Best in Fest

In this special awards edition of Best in Fest, we're celebrating the award winners of the LA Femme International Film Festival, where extraordinary filmmakers bring bold ideas, unforgettable characters, and powerful stories to the screen.
From a groundbreaking documentary exploring how biotechnology could save endangered rhinos to a hilarious comedy that turns a trip to the bathroom into a revolution, these award-winning projects demonstrate just how diverse, daring, and impactful independent cinema can be.
Meet the films and storytellers featured in this episode:
Hornmaker: Could science save the rhinoceros from extinction? Filmmaker Juliet takes us inside the controversial world of bioengineered rhino horns, wildlife trafficking, and the unexpected resistance to an innovative conservation strategy.
Los Chuco Suaves: Musician and filmmaker Adelaide brings Chicano history to life through music, Zoot Suit fashion, and a celebration of Pachuco culture. Discover how a music video can entertain while preserving an important piece of American history.
Game Girls: Terri Rogers shares her remarkable journey from life on Skid Row to recovery, advocacy, and personal transformation. Her powerful story reveals how documentary filmmaking can do more than capture a life—it can help change one.
Urinal Revolution: Who knew a bathroom line could inspire a revolution? This outrageous female-led comedy follows two best friends navigating friendship, adulthood, and one unforgettable night. Featuring Lilimar and Haylie Law, it's proof that even the most ridiculous premise can reveal something meaningful about growing up.
In this episode, you'll discover:
The inspiration behind four distinctive award-winning projects.
How independent filmmakers tackle difficult subjects through documentary, music, and comedy.
The creative challenges of bringing unconventional stories to the screen.
Why authentic storytelling and diverse perspectives matter in modern cinema.
What makes the LA Femme International Film Festival an important showcase for independent filmmakers.
From inspiring personal victories to wildly inventive filmmaking, these award winners remind us that the best stories don't always come from Hollywood's biggest studios.
Join Best in Fest as we celebrate the winners, the visionaries, and the stories that deserve their moment in the spotlight!
Subscribe for more exclusive filmmaker interviews, film festival highlights, and behind-the-scenes conversations from the world of independent cinema.

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 5, 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.

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 4, 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.

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 3, 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.

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.