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.