Back to directory
Leah Sapin
- Location:
- United Kingdom, Portugal
- Issues:
- Climate Change, Disability Rights, LGBTQIA+, Child Welfare, Racial Injustice, Mass Incarceration & Criminal Justice Reform, Economic Injustice, Labor issues, Women and Girls, Human Rights
- Expertise:
- Educational materials, Impact Producing, Consulting, Impact Strategist/Advisor, Mentorship, Training
- Cultural/racial identity:
- White / Caucasian
- Self identification:
- Woman
Bio
With over 20 years of experience in curation and production of independent documentaries, film festivals, panel conversations, and as grant-making advisor, Leah centers her work on social justice, accountability, inclusivity, and impact.
As Associate Director at the Human Rights Watch Film Festival for 11 years she led efforts to embed accessible, inclusive and trauma-informed practices from programming / curation to event production while building on her relationships in the international film, human rights and journalism worlds. Leah’s background as a curator and grants advisor has both grown from and led her to institutions such as POV, Tribeca Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival, Sundance Film Institute, Chicken & Egg Pictures, Catapult Film Fund, Rooftop Films and Arts Engine. Her social justice in film work began at the Media That Matters Film Festival where she brought grassroots advocates, storytellers, youth, and educators together to use film as a tool for social change. Leah continues this work - most recently as advisor on individual film projects and as a Juror at CPH:DOX and SIMA – and is excited to dig deeper into the crossover of ethics, accountability, impact and care. Her work – spanning roles and collaborators over the years – has always strived to center the dignity and authority of those most marginalized, collaborate on deep and meaningful impact, while honoring the beauty of film and storytelling.
