Behind the Lens: Susan Goral on Festivals, Indie Films & Authentic Storytelling

Host Izzy sits down with producer and festival director Susan Gorrell to trace her journey from a music-industry family to founding and running the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival (JDIFF) and producing indie features, shorts and documentaries. The episode covers Susan's producing process — finding projects, building pitch decks, collaborating with directors and crews, casting for authentic performances, and navigating the toughest phases: finding funding and managing post-production. Susan shares a memorable family documentary road trip, practical career advice for emerging filmmakers (network at festivals, make shorts, collaborate, and be your own best marketer), and encouragement to work hard and create opportunities.