In this inspiring episode of Best in Fest, acclaimed Kosovo-Albanian actress and producer Arta Dobroshi shares her extraordinary journey from performing as a young artist in Kosovo to building an international career in film.

Arta opens up about how growing up amid war and political instability shaped her perspective, her performances, and her commitment to humanity. She discusses her acting process, including Stanislavski-based training, script preparation, emotional presence, and what it takes to fully inhabit complex characters on screen.

The conversation also explores Arta’s experience working with celebrated directors, producing independent projects, balancing a demanding film career with motherhood, and advocating for refugees and greater unity across cultures. She offers heartfelt advice for emerging actors, creatives, and women entering the entertainment industry: trust your inner voice, do not be discouraged by rejection, and keep moving toward the life you envision.

This is a candid conversation about film, purpose, resilience, creativity, and the power of joy.

In this special episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with an inspiring group of filmmakers from around the world whose stories explore identity, technology, human connection, and the power of cinema to preserve history.

From a moving documentary about a Japanese Canadian artist overcoming the legacy of World War II internment camps, to thought-provoking films examining artificial intelligence, modern relationships, immigration, friendship, and self-discovery, these filmmakers reveal the creative journeys behind their work and the real-world experiences that inspired them.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How filmmakers are using cinema to preserve overlooked historical stories
• The impact of Japanese Canadian internment and the role of art in healing generational trauma
• Why AI is becoming one of the most fascinating topics in modern storytelling
• The ethical and emotional questions surrounding artificial intelligence and human relationships
• How voice messages, social media, and technology are changing the way we communicate
• The realities of building a filmmaking career across multiple countries and cultures
• Why personal experiences often create the most powerful stories on screen
• The importance of women filmmakers bringing unique perspectives to contemporary cinema
• How short films can become proof-of-concept projects for larger productions

Featured films include powerful documentaries, AI-inspired narratives, relationship dramas, international comedies, and award-winning short films that challenge audiences to think differently about history, identity, and the future.

Whether you're a filmmaker, storyteller, film festival enthusiast, or simply fascinated by the intersection of technology and humanity, this episode offers valuable insights into the creative process and the evolving landscape of independent film.

Subscribe to Best in Fest for more conversations with filmmakers, writers, directors, actors, and industry leaders shaping the future of entertainment.

From AI-generated filmmaking and documentary storytelling to action shorts, horror competitions, relationship dramas, and artistic documentaries, these creators share how they brought their unique visions to life and what it takes to succeed in today's rapidly changing film industry.

Featured conversations include:

• The opportunities and challenges of creating films with artificial intelligence
• How filmmakers are using emerging technology to tell deeply personal stories
• Producing documentaries that take years to complete and follow real-life subjects across continents
• Building proof-of-concept films that grow into feature-length projects
• Creating compelling action films on student and independent budgets
• The realities of film festivals, distribution, and audience discovery
• Writing and producing independent films inspired by modern dating culture
• Documentary filmmaking focused on art, creativity, and the human experience
• Winning film competitions and creating professional-quality work under extreme deadlines

Guests also discuss the importance of collaboration, perseverance, creative problem-solving, and finding new ways to connect with audiences in an increasingly digital world.

Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, producer, writer, actor, or film enthusiast, this episode offers practical insights into the creative process and the future of independent storytelling.

Subscribe to Best in Fest for more interviews with filmmakers, creators, and industry leaders from around the world.

In this special episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with an inspiring group of filmmakers featured at the Budapest Film Festival to discuss the stories, challenges, and creative journeys behind their latest projects.

From a courageous documentary following a young women’s rights activist in Kyrgyzstan, to powerful films exploring teen pregnancy, collective memory, neurodiversity, grief, and social justice, this episode highlights the global impact of independent filmmaking.

Featured guests share their experiences navigating film financing, festival circuits, documentary production, animation, directing first features, and creating meaningful stories that spark conversation and change.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How documentary filmmakers build trust with their subjects over years of production
• The challenges of creating social impact films on limited budgets
• Why personal experiences often become powerful cinematic stories
• The role of animation in preserving history and collective memory
• How filmmakers are bringing awareness to underrepresented communities and conditions like dyspraxia
• The realities of film festivals, distribution, and finding audiences in today's streaming landscape
• Why authentic storytelling continues to resonate across cultures and borders

Whether you're a filmmaker, film festival enthusiast, documentary lover, or someone passionate about stories that make a difference, this episode offers valuable insights into the art and business of independent cinema.

Subscribe to Best in Fest for more conversations with filmmakers, producers, actors, and industry leaders shaping the future of film and entertainment.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Joi Noelle Worley, editor, director, and content creator with experience across DreamWorks Animation, Netflix, Hulu, and independent film, to explore the evolving landscape of storytelling across animation and live action.

Joi shares her unique career path working in both mediums, breaking down the creative and technical differences between editing animation and live action—and how those skills translate into directing, writing, and building original IP.

🎯 In this episode, we cover:

• 🎬 The real difference between editing animation vs live action
• 🎞️ Why editing is about emotion, timing, and storytelling—not just cutting footage
• 🤖 AI in filmmaking: where it helps—and where it threatens creativity
• 🎨 Why animation is more than “just for kids” and requires deep collaboration
• 🎭 Directing animation vs actors: clarity, story beats, and visual intention
• 📺 Working on projects for DreamWorks, Netflix, and major studios
• 🧠 How animation skills improve live action directing (storyboarding, pacing)
• 🚀 Creating your own IP: building pitch bibles, animatics, and proof of concept
• 🌍 Pitching original series and films in today’s competitive market
• 🎥 Why filmmakers must create their own opportunities instead of waiting for permission

Joi also dives into her original projects, including her animated series Lionheart, viral fan animatics, and her current feature film Ilaaj, a Hindi-language inspirational drama exploring healing and self-discovery.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Elissa Shay. actress, writer, and producer, to break down her journey from struggling to find the right roles in Hollywood to producing and starring in her own feature film, Fractured.

After facing challenges as a mixed-ethnicity actress in an industry that often struggles with representation, Elissa took control of her career—writing, producing, and financing projects that aligned with her purpose and creative voice.

🎯 In this episode, we cover:

• 🎭 Why Elissa transitioned from acting into producing early in her career
• 🌍 Producing a documentary in Africa (Mully) and what it taught her about storytelling
• ✍️ Writing your own roles when Hollywood isn’t offering the right opportunities
• 💰 How indie films are actually financed through private investors
• 🧾 Using tax incentives and investor structures to fund a feature film
• 🎬 How Fractured came together with talent like Julia Ormond and Bruce Dern
• 📊 The realities of film festivals, PR, and why marketing budgets matter
• 🚧 Common mistakes filmmakers make when they don’t budget for distribution
• 📱 Why building an audience during production is critical for success
• 🎥 Navigating identity and representation in casting and storytelling

Elissa also shares candid insights about the biggest lesson she learned: making the film is only half the battle—getting it seen is an entirely different challenge.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Shalini Dutta, an accomplished actress with over three decades of experience across Bollywood, theater, television, and independent film to discuss her journey, career reinvention, and the evolving landscape for women and South Asian talent in the global film industry.

From her early start in Indian cinema to stepping away for family life and returning years later to pursue meaningful storytelling, Shalini shares what it really takes to sustain a creative career across different life stages.

🎯 In this episode, we cover:

• 🎭 How Shalini began her acting career in Bollywood and regional Indian films
• 🌍 The key differences between Bollywood and Hollywood storytelling styles
• 🎬 Why meaningful, character-driven roles matter more than screen time
• 🔄 Reinventing your acting career after a long break
• 👩🏽‍🎬 The rise of strong female roles and diverse storytelling in modern cinema
• 📺 How Indian cinema has evolved into a global storytelling force
• 🎥 Working in indie films like Between Places and building a second career
• 🌱 Why actors should choose roles based on purpose—not just exposure or pay
• 🎙️ Building a platform to uplift South Asian voices through content and community

Shalini also shares insights into the challenges and progress of representation for South Asian actors, explaining why opportunities are growing—but why there’s still work to be done.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Aarti Misra — producer, business strategist, and global dealmaker working at the intersection of film, technology, and finance.

With over 20 years of experience spanning Silicon Valley startups, film production, and international co-productions, Aarti breaks down how the entertainment industry is evolving—and what filmmakers must understand to stay competitive in an AI-driven, globally distributed marketplace.

🎯 In this episode, we cover:

• 🤖 How AI is transforming filmmaking—and why it’s a tool, not a replacement for creatives
• 🎬 Inside “Up and Now”: an AI-powered tool for storyboarding, shot lists & pre-production
• 💰 How film financing works today (and how independents can compete with studios)
• 🌍 Why global co-productions and international tax incentives are reshaping film production
• 📊 The rise of independent filmmakers in a disrupted Hollywood system
• 🎥 How to package films, secure IP, and find the right audience
• 📱 Vertical content, short-form storytelling & new monetization opportunities
• 🧠 Why creatives—not tech companies—must drive AI innovation in storytelling
• 🏢 How big tech is influencing the future of studios and distribution

Aarti also shares insights from her work across Europe, the U.S., and India, explaining how filmmakers can leverage global partnerships, navigate shifting distribution models, and build sustainable careers outside traditional studio systems.