-Who is Twila LaBar?

I started writing songs, singing, and playing instruments at a young age. I have always been passionate about music, art, and songwriting. I moved to Nashville in 1995 to pursue my songwriting dream. I was a staff songwriter with four music publishing companies in Nashville, TN. I’m fortunate that many of my songs have been recorded by Christian music artists and groups over the last 20 years. I bought my first DSLR camera about 13 years ago and started creating short videos. I instantly fell in love with storytelling through this medium. I freelanced, creating documentary-style videos for businesses, churches, and artists, and then was offered the opportunity to direct and edit my first feature-length documentary film, in 2015. I recently worked with a crew to shoot my fourth film.

-What inspired you to become a filmmaker?

I was inspired to become a filmmaker when I started editing for other peoples’ projects and discovered that this medium felt similar to music – the rhythm, pace, emotion, and cadence. I loved it and wanted to create films.

-Do you think the cinema can bring a change in the society?

I do believe cinema can bring change. I’ve been moved by films that have inspired me to want to do more to help people. Films have inspired me to learn more about people and ideas I didn’t know about before viewing the film. Films can share truth and lies, and people can be persuaded to believe the truth and lies portrayed in cinema. It’s a powerful tool.

-What would you change in the world?

I’d hope to share stories that would help people feel more compassion and empathy for others. 

-Where do you see the film industry going in the next 100 years?

Doors continuing to open for more women to be leaders in the film industry.