Indie Filmmaking Strategy: Producing Animated Films with Global Impact - Julia Koriwaza

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with actress, filmmaker, and producer Julia Morizawa to break down her evolution from working actor to multi-hyphenate storyteller creating impactful, culturally rooted films.

With over 20 years in film, television, and voice acting, Julia shares how she transitioned into writing and producing—using animation, short films, and emerging technology to bring deeply personal stories to life.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

•  🎭 How actors can transition into writing, producing, and directing
•  🎬 How to develop a film from personal or family history into a compelling narrative
•  🎨 Why animation can be a powerful and cost-effective storytelling tool
•  📊 The realities of short film distribution—and how to extend a film’s lifecycle after festivals
•  🌍 How cultural and heritage-driven stories can connect with global audiences
•  🚀 How platforms like Omeleto create new exposure opportunities for filmmakers
•  🎥 How to use proof-of-concept shorts to develop larger projects (features or series)
•  🧠 Why adapting your story across formats (film, podcast, series) increases your chances of success
•  ⚙️ How emerging tools like Unreal Engine are changing indie production workflows

Julia also shares the story behind her animated short Dragonfly, inspired by her family’s experience during World War II, and how it evolved from a feature script into a successful festival film—and now into broader distribution.