Q&A Panel
Regal LA Live, June 7, 2025
Featuring an exceptional lineup of keynote speakers, the Q&A session explored topics ranging from self-financing and storytelling to film investment, music integration, and navigating the industry as a young talent. AJ Lambert discussed blending narrative and music in filmmaking; Anthony Young offered expertise in financing indie to blockbuster projects; Arielle Raycene revealed the emotional depth behind her haunting performance; Carmine Carpenito shared insights on launching a film without formal training; and Kayden Tokarski reflected on growing confidence through early acting experiences. Together, they provided valuable industry insights and firsthand experiences.
Musician‑Filmmaker AJ Lambert: Lambert, granddaughter of Frank Sinatra and director of the genre‑blending short The Junction, discussed bringing deeply personal themes—family, loss, haunting memories—to life on screen. Drawing on her work supervising music for directors like Lee Daniels and her background in experimental music and video, she offered insight into fusing narrative and musical storytelling within a compact 40‑minute film.
Film Investor Anthony Young: Young, a seasoned serial entrepreneur and member of the Television Academy, shared insider perspectives on financing projects ranging from indie films to blockbusters—drawing on his experience producing 37 theatrically and streaming-released titles over the past eight years. He offered valuable insights into the strategic thinking behind successful content ventures.
Actress Arielle Raycene: Raycene, who stars in the experimental short Growing Daisies, delivered a raw and fearless performance that anchors the film’s haunting exploration of obsession and emotional breakdown. She reflected on stepping into the role of Daisy—a character grappling with inner turmoil—and highlighted her process in bringing that psychological complexity to the screen.
Swiss-based film journalist, first-time director, screenwriter, and producer Carmine Carpenito: Carpenito, who wrote, directed, and self-financed Come and Find Me, reflected on the challenges of launching a film without formal training and the resilience required to self-fund the project. He also shared how his journalism background informed the creation of emotionally grounded characters, turning real-life observation into cinematic storytelling.
Young Rising Star Kayden Tokarski: Tokarski, just 15 years old, joined the IndieX Film Fest Q&A panel as a rising talent known for roles in Gaslit and Roswell Delirium. She discussed how her early experiences on professional sets shaped her confidence in storytelling and offered an inspiring perspective on youth navigating the film industry.
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