Best in Fest

Leslie LaPage

Host Leslie LaPage, Director of LaFemme International Film Festival uncovers the Secrets of Filmmaking with her lineup of industry professional guests. In every episode you will learn things like how to make the most out of the film festival circuit, how to find a great distribution partner, how to attract A list talent, finding the perfect representation, the dirty little secrets of Hollywood and much more.

  1. 1d ago

    How to Make Movies That Matter: Producer Ameet Shukla on Nonnas, Winner & Social Impact Storytelling

    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 comedyWhy complex characters are essential to impactful storytellingWhat producers look for when reading a screenplayHow Freeheld transformed a real-life fight for equality into a major feature filmWhy Netflix’s Nonnas connects through food, family, caregiving, and communityHow to include social impact themes without overwhelming the entertainmentThe current challenges facing independent film financingWhy mid-budget movies are becoming harder to produceHow tax incentives influence where films are shotWhat the Head of Content at a production company actually doesHow producers choose writers, directors, editors, and creative collaboratorsWhat One Community looks for in new film and television projectsWhy filmmakers should plan beyond their first movieHow technology has made filmmaking more accessibleThe importance of building a long-term creative career rather than chasing one breakthroughAmeet 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.

  2. Aug 11

    Oscar-Nominated Director Jonathan Heap on Hollywood & Directing Acto

    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

  3. Aug 4

    How Women Are Changing the Film Industry. Directors, Producers & Cinematographers Speak Out

    Welcome to Best in Fest, where host Lili Masztar-Hazi moderates a powerful panel discussion recorded at the inaugural La Femme International Film Festival Europe in Budapest. Award-winning filmmakers, producers, directors, cinematographers, actors, and industry leaders come together to discuss what it's really like to build a career as a woman in today's film industry. From Hollywood to Europe, they share personal stories about overcoming bias, creating opportunities, mentoring the next generation, balancing motherhood with filmmaking, and why collaboration—not competition—is shaping the future of cinema.  In this episode you'll learn:  How women are breaking barriers in the film industry  The realities of directing, producing, acting, and cinematography  Why mentorship and community are essential for long-term success  The challenges of gender bias, pay equity, and representation  Motherhood, career growth, and navigating creative leadership  How film festivals help launch careers and build international networks  Why women are creating their own opportunities through producing and independent filmmaking  Advice for aspiring filmmakers looking to build lasting careers Featuring insights from Leslie LaPage, founder of the La Femme International Film Festival, alongside acclaimed filmmakers and creatives including Petra Körner, Dorka Gryllus, Yvonne Terek, Judit Romwalter, and other accomplished women working across every corner of the film industry. Together they explore how filmmaking is evolving—and what still needs to change.  Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, film student, producer, writer, actor, cinematographer, or simply passionate about cinema, this conversation offers practical career advice, inspiring personal stories, and an honest look at the future of women in film. Subscribe to Best in Fest for more conversations with award-winning filmmakers, festival founders, producers, directors, actors, and creative leaders from around the world.

  4. Jul 28

    Different Paths to Success in the Film Industry : Award-Winning Filmmakers Share Their Career Journeys

    In this episode of Best in Fest, host Lili Masztar-Hazi brings together an inspiring panel of award-winning filmmakers, directors, producers, writers, sustainability leaders, and production designers to discuss the unexpected journeys that shaped their careers. From changing careers later in life to overcoming rejection, launching independent production companies, attending film school, working on major studio productions, and finding success through international film festivals, each guest shares honest insights into what it really takes to build a career in filmmaking. In this episode, you'll discover: • How successful filmmakers found their unique career path • Whether film school is necessary for a career in film • The value of persistence, networking, and creative partnerships • Lessons from directors, producers, writers, and production designers • How sustainability is transforming modern filmmaking • Behind-the-scenes stories from independent films and major studio productions • The challenges of financing, producing, and distributing films • Advice for emerging filmmakers navigating today's industry • Why there is no "right" way to become a filmmaker Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, film student, producer, writer, cinematographer, or simply passionate about cinema, this conversation offers practical advice and inspiring stories from professionals who have forged their own paths in one of the world's most competitive creative industries. Subscribe to Best in Fest for more conversations with award-winning filmmakers, festival directors, producers, actors, screenwriters, and industry leaders from around the world.

  5. Jul 21

    How do you actually break into the film industry?

    In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage brings together an extraordinary panel of award-winning directors, producers, cinematographers, and film professionals from around the world to reveal how they built successful careers in filmmaking—and what aspiring filmmakers need to know to do the same. From self-taught directors to internationally acclaimed producers, these guests share honest stories about rejection, persistence, networking, film school, mentorship, funding, and finding your place in one of the world's most competitive industries. In this episode, you'll learn: • How successful filmmakers got their first break • Is film school worth it—or can you succeed without it? • The importance of networking and building creative relationships • How producers, directors, and cinematographers build lasting careers • What award-winning filmmakers wish they knew when they started • How to overcome rejection and keep creating • Why storytelling matters more than expensive equipment • Advice for women working in the film industry • How international co-productions and film festivals open career opportunities • The mindset required to survive—and thrive—in independent filmmaking Featuring insights from acclaimed filmmakers whose work has premiered at Cannes, Berlinale, Venice, and major international film festivals, this conversation offers practical advice for filmmakers, film students, writers, producers, actors, cinematographers, and anyone dreaming of a career in movies. Whether you're making your first short film, pitching your first feature, or looking to grow your filmmaking career, this episode is packed with real-world lessons from professionals who've done it. Subscribe to Best in Fest for more conversations with award-winning filmmakers, festival directors, screenwriters, actors, producers, and industry leaders from around the globe.

  6. Jul 14

    Creating Without Borders: Hollywood Called... Hungary Answered!

    Why are Hollywood blockbusters, Netflix productions, and international filmmakers flocking to Hungary? In this episode of Best in Fest, we sit down with producers, studio executives, film festival leaders, and industry veterans to uncover why Budapest has quietly become one of the hottest filming destinations on Earth. From massive sound stages and medieval backlots to generous tax incentives, world-class film crews, and stories from James Bond, Rain Man, and modern Hollywood productions, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what really makes movie magic happen. Along the way, our guests share hilarious behind-the-scenes moments, career advice, hard-earned lessons about trust in filmmaking, and one truth everyone agrees on: 🎥 Great movies aren't made by buildings—they're made by great people. In this episode, we discuss: • Why Hollywood keeps coming back to Hungary • The secrets behind Budapest's booming film industry • Service productions vs. international co-productions • What producers really look for when choosing a filming location • Studio life, backlots, post-production, and film restoration • Career advice for aspiring filmmakers • Women in the film industry • Burnout, resilience, and surviving production life • And why carrying coffee for Ben Kingsley might be the best film school you'll ever attend. ☕ Whether you're an indie filmmaker, producer, film student, or just obsessed with movies, this episode is packed with insider stories, practical advice, and plenty of laughs.

  7. Jul 7

    Arta Dobroshi on Acting, Resilience, Motherhood & Building a Global Film Career | Best in Fest

    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.

  8. Jun 30

    From AI Romance to Untold History: Powerful Stories from Budapest Film Festival

    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.

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4.8
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Host Leslie LaPage, Director of LaFemme International Film Festival uncovers the Secrets of Filmmaking with her lineup of industry professional guests. In every episode you will learn things like how to make the most out of the film festival circuit, how to find a great distribution partner, how to attract A list talent, finding the perfect representation, the dirty little secrets of Hollywood and much more.

Information

  • Creator
    Leslie LaPage
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    282
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Best in Fest
  • Show Website
    Best in Fest