We recently connected with Selena Leoni and have shared our conversation below.

Selena, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

As a producer, I’ve had the privilege of working on several meaningful projects that have not only deeply resonated with me but also left a lasting impact on audiences. One of my recent endeavors, “YOUNG KING,” (https://youngkingsthefilm.com/) stands as a testament to the power of storytelling. Directed by Bryant Griffin and produced by me, this feature film offers an intimate portrayal of Diondre Howell, an African-American man struggling to readjust to civilian life after his return from the Iraq War in 2005. “YOUNG KING” delves into the stigmatization of mental health issues within the African-American community, addressing poignant themes such as war, toxic masculinity, guns, and religion. We have just embarked on our festival journey, and we are looking forward to the opportunity to share this important film with a wider audience.

In addition to “YOUNG KING,” my role as the executive producer and program director of the Flip The Script Short Film Program allowed me to bring five impactful short films to life, all crafted by talented BIPOC filmmakers. Among these films is “EID MUBARAK,” a heartfelt and Oscar Qualified Short Film that tells the story of a six-year-old Pakistani girl on a mission to save her beloved pet goat during Eid al-Azha, imparting the true meaning of sacrifice. Serving as the Lead Producer and Executive Producer for this film, I was immensely proud to see it receive recognition, including the prestigious Jury Award at the New York International Children’s Film Festival 2023. Another compelling Flip the Script production, “JEROME,” also an Oscar Qualified Short Film and a finalist for the 2023 HBO Short Film Award at the American Black Film Festival, explores the challenges faced by a teenager coping with the absence of his father through the lens of basketball.

These projects have provided me with a unique platform to explore diverse themes and make a meaningful impact through storytelling. Each film, and each story, is a testament to the transformative power of cinema, and I am deeply committed to continuing this journey, creating narratives that resonate, inspire, and provoke thought.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am Selena Leoni, an award-winning transnational Film, Television, and Multimedia Producer and Executive with a rich background in storytelling. My journey in storytelling began with a BAS in New Media from City University of Hong Kong, and I further honed my skills through UCLA’s MFA Producers Program. With over a decade of interdisciplinary experience, I have successfully developed and produced a diverse array of projects, ranging from feature films and short films to VR games, branded content, and documentaries. My works have found a home on esteemed platforms including STARZ, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV, and have garnered recognition at prestigious festivals like the Tribeca Film Festival, Austin Film Festival, and Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival.

What sets me apart as a producer is my unwavering dedication to social advocacy and my passion for championing inclusion in the entertainment industry. I am the proud Founder of Little Paws Pictures, a production company committed to amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities in the entertainment industry. Additionally, in my roles as both the executive producer and program director of Flip The Script Short Film Program, I have curated and overseen the development of short films that explore diverse perspectives, fostering empathy and understanding among audiences. My passion lies in crafting globalized character-driven stories that resonate with audiences, fostering empathy, evoking emotions, and sparking conversations.

For a more in-depth look into my journey and projects, please visit my website: Selena Leoni Official Website (https://selenaleoni.com/) and Little Paws Pictures (https://littlepawspictures.com/).

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by a deep commitment to social inclusion and giving a platform to historically marginalized voices. Through my work, I aim to inspire, educate, and bring people together. I believe in the power of storytelling to create positive change and challenge societal norms. By fostering empathy and understanding, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate world.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a producer is witnessing people enjoy my works, bringing diverse communities together, and knowing that my stories resonate with audiences. Seeing the impact of my work, whether it’s sparking conversations, inspiring change, or simply bringing joy to people, is incredibly fulfilling. I find immense satisfaction in knowing that my creative endeavors have the power to educate, entertain, and make a difference in people’s lives. Connecting with others on a profound level through storytelling is what motivates and drives my passion for storytelling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://selenaleoni.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selena_moon_cat/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenaleoni/
• Other: https://littlepawspictures.com/

Image Credits
Bahareh Ritter; Nick Dee