Interview by Paul Salfen
The open road has a way of leading to unexpected stories, and for director Kate Beecroft, a spontaneous road trip across the U.S. with her cinematographer sparked the creation of East of Wall. This raw, heartfelt film centers on a young, tattooed, rebellious horse trainer grappling with financial insecurity and unresolved grief while offering refuge to a group of wayward teenagers. In a candid conversation with Paul Salfen of AMFM Magazine, Beecroft, alongside the film’s subjects and first-time actors Tabatha and Porshia Zimiga, shared the journey of bringing this authentic story to life.
Beecroft’s adventure began with no grand plan—just a desire to capture small, human stories. “My cinematographer and I were on a road trip, just trying to get little stories, nothing like a feature,” she explained. That changed when they arrived at a ranch in South Dakota and met Tabatha and her family. “I just became so addicted and in love with them,” Beecroft said, her voice warm with admiration. “They were the people I’d been dying to see, and I’d been dying to see their stories.”
What sets East of Wall apart is its unflinching authenticity, a quality that resonates in early audience reactions. “Everybody’s been surprised about how authentic it feels,” Beecroft noted, attributing this to the three years she spent living with the Zimiga family. “If I had made this film within the first week of meeting them versus living with them, it wouldn’t have been the same,” she said. By immersing herself in their world—often without a camera—she gained a deep respect for the ranching community’s daily struggles and resilience. “I started seeing the world through their eyes.”
For Tabatha Zimiga, the experience of being on camera was a leap into the unknown. “I’m usually the one behind the camera, taking videos and pictures,” she laughed. “So it was pretty different to have the camera in my face the whole time.” Yet, the process became a source of pride. “It was a really cool experience, something we’re excited to pursue a bit more.” Her daughter, Porshia, echoed the sentiment, though she admitted the emotional scenes were tough. “I think about sad moments from before, and that’s how I get through those,” she shared, her quiet strength mirroring the character she portrays.
The trust between Beecroft and the Zimigas was hard-earned. “Kate stayed with us for three years, so we love Kate—she’s part of our family now,” Tabatha said. That bond made it easier to open up, even knowing the world would see their vulnerabilities. “It’s a little scary knowing everybody’s going to see everything,” Tabatha admitted, “but I trust Kate, and what she did is truly epic.” Their comfort with Beecroft extended to the social media realm, where Tabatha’s own TikTok videos found their way into the film, bridging their real lives with the story onscreen.
For aspiring storytellers, Beecroft’s advice is clear: embrace discomfort. “I lived in a truck for a few weeks trying to find this story,” she said. “You have to take risks to tell something different and meaningful.” She’s passionate about uncovering undiscovered talent, emphasizing the need for fresh faces in Hollywood. “There’s so much talent out there that’s undiscovered,” she said, her excitement palpable. “We need that.”
Tabatha and Porshia, meanwhile, encourage others to share their stories without fear. “People feel like nobody cares, but you’ll be surprised at how many can relate or who you can help just by telling yours,” Tabatha said. Porshia added, “Open up and go for what you want people to hear.” Their willingness to be vulnerable paid off in moments that Beecroft cherishes, like a scene where Porshia wakes up in a car, her face conveying a depth of emotion that stunned the director. “To get that performance from a teenage girl who’s never been on film before—it’s just so present,” Beecroft said. “That’s what I love about working with first-time actors.”
The film’s emotional core required the cast to dig deep. “Trauma plays a big part,” Tabatha explained. “You pull from what’s turned you into a warrior, all your life experiences, to make some magic.” Beecroft, as an actor’s director, prioritized creating a safe space for such vulnerability. “I take a breath and clear my expectations,” she said. “The actors are the most important part of storytelling. I want to give them space to be confident and vulnerable.”
East of Wall is more than a story—it’s a call to action. Tabatha hopes audiences see “how strong women can be” and the resilience behind their lives, challenging stereotypes of women confined to domestic roles. “I’d like to keep the cowboy way alive,” she added, noting the fading traditions of ranch life. Porshia wants viewers to “learn to be themselves and open to new experiences,” while Beecroft hopes the film inspires filmmakers to take risks on new talent and tell diverse stories, especially those of women from all walks of life. “From 11 years old to their 70s, that’s such a special thing,” she said. “I want to carry that forward.”
As the film gains traction, the trio is already looking ahead. Porshia, a fan of goth icon Mia Goth, dreams of diving into horror films and modeling, while Tabatha is eager to explore new creative ventures. Beecroft, meanwhile, is working on her next project, one that continues her commitment to writing for women of all ages. “It’s different from East of Wall, but it still has those elements,” she said.
For now, East of Wall stands as a testament to the power of taking chances—on the road, in storytelling, and in life. As Beecroft, Tabatha, and Porshia urge audiences to check out the film, their message is clear: embrace the unknown, tell your truth, and let the world see the strength within.
