Episode 79: “Wild Horses at the Door”

A Conversation with Carrie Lederer

In this special Redfish Film Festival episode of VIE Speaks, host and VIE editor-in-chief Lisa Marie Burwell sits down with documentary filmmaker Carrie Lederer to discuss her recent film, Wild Horses at the Door. As part of the Redfish Film Fest 2025 lineup, this movie brought the heartfelt and harrowing story of John Wayne Smith to the screen. Thank you, Carrie, for sharing this story and being a guest on VIE Speaks!

About Wild Horses at the Door

Coloradoan John Wayne Smith was homeless for eight years, working through recovery, when he resettled himself off-grid on a high desert mesa where wild horses roamed. A wounded pregnant mare showed up at his door, and John nursed her back to health, later delivering her foal, which he affectionately named Blizzard. The profound bond set into motion an unexpected healing journey into the wonderful world of wild horses.

Four years later, we meet John, who coexists with several bands of mustangs that he has come to know intimately in a way few people have experienced. Living with a hundred wild horses and a mule has given him an alternative path versus a system that he felt was not serving him; however, living the life of a rugged individualist alone on a mesa presents its own set of challenges, even for someone named after tough guy John Wayne. John also eventually realizes that the resource scarcity he was familiar with when he was homeless may threaten his beloved mustangs.

Follow @wildhorsesatthedoor on Instagram to keep up with Carrie Lederer and this project.

Learn more about Redfish Film Festival, see the complete list of featured documentaries and filmmakers, and stay up to date on future events at RedfishFilmFest.com and @redfishfilmfest.