DIRECTORS

I’m Leslie Cunningham, a filmmaker, artist, and the CEO of TRIBES Entertainment, a boutique digital media company dedicated to amplifying diverse voices in the indie music and arts community. Based in Durham, North Carolina, my work is all about bringing untold stories to life through authentic storytelling, with a deep commitment to cultural exploration and social impact. I’m a proud graduate of Duke University’s Center for Documentary Studies Certificate Program, where I laid the foundation for a career focused on amplifying underrepresented narratives. My debut documentary, M.I., A Different Kind of Girl, received acclaim at festivals like the North Carolina Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. My latest project, JIG SHOW | Leon Claxton’s Harlem in Havana, celebrates the legacy of my grandfather’s groundbreaking traveling revue, which broke racial barriers and shaped American entertainment history. The film has earned several awards, including the Feature Documentary Award at the 2024 Seoul Short International Film Festival, and was featured at the July 2024 Dancinema Online Film Festival. With over a decade of experience as a marketing and advertising professional, I bring extensive skills in project management. Under my leadership, TRIBES Entertainment continues to push creative boundaries, resonating with global audiences by showcasing diverse voices and fostering inclusion. Each project is an opportunity to enrich the landscape of contemporary media and steer TRIBES Entertainment into new realms while ensuring that powerful stories are told and celebrated. I’m passionate about advocating for women directors, and I actively contribute to Film Fatales—a nonprofit organization promoting gender parity in the film industry. I’m also a proud member of Gamma Xi Phi, where I champion community service, artistic excellence, and brotherhood.