In this powerful episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage welcomes acclaimed actress-turned-screenwriter Laura Harrington, whose career has spanned blockbuster sets and award-winning scripts. From starring opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape to writing for legends like Martin Scorsese and Taylor Hackford, Laura shares how she transitioned from the stage to the page—and why storytelling is her true calling.

Laura reveals:

• How her breakout role in Maximum Overdrive led to working with Stephen King
• The real-life encounter that inspired her script about Fidel Castro
• Her emotional journey writing The Ninth Fortress, a Holocaust escape drama
• Why actors make some of the best screenwriters
• Her approach to writing character-driven films in a superhero-saturated industry
• And how her Farmhouse Writing Retreat in Italy nurtures creators of all kinds

Whether you're an aspiring screenwriter, actor, or just love behind-the-scenes film stories, this episode is filled with rare insights and raw honesty about the creative process, reinvention, and writing with courage.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage welcomes writer, producer, and performer Elizabeth Quinn, whose sharp wit and love for offbeat stories have earned her a spot at the 2024 Tribeca Festival with her audio drama Going Reno. Elizabeth shares her journey from New York theater to L.A. improv, her transition into writing and producing, and the creative spark behind her 1930s divorce-ranch podcast starring Bonnie Hunt and Joelle Carter.

Tune in to hear Elizabeth’s insights on:

• Navigating the indie film world as a multi-hyphenate creator
• The future of narrative audio and podcasting
• The power of competitions for emerging writers
• Overcoming perfectionism and finding your voice
• Why Going Reno could be the next great series—or novel

Whether you’re a screenwriter, podcaster, or film lover, this episode is packed with advice, laughs, and a dose of inspiration for creators chasing bold stories and big dreams.

In this inspiring episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with one of Hungary’s most celebrated directors, Krisztina Goda, whose breakout hit Just Sex and Nothing Else catapulted her to fame. Goda shares her journey from the prestigious National Film and Television School to UCLA, her experience navigating Hungary’s male-dominated film industry, and the creative challenges of writing and directing both indie features and commercial work. They discuss the evolving role of women in film, the impact of streaming platforms on foreign-language cinema, and what it takes to stay passionate about storytelling in a shifting global market. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker or a seasoned storyteller, this episode offers a masterclass in resilience, artistic integrity, and international vision.