The Future Is Female

Join us for an inspiring conversation as the female feature film directors of Waco Indie 2025 come to Fabled to sit down with author and documentary filmmaker Kevin Smokler to discuss their journeys in the film industry—how they got started, what drives their work, and where they see cinema heading next. Listen to a guided, insightful look at the past, present, and powerful future of women in film. Don’t miss this chance to hear bold voices shaping the next chapter of storytelling!

About the Panelists:

Julai Barnett - Raised in the Midwest, she later lived in East Africa before establishing herself in New York City, where she built a successful acting career in television. Now based in Austin, Texas, Julia continues to thrive as an actor, writer, and director. Her filmmaking debut was with the short film "Chasing Grace," which premiered at SXSW in 2017. In 2023, with partner Mindy Raymond, Julia launched Rolling Reels Productions, writing and directing two features, "A Christmas In New Hope" and "Texas Cult House," the latter premiering at the 2024 Austin Film Festival. For decades, Julia has also served as Chief Creative Officer for the African Children's Choir, crafting their touring and theatrical productions.

Eirene Houston - Eirene has been an art teacher, singer/songwriter, comedian and screenwriter. From 1993-1995 she studied screenwriting at the National Film and Television School UK. She has written many scripts for film and TV. ‘Life is Dance’ is Eirene’s first feature film as a director. The documentary was filmed on location in Cuba with a small Cuban crew. Eirene has also produced the film.

She’s passionate about building community among independent filmmakers, especially in today’s challenging creative climate. With funding and distribution becoming increasingly difficult for indie projects, she believes collaboration and connection are key to getting meaningful stories made—and seen.

Twila LaBar - Twila is a versatile filmmaker, director, and award-winning songwriter. She made her narrative film debut with "Blanche," an independent production filmed in West Texas. In her latest project, "Where the Horses Heal the Soul," is an inspiring film explores the profound impact of horses and Equine-Assisted Services on children, adults and veterans facing physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. Twila's storytelling skills beautifully portray the transformative journeys of children, adults, and veterans.

Michelle Michael - Michelle Michael is the co-creator of the award-winning documentary World Without Cows, her first feature-length film. A seasoned video journalist and producer, Michelle has spent more than two decades crafting powerful visual narratives from war zones and international newsrooms to farms and global sustainability stages. She is a lead producer for Planet of Plenty, an initiative focused on science and sustainability that champions inclusive dialogue and diverse perspectives in the conversation about the future of our planet. Michelle’s work has earned numerous accolades, including a Silver Telly Award, two NPPA Solo Video Journalist of the Year awards, multiple American Advertising Awards, and national recognition for her commitment to meaningful storytelling.

Kevin Smokler - Kevin's current book, Break the Frame: Conversations with Women Filmmakers, is a collection of 24 career-length interviews with directors responsible for worldwide box office phenonmena like Captain Marvel, Oscar wins like Free Solo and the careers of household name celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrara, Paul Rudd and Natasha Lyonne. He listens as women filmmakers speak to the struggle and triumphs of developing and directing movies that are shaping how the film business sees women in the director’s chair, and how their audiences see themselves and each other.