romania, she initially earned a business degree before pursuing acting. After working in modeling and commercials, she attended performing arts school and eventually landed a lead role in a Romanian film that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2015. But Maria reveals an important reality aspiring actors and filmmakers rarely hear: even a Sundance premiere didn’t magically transform her career. She still had to return to auditioning, networking, and doing the work.  

Together, Brenda and Maria take us behind the scenes of In the Deep, a deeply personal story about a woman whose seemingly perfect life is shattered when her fiancé suddenly disappears. Brenda explains why she wanted to tell a subtle, emotionally complex story centered on an adult woman—and why she deliberately resisted the heightened emotional reactions audiences often expect from stories about betrayal.  

In This Episode:

•  How Brenda went from script supervisor to film director
•  Lessons learned working alongside major Hollywood directors 
•  Why great directors prepare meticulously—but remain open to unexpected moments 
•  How to build trust between an actor and director 
•  Maria’s journey from Romania to Hollywood
•  What really happened after Maria’s film premiered at Sundance 
•  Why film festival success doesn’t automatically create a Hollywood career 
•  The casting process behind In the Deep
•  How method acting helped Maria access the film’s emotional complexity 
•  Directing subtle performances instead of relying on melodrama 
•  Shooting an independent short film during the limited “magic hour” 
•  Why filmmakers should consider shorts as proof-of-concept films
•  Reinventing yourself and pursuing a second career in entertainment 
•  Why rejection is simply part of building a filmmaking career 

Brenda also reveals that In the Deep was conceived as more than a short film. Her original intention was to create something “smart and cinematic and engaging” that could demonstrate what she could do as a director while allowing audiences and potential collaborators to imagine a larger story. She is now developing the project into a feature film. 

And when it comes to surviving the inevitable rejection of Hollywood, Brenda leaves emerging filmmakers with a message worth remembering:

Keep going—because eventually, 900 no’s can turn into one yes. 

Whether you’re an actor, director, screenwriter, film student, independent filmmaker, or someone considering a creative career change, this episode is a candid look at what it really takes to keep creating, keep auditioning, and keep moving forward.

Subscribe to Best in Fest for more conversations with filmmakers, actors, writers, producers, festival creators, and entertainment professionals from around the world.

Welcome to Best in Fest, where host Leslie LaPage sits down with Abby Savell, owner of LA Percussion Rentals & Recording, one of Hollywood's most unique resources for film composers, music supervisors, and sound designers. From blockbuster films to independent productions, Abby's collection of rare percussion instruments helps create the unforgettable sounds audiences hear in their favorite movies. 

In this fascinating conversation, Abby shares how she and her late husband built LA Percussion from a small instrument rental business into one of the industry's premier destinations for composers seeking distinctive sounds. She explains why percussion is one of the most powerful storytelling tools in cinema and how a single instrument can completely transform the emotional impact of a scene. 

The discussion also explores legendary percussionist Emil Richards, whose groundbreaking work introduced exotic percussion into Hollywood film scores, forever changing the sound of modern cinema. Abby explains how his influence continues to inspire composers today and how LA Percussion is helping carry that legacy forward by giving filmmakers access to hundreds of unique instruments and on-site recording opportunities. 

In this episode:

•  How film composers create memorable movie soundtracks 
•  The role of percussion in cinematic storytelling 
•  The Hollywood legend who changed film music forever 
•  Why rare instruments create unforgettable movie moments 
•  How independent filmmakers can achieve blockbuster-quality sound 
•  Recording custom percussion for films, television, and games 
•  Behind-the-scenes stories from productions including The Office, Super Bowl commercials, and major feature films 
•  How Abby transformed personal tragedy into a bold new business direction 
•  Why collaboration between composers and musicians leads to better storytelling 
•  How acoustic instruments continue to thrive in an AI and digital music world 
•  Advice for filmmakers looking to elevate their sound design on any budget 

Whether you're a filmmaker, composer, producer, editor, sound designer, or simply fascinated by the craft behind movie magic, this episode offers a rare look inside one of Hollywood's most specialized creative industries.

Subscribe to Best in Fest for more conversations with filmmakers, composers, producers, actors, festival founders, and entertainment professionals shaping the future of film.

Can artificial intelligence give us the perfect relationship—or does perfection come at the cost of real human connection?

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with writer, director, producer, and bestselling author Lisa Steadman to discuss modern relationships, romantic storytelling, artificial intelligence, and her new festival short film, Tainted Love.

A graduate of the USC screenwriting program, Lisa has built a wide-ranging creative career spanning film, television, publishing, branding, and digital media. She shares how she went from working in film production to helping build the Barbie Collector brand at Mattel, launching an influential breakup blog, and becoming the bestselling author of It’s a Breakup, Not a Breakdown.

Lisa also opens up about how her own relationships shaped her writing, why she initially resisted writing romantic comedies, and how she learned to balance the fantasy of romance with the emotional truth of real-life relationships.

In this episode:

• Lisa Steadman’s journey from USC Film School to professional screenwriting
• What film school does—and does not—prepare writers for
• How she helped build Mattel’s Barbie Collector brand
• Why she refused to sign away ownership of her creative ideas
• Turning a painful breakup into a successful blog and book career
• How personal relationships influence screenwriting
• Why romantic comedies need both fantasy and emotional truth
• The creative process behind Tainted Love
• Why people may choose AI companions over human relationships
• What artificial intelligence cannot replace about real love
• How AI could change screenwriting and independent filmmaking
• The risks and opportunities AI creates for writers
• Why filmmakers should stop waiting for permission and create their own work
• The importance of collaboration in independent film
• Lisa’s dream of bringing her television series Lauren of Arabia to the screen

In Tainted Love, Lisa imagines a near future where AI companions look and behave like real people. During a neighborhood dinner party, a sudden blackout exposes who is human—and who is not—forcing the characters to confront the emotional consequences of choosing artificial perfection over genuine connection.

The conversation also explores Lisa’s nuanced view of AI in Hollywood. She uses it as a creative assistant and believes it could help independent filmmakers reduce costs and green-light their own projects, but she remains concerned about protecting the heart, humanity, and creative livelihoods that only people can provide.

Whether you are a screenwriter, filmmaker, author, romantic-comedy fan, or simply curious about the future of love and technology, this episode offers an entertaining and thought-provoking look at relationships in the age of artificial intelligence.

Subscribe to Best in Fest for more conversations with filmmakers, writers, actors, producers, and entertainment professionals shaping the future of storytelling.

What does it take to leave a successful career behind, move to Hollywood, and start building your dream all over again?

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Ukrainian actress, model, dancer, songwriter, and television host  Liliia Halushko to discuss her journey from a small village in Ukraine to the international entertainment industry—and her latest suspense short film, The Impression.

Liliya opens up about being bullied and deeply insecure as a child, finding confidence through dance, modeling, television, and performance, and eventually moving to the United States to pursue acting at a higher level. She explains why acting requires the same discipline as an elite sport and why talent alone is never enough without constant training and preparation.

The conversation also explores her award-winning modeling career, her work as a television host and recording artist, and the personal experiences that inspired her to connect so deeply with The Impression.

In this episode:

• How Liliya went from a small Ukrainian village to the entertainment industry
• Overcoming bullying, insecurity, and self-doubt
• Her experience studying television, cinema, and performance in Kyiv
• How modeling and international competitions helped build her confidence
• Why acting should be treated like daily athletic training
• The challenges of moving to Hollywood and rebuilding a career
• What she learned from working in television, music, dance, and modeling
• How her Ukrainian identity influences her creative work
• The story behind the suspense short film The Impression
• Why first impressions can be dangerously misleading
• How trust, fear, and ordinary moments can completely change a life
• Preparing emotionally for a dramatic role
• Working with director Luke LaFontaine and a young child actor
• Her advice for performers trying to break into the entertainment industry
• Why persistence and preparation create unexpected opportunities

In The Impression, Liliya plays a young immigrant mother who cannot find childcare before work and is forced to bring her son along on a train ride. A seemingly ordinary encounter with a stranger soon changes all of their lives, revealing how danger often arrives without warning—and sometimes behind a friendly smile.

Liliya also speaks candidly about leaving family members behind in Ukraine, the emotional impact of war, and why she believes she can help her country by continuing to build her voice and career in the United States.

Whether you are an aspiring actor, immigrant artist, filmmaker, model, or anyone working to overcome fear and pursue an ambitious dream, this episode offers an inspiring conversation about resilience, discipline, identity, and the courage to keep moving forward.

Subscribe to Best in Fest for more conversations with actors, filmmakers, producers, writers, festival creators, and entertainment professionals from around the world.

What happens when animal cruelty becomes profitable content?

In this powerful episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage speaks with journalist and animal advocate Nina Jackel and documentary filmmaker Kirk Murray about exposing animal abuse, confronting powerful technology companies, and using filmmaking as a catalyst for change.

Nina is the founder of Lady Freethinker, a nonprofit media organization dedicated to exposing and preventing animal suffering around the world. After repeatedly discovering graphic animal-abuse videos on YouTube, she took the extraordinary step of challenging the platform and demanding greater accountability for the content generating views, engagement, and advertising revenue.

Although the resulting lawsuit did not prevail in court, the campaign attracted widespread public attention and helped pressure YouTube to remove some of its most disturbing animal-torture content.

Nina and Kirk also take listeners behind the scenes of their documentaries We Are Animals and Cruelty for Clicks, which investigate the many ways animals are exploited for entertainment, profit, donations, and social-media engagement.

In this episode:

• How Lady Freethinker grew from an advocacy blog into a global animal-protection organization
• Why Nina Jackel decided to challenge YouTube over animal-abuse videos
• How Section 230 protects social-media platforms from liability for user-generated content
• Why losing a lawsuit can still create meaningful public change
• The disturbing rise of staged animal-rescue videos
• How fake shelters and rescue scams manipulate donors
• Why some creators deliberately place animals in danger before filming a “rescue”
• The hidden suffering behind exotic pets and viral animal videos
• How documentary filmmakers investigate difficult and emotionally challenging subjects
• The importance of veterinarians, researchers, and experts in revealing cruelty that viewers may not recognize
• How filmmakers balance graphic subject matter with compelling storytelling
• Why social-media companies must take greater responsibility for harmful content
• How audiences can recognize suspicious animal videos and avoid supporting exploitation

From puppies deliberately placed in danger to wild animals treated as props, Cruelty for Clicks reveals how online attention can fuel a disturbing global industry. The conversation also examines less obvious forms of exploitation, including pet monkeys, exotic cats, wildlife content, factory farming, and misleading labels that allow cruelty to remain hidden from consumers.

This episode is an essential listen for documentary filmmakers, animal advocates, journalists, nonprofit leaders, social-media users, and anyone concerned about the ethical responsibilities of major technology platforms.

Subscribe to Best in Fest for more conversations with filmmakers, activists, producers, writers, and creative leaders using storytelling to expose injustice and inspire change.

How do you create movies that entertain audiences, attract major talent, and still make a meaningful impact on the world?

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with producer and One Community Head of Content Ameet Shukla for an in-depth conversation about social impact filmmaking, independent film production, finding powerful scripts, and building a sustainable career in Hollywood.

Ameet discusses the creative strategy behind films including Netflix’s Nonnas, the politically charged dark comedy Winner, and the acclaimed true-story drama Freeheld. He explains why socially relevant movies cannot simply preach to audiences—they must first be entertaining, emotionally engaging, and driven by unforgettable characters.

The conversation explores how producers identify a distinctive voice in a screenplay, balance artistic integrity with financing realities, and turn important social issues into stories audiences genuinely want to watch.

In this episode:

• How Winner turned a politically divisive true story into a heartfelt comedy
• Why complex characters are essential to impactful storytelling
• What producers look for when reading a screenplay
• How Freeheld transformed a real-life fight for equality into a major feature film
• Why Netflix’s Nonnas connects through food, family, caregiving, and community
• How to include social impact themes without overwhelming the entertainment
• The current challenges facing independent film financing
• Why mid-budget movies are becoming harder to produce
• How tax incentives influence where films are shot
• What the Head of Content at a production company actually does
• How producers choose writers, directors, editors, and creative collaborators
• What One Community looks for in new film and television projects
• Why filmmakers should plan beyond their first movie
• How technology has made filmmaking more accessible
• The importance of building a long-term creative career rather than chasing one breakthrough

Ameet also shares practical advice for filmmakers, writers, and producers trying to get noticed. His central message is simple: keep creating, develop a recognizable voice, think strategically about your second and third projects, and make work that proves what you can do.

Whether you are an aspiring producer, screenwriter, director, film student, or independent filmmaker, this episode offers an honest and valuable look at how meaningful stories move from the page to the screen.

Subscribe to Best in Fest for more conversations with award-winning filmmakers, producers, actors, screenwriters, festival leaders, and entertainment industry professionals.

What does it really take to build a lasting career in Hollywood?

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage, founder of the La Femme International Film Festival, sits down with Academy Award-nominated writer, director, and producer Jonathan Heap for an in-depth conversation about storytelling, directing, editing, working with legendary actors, and surviving decades in the film industry.

Jonathan shares the incredible story behind his Oscar-nominated short film 12:01 PM, the time-loop classic that helped inspire an entire generation of films, including the popularity of stories built around repeating timelines. He explains how the short evolved into a feature film, what he learned working with Donald Sutherland, Amy Irving, and Rob Lowe, and why trusting your instincts remains the most valuable tool a filmmaker can develop.

The conversation also explores the realities of today's entertainment industry—from proof-of-concept short films and independent financing to directing actors, editing, test screenings, studio notes, and why great storytelling always starts with the script. Jonathan also discusses his latest festival short, Ghosts of '45, and his nonprofit work using film to create social impact.

Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, director, screenwriter, producer, film student, or simply love hearing behind-the-scenes stories from Hollywood professionals, this episode is packed with practical advice and decades of filmmaking wisdom.

In this episode:

• The story behind the Oscar-nominated short film 12:01 PM
• How an Academy Award nomination changed Jonathan Heap's career
• Directing Donald Sutherland, Amy Irving, Eric Roberts, and Rob Lowe
• The secrets to getting authentic performances from actors
• Why rehearsal is one of a director's greatest tools
• How editing completely transforms a film
• Using audience screenings to improve your movie
• Turning a short film into a feature-length project
• Why proof-of-concept films still matter
• The current state of independent filmmaking and Hollywood
• Advice every first-time filmmaker should hear
• Why great films begin with great scripts