Leah Sherman-Weiner is a Chinese-American from Austin, Texas and is currently a Senior at Chapman University with a major in Film Production and a minor in Studio Art. She’s been directing film and animation for over 7 years and gravitates towards narratives revolving around family, identity, and self-reflection/personal growth out of emotional hardship. Since starting at Chapman, Leah directed 3 short films from story conception/development through their premier screenings, including the short, Help Wanted, which received two awards (best film and best actress) at the Austin Student Film Festival. In addition to her directorial credits, she has 1st Assistant Directed and Production Designed several short films, both Chapman-affiliated and independently produced. Leah is currently freelancing for the international production company, Little Studio Films. Her work primarily consists of creating visual pitch and promotional packages for the company's various films in development. Outside of film, Leah works to develop her portfolio of conceptual photography and illustration. Leah’s creative endeavors are driven by a desire to bring honest representations of mental health, varying ethnic backgrounds, and personal hardship to the big screen.
