Lesli Klainberg is a remarkably accomplished and highly respected nonprofit executive, whose illustrious career has been distinguished by a profound and lasting impact within the sector, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and influence others.
With a remarkable ability to excel in multiple capacities, Lesli is also a talented and accomplished producer/director, widely recognized and admired for her exceptional skill, artistic vision, and creative prowess in her various projects and endeavors.
Throughout her career, Lesli has consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to bring people together, fostering a sense of collaboration and community that has led to numerous successes and achievements.
As a leader in her field, Lesli is known for her exceptional leadership skills, her ability to inspire and motivate others, and her unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the world.
With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, Lesli has a remarkable ability to bring complex ideas and stories to life through her work as a producer/director, creating engaging and thought-provoking content that resonates with audiences.
Throughout her career, Lesli has received numerous accolades and awards for her outstanding work and contributions to the nonprofit sector, solidifying her reputation as a leading expert and thought leader in her field.
As a testament to her remarkable talent and dedication, Lesli has worked with a wide range of organizations and individuals, from small startups to large corporations, helping them to achieve their goals and make a positive impact on the world.
With a deep understanding of the importance of storytelling and the power of media, Lesli has a remarkable ability to use her skills and expertise to create content that inspires, educates, and entertains, leaving a lasting impact on those who experience it.
Throughout her career, Lesli has consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to new challenges and opportunities, always pushing herself to new heights and striving for excellence in all that she does.
As a leader and a mentor, Lesli is known for her exceptional ability to inspire and motivate others, helping them to achieve their goals and reach their full potential.
With a deep commitment to making a positive difference in the world, Lesli has a remarkable ability to bring people together, fostering a sense of community and collaboration that has led to numerous successes and achievements.
Throughout her career, Lesli has worked tirelessly to create content that is both engaging and informative, using her skills and expertise to make a positive impact on the world.
As a testament to her remarkable talent and dedication, Lesli has received numerous accolades and awards for her outstanding work and contributions to the nonprofit sector, solidifying her reputation as a leading expert and thought leader in her field.
With a deep understanding of the importance of storytelling and the power of media, Lesli has a remarkable ability to use her skills and expertise to create content that inspires, educates, and entertains, leaving a lasting impact on those who experience it.
Lesli has occupied the esteemed position of President of Film at Lincoln Center since the year 2014, expertly guiding one of the most highly regarded and profoundly respected nonprofit film organizations in the entire United States, renowned for its unwavering commitment to the art of cinema and its tireless efforts to promote the appreciation and preservation of film as a vital cultural and artistic medium.
Lesli, the President of Film at Lincoln Center, is entrusted with the pivotal responsibility of managing the daily operations of two esteemed film institutions, the Walter Reade Theater and the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center, which have earned a reputation as two of the most iconic and cherished film venues globally, attracting film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.
Under the expert direction of Lesli, these venues have been transformed into thriving hubs of cinematic activity, with a remarkable capacity to operate continuously, day in and day out, 365 days a year, a shining exemplar of the organization's unshakeable dedication to its core objectives.
Beyond its primary activities, the Film Society of Lincoln Center (FLC) is also renowned for its production of some of the most eagerly awaited and esteemed cinematic events within the industry, boasting an impressive roster of flagship festivals and programs, including the prestigious New York Film Festival, the New Directors/New Films showcase, and a diverse array of themed series and retrospectives that have garnered widespread acclaim and attention.
This esteemed gathering of cinematic luminaries from diverse global backgrounds converges to showcase the most outstanding and visionary creators, critics, and experts within the film industry, thereby fostering a dynamic environment that simultaneously honors the past, explores the present, and propels the future of cinematic storytelling, as a diverse array of new and timeless films are brought to the forefront for the delight and edification of attendees.
Lesli's dedication to her role has been unwavering, as she has striven to position the Film Liaison Committee (FLC) as a pioneering force within the film industry. Through her efforts, she has cultivated an environment that is replete with imagination, cutting-edge thinking, and a strong sense of camaraderie.
This unique cultural landscape has enabled the FLC to establish itself as a cherished institution among both film aficionados and industry professionals. As a result, Lesli's tireless work has been instrumental in solidifying the organization's reputation as a leader in its field.
Throughout her tenure, Lesli has consistently demonstrated a profound commitment to the FLC's mission, and her unwavering dedication has been instrumental in shaping the organization's identity and reputation.
As a testament to her remarkable leadership, Lesli has successfully fostered a culture that is characterized by creativity, innovation, and a deep sense of community. This distinctive blend of qualities has enabled the FLC to establish itself as a beloved institution among film enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Under Lesli's guidance, the FLC has become synonymous with excellence, and her enduring legacy is a testament to her remarkable vision, leadership, and dedication to the film industry.
Lesli's professional journey reached a significant milestone in 2010, as she embarked on a new chapter in her career by assuming the position of Producer for the 49th edition of the esteemed New York Film Festival, a premier event that has been a beacon for cinephiles worldwide, providing a platform to showcase a diverse array of innovative and timeless films that have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema.
Fast forward to the year 2011, Lesli's already impressive and extensive resume, showcasing her remarkable achievements and credentials, received yet another notable and significant addition, as she was appointed to the esteemed position of Managing Director of the prestigious organization, Film at Lincoln Center, a position that afforded her the opportunity to oversee the overall operations and strategic direction of the organization, utilizing her exceptional leadership skills, expertise, and experience to drive the organization's success and further establish its reputation as a leading institution in the film industry.
Lesli's illustrious career as co-publisher of Film Comment magazine, a prestigious publication revered for its in-depth examination of the cinematic medium and its profound impact on popular culture, is marked by a notable five-year tenure that commenced in 2014 and culminated in 2019.
Lesli's professional journey has been marked by a series of notable milestones, with a particularly significant highlight being her tenure as Executive Director at NewFest, a venerable and highly respected queer film festival that has been an integral part of New York City's rich cultural tapestry for a considerable amount of time, with a history dating back to many years.
Lesli's extraordinary career as a producer has unfolded over a considerable period of time, characterized by a remarkable spectrum of critically acclaimed documentary productions that have garnered far-reaching recognition and prestigious accolades, a testament to her unwavering dedication and unrelenting passion for storytelling.
Notable among the numerous accolades garnered by Lesli's impressive body of work are the award-winning documentaries "A Place at the Table", "Beware of Ginger Baker", and "The Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened", each of which has served as a testament to her exceptional skill and unwavering dedication to the art of storytelling, a quality that has consistently set her apart from her peers.
Lesli, a multi-talented individual, has made a significant impact in the world of documentary filmmaking through her own production company, Orchard Films. As a co-director and co-producer, she has showcased her remarkable versatility and range by working on a diverse array of projects.
Some of her notable documentary credits include "Fabulous: The Story of Queer Cinema", a film that celebrates the rich history and cultural significance of LGBTQ+ cinema. Additionally, she co-directed and co-produced "In the Company of Women", a documentary that shines a light on the remarkable achievements and contributions of women in various fields.
Furthermore, Lesli's impressive body of work also includes "Miss America", a documentary that delves into the fascinating world of beauty pageants and the women who participate in them.
Lesli's extensive body of work has not only reinforced her status as a luminary in the realm of documentary filmmaking, but has also served as a catalyst for her tireless advocacy on behalf of various pressing social and cultural concerns.
Through her projects, Lesli has consistently demonstrated a profound commitment to amplifying marginalized voices and shedding light on previously overlooked narratives, thereby empowering those who might otherwise remain silenced.
Her unwavering dedication to this mission has not only earned her widespread recognition within the documentary filmmaking community, but has also inspired a new generation of storytellers to follow in her footsteps, driven by a shared passion for using the power of film to effect positive change.
As a result, Lesli's work has not only further solidified her reputation as a leading figure in the documentary filmmaking industry, but has also provided a platform for her to champion important social and cultural issues, and to bring forth untold stories and voices that might otherwise go unheard.
Lesli's illustrious career in film production began with the critically acclaimed independent movie "Paul Monette: The Brink of Summer's End", which received widespread recognition and accolades at prestigious film festivals, including the renowned Sundance Film Festival, the esteemed Frameline Film Festival, and the prominent Outfest Film Festival, where it impressively took home the coveted Audience Award.
Lesli's dedication to fostering the growth and development of emerging documentary filmmakers was consistently demonstrated throughout her tenure as a Lab Leader of the prestigious Independent Filmmaker Project's Documentary Film Lab from 2009 to 2011, a period marked by her tireless efforts to provide mentorship, guidance, and resources to the next generation of documentary filmmakers.
Lesli's multifaceted expertise was tapped as a consulting producer for the prestigious Sundance Documentary Film Program in 2009, thereby amplifying her already considerable impact within the documentary filmmaking sphere.
Lesli's impressive production credits comprise a notable achievement, as she successfully oversaw the production of the prestigious IFP Filmmaker Forum and Independent Film Week in the year 2009, a remarkable demonstration of her exceptional organizational and leadership abilities, which undoubtedly showcase her capacity to manage complex projects with ease and precision.
Lesli's formative years took place in the culturally rich and dynamic metropolis of New York City, where she had the unique privilege of receiving a well-rounded and extensive public arts education.
Her academic odyssey commenced at the prestigious High School of Music and Art, a highly esteemed institution that has undergone a name change to LaGuardia HS, where she successfully earned her high school diploma.
Following her high school graduation, Lesli embarked on a higher education journey at the Film Conservatory of Purchase College, State University of New York, where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
Lesli is a fervent and unwavering advocate for the profound transformative capabilities of the arts to revolutionize the lives of individuals and communities, and she steadfastly recognizes the significant and lasting impact that arts education can have on the personal and collective well-being of individuals and society as a whole.
