Leann Lei is a multifaceted actor and filmmaker whose remarkable work has the extraordinary ability to connect with audiences on a profound level, inspiring reflection and sparking meaningful change. With a passion that is driven by the transformative power of cinema, she meticulously crafts films that not only offer insight and comfort but also possess the ability to leave a lasting impact on those who experience them.
Leann's journey in the world of film began during her college days, where she was captivated by a film's opening scene that seamlessly transitioned from outer space to a person's cells, poignantly highlighting the fleeting yet significant nature of life. This moment has continued to shape her storytelling and guide her creative vision.
Born and raised in China, Leann was nurtured by a math teacher father and an entrepreneur-homemaker mother, who instilled in her the values of precision, resilience, and creativity. Her classical music training in opera and piano across China, Austria, and the United States, where she earned a Master of Arts, has deepened her emotional storytelling capabilities.
Fluent in Mandarin, English, Cantonese, and conversational German, Leann seamlessly weaves diverse cultures into her films, drawing from her rich cultural heritage and international experiences.
Leann's path in life was marked by bold and winding turns. Inspired by Vienna, Austria's vibrant artistic landscape, she left a tenured teaching job in China to explore the world and discover her true calling. In the United States, she taught again, but the call of storytelling eventually led her to quit another tenured position to pursue acting and filmmaking in Los Angeles, a bold and courageous leap.
Throughout her career, Leann has had the privilege of collaborating with acclaimed filmmakers and has acted in a diverse range of roles. She has also produced independent films and has received recognition for her directorial work on short films, which celebrate our shared, remarkable existence.
