Super Studs, Brown Skin Showgirls and Challenging Identities: My Artist Journey.

Embarking on an artistic odyssey, I’m Leslie Cunningham—an LA-bred filmmaker and storyteller, weaving tales across various mediums. From photography to film, song lyrics to canvas, my creative haven is in crafting narratives that resonate with the soul.

My filmmaking journey is an alchemy of passions. I love blending mediums to explore the world, while meeting captivating individuals, and telling stories that inspire generations.

In my debut feature, “M.I., A Different Kind of Girl,” I delved into the Black LGBTQ subculture, shining a spotlight on the journey of one woman in the male-dominated drag world. Inspired by ‘Paris is Burning,’ I questioned the absence of lesbian women of color in the narrative and embarked on a mission to fill that void. With hip hop beats from Kin4Life, “M.I.” showcased my prowess in documentary filmmaking and my commitment to authentic storytelling.

In “Finding Aumont Whitaker,” I captured the magic of discovery as Dina McCullough and I embarked on a surprise journey to Compton. With limited resources, I experimented with handheld cameras and mobile phones, proving that creativity thrives beyond budgets.

Fast forward to “JIG SHOW | Leon Claxton’s Harlem in Havana,” where I invite viewers on a captivating tour of my grandfather’s traveling “girl show” revue—a project close to my heart. Melding classic and hip hop music, spoken word, and archival gems, I breathe life into the rich burlesque history of Harlem in Havana. Through extensive research and curation, I’ve digitized decades-old images, creating a visual feast that unfolds the legacy. JIG SHOW is part of The Harlem in Havana Project, a multimedia endeavor rescuing the show’s rich history from oblivion. My goal is clear—to insert the story of the American ‘jig show’ into the fabric of American popular culture before memories fade away.

As I challenge viewers to ponder life and identity, I’m immensely grateful to the unwavering support from family, friends, donors, funders, subjects, and fans who keep my artistic flame burning. The journey is where the magic happens, and I’m savoring every moment.

Contact Leslie.