Best in Fest

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

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.

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.

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.