Q&A with Filmmakers Lillie Wojcik Foster
Lillie Wojcik Foster is a director, editor, and writer who believes the best stories begin with vulnerability. She started her career behind the scenes at production companies, collaborating on treatments, music videos, and commercials for other directors before shifting her focus to her own projects. Originally from Minnesota and now based in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, she creates character-driven, emotionally layered work. Her films often explore the tension between external constraints and emerging autonomy, reflecting her interest in authentic human experiences and personal transformation. This Q&A is part of the Bushwick Film Fest Filmmaker Q&A series
What inspired you to create this film, and how did the initial idea come to you?
The idea came from a really personal place. I had taken time away from work and filmmaking while my mom was sick, and after she passed I wanted to get back into creating but I really didn’t know where to start. During that time I had turned to running as an outlet to process my emotions, and eventually the connection between running and grief revealed itself as a subject I felt ready to explore. I got really interested in the metaphors within running and how they align with grief and life. the endurance of pain, the understanding that challenges aren’t the end, the release that comes in the aftermath, and the gift of perspective. The way running mirrors that shift from physical to emotional release really stuck with me. And in the end, working on this project also became a way to stay connected to my mom. Because I was writing and thinking about her so much during the process, she felt very present with me throughout, which was a nice way to transition back into work after everything.
What was a big challenge you faced while making this film?
The big challenge for me was just making something so personal and vulnerable. I knew I wanted to feature in it, even though I don’t have acting experience, which meant choosing the right DP was so important. James was amazing, and we prepped together a lot so that I could trust him to carry out our plan on the shoot day. We didn’t have the time for me to check playback after every shot, so that relationship was a huge part of the process. The emotional labor of the piece extended into post-production too. Finishing the edit and writing took me a long time. I had to work through a lot of my own emotions in the process. There were a lot of moments of doubt (why am I making this? Is this too dramatic? etc). But grief is dramatic! It’s overwhelming and consuming, and I wanted to express that feeling honestly. I just kept reminding myself to stay as honest as possible. I think people have connected with the piece because of that emotional directness.
Were there any films or directors that influenced your approach to this project?
It’s not a film but I was actually really inspired by Ed Sheeran’s album ‘Subtract’ for this project. That album sort of chronicles his grief, depression and recovery after a loss, and it spoke to me so much. I found it so inspiring how he managed to channel something so personal into his art and communicated what he was feeling so effectively. And I just listened to that album a lot while I was working on the film and it really enforced this idea to me to use whatever medium you’re good at as a way to process and share. I mean, I know that’s a pretty universal idea about art - is that it’s for us to communicate and connect through emotions - but I think the emphasis on remaining honest and vulnerable really stuck with me. And that album reminded me that I could channel my grief and share in the way I knew how.
What inspired you to pursue a career in filmmaking?
I actually came to filmmaking a little later in my mid-to-late 20s. At a certain point, I just felt like there is a place for the kinds of stories I wanted to tell. I really believe storytelling should be accessible to everyone. And even if the stories I connect to maybe aren’t the most ‘sophisticated’ by some standard, they still are an honest reflection of lived experience. That recognition made me feel compelled to help make space for myself and for other people who think like me and care about those same kinds of stories. And on a simpler level, I just really love it. I’ve always had a proclivity for images and communication, and filmmaking became the thing that made sense. I think, like, if an accountant is good at math and enjoys finance, of course they’d pursue that path. For me, filmmaking is that. It’s what I love, and it’s what I’ve found I’m good at. So why not build my life around that?
What’s your history with the Bushwick Film Festival?
I actually volunteered at the festival for the first time last year, and had such a great experience. I love the team, the energy, and the kinds of films they chose to showcase. I also love that it’s such a local, community-focused festival. And so I’m really proud to have gone from volunteering, to making a film, to submitting it, and now having it screen here. It feels like a little bit of proof from the universe that I’m on the right path.
What’s the last film you watched?
Four Weddings and a Funeral! Such a classic.
This Q&A is part of the Bushwick Film Fest Filmmaker Q&A series