Leslie is an artist, writer, filmmaker and owner of TRIBES Entertainment LLC, a boutique digital media company known for creating daring and entertaining narratives that represent a diversity of subjects and communities. Read more. 

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Blog

SLIPPAGE @ Duke University Fall Series presents JIG SHOW | Leon Claxton’s Harlem in Havana.

Posted on by Leslie Cunningham

Sunday, August 29 at 3pm the SLIPPAGE @ Duke University 2021 Fall Series presents the first two parts from Durham-based creator, Leslie Cunningham’s new documentary film series “JIG SHOW | Leon Claxton’s Harlem in Havana”. Slippage@Duke is directed by Thomas F. DeFrantz at the Rubenstein Arts Center. All events will be in the SLIPPAGE lab, … Continue reading SLIPPAGE @ Duke University Fall Series presents JIG SHOW | Leon Claxton’s Harlem in Havana. →

SUPER STUDS, BROWN SKIN SHOWGIRLS AND CHALLENGING IDENTITIES: MY ARTIST JOURNEY.

Posted on by Leslie Cunningham

From making film to writing songs to painting on canvas to publishing TRIBES magazine, I am at peace in the world when I am creating. An artist and documentary filmmaker, I come from a family of talented artists and musicians from Los Angeles, CA. As a kid, all I ever wanted to do was go … Continue reading SUPER STUDS, BROWN SKIN SHOWGIRLS AND CHALLENGING IDENTITIES: MY ARTIST JOURNEY. →

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FEATURED DOCUMENTARY FILM

JIG SHOW | Leon Claxton’s Harlem in Havana

A documentary film series by Leslie Cunningham 

Logline: The glorious legend of Leon Claxton’s Harlem in Havana, a so-called Jig Show that endures racism, segregation and immigration laws to become popular in the 1940s through the 1960s. Read more at jigshow.com. 

Finding Aumont Whitaker

A short doc film by Leslie Cunningham. (2018, RT 11:42 min)

Logline: When Dina learns her real father passed away, she sets out on a cross country journey to meet three sisters she never met. Watch now.

M.I., A Different Kind of Girl 

A documentary film by Leslie Cunningham. (2012, RT 52 min)

Logline: A male impersonator struggles to find acceptance from her families and the male-dominated drag community. Visit maleillusionistthefilm.com. Watch now.

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FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY

“Yo Amo Cuba” Series

In 2018, Leslie traveled to Havana, Cuba and captured photographs in the vibrant city. In her art photography series, “Yo Amo Cuba”, Leslie experiments with the pop art technique as a way to call attention to her subjects. The art photography series includes the following:

AVAILABLE IN PRINT “Havana Man” Photography Art by Leslie Cunningham – As I walked the streets of downtown Havana, I came across a wonderful man sitting alone playing sweet old melodies from his flute. This photograph captures the moment I fell in love…with the city and with this wise Havana man.

Cristo de La Habana Photography Art by Leslie Cunningham  – On a hilltop, overlooking the bay, sits “The Christ of Havana, Cristo de La Habana, a large sculpture representing Jesus Christ. In this piece, I honor the breathtaking work created in 1953 by Cuban sculptor Jilma Madera, which symbolizes the country’s deep religious culture of Christianity.

“A Cuban Classic” Photography Art by Leslie Cunningham – I’ve always loved classic cars and car shows, so my visit to Cuba was a dream come true! I literally stepped into a time capsule! Every street was lined with cars from the 1940s and 1950s -Chevrolets, Fords, Studebakers, you name it. This photograph pays homage to my love for these classic cars, and to Cuba for keeping them beautiful and running!

“El Musico” Photography Art by Leslie Cunningham – While visiting Havana, my family and I had a great opportunity to go to the Hotel Nacional de Cuba. After a long day of sightseeing, we got a chance to unwind by the bay and grab a cocktail in the hotel lounge. This vibrant photograph captures the trio of musicians who serenaded us with popular Cuban songs. I event got a chance to sit in and play the maracas!

“Liberta de Abastecimento” Photography Art by Leslie Cunningham – Milk…eggs…bread…these are all items in the U.S. we have come to consume often and can easily grab at the corner store. But if you live Cuba, you most likely live within food distribution system that establishes the amounts of subsidized rations each person is allowed to receive.  I took this photograph of a young man walking down the street with his rations.

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