Letitia Popa, a remarkably gifted and accomplished filmmaker, embarked on her illustrious career in her native Romania, where she initially gained recognition by skillfully directing the TV film "The Dowry", a project that would later serve as the foundation for her transition to feature films.
Undeterred by the limitations of television, Popa seized the opportunity to remake "The Dowry" for the big screen, thereby showcasing her versatility and adaptability as a filmmaker.
This significant achievement was merely the precursor to a string of successful projects, as Popa went on to direct two more films, "Who Calls Me?" and "On the Mainstream", for theatrical release, further solidifying her reputation as a talented and accomplished filmmaker.
Letitia's remarkable career has been marked by an impressive array of accomplishments, including the direction and writing of more than forty television films and two mini-series, thereby unequivocally showcasing her remarkable versatility and impressive range as a filmmaker.
Throughout her illustrious career, Letitia has had the unique privilege of directing theatre at the esteemed National Theatre in Bucharest, thereby further solidifying her reputation as a masterful filmmaker and theatre director, and underscored her profound expertise in the field.
Letitia's odyssey to the United States commenced with a pivotal decision to emigrate, accompanied by her son, Toader Micu, who would later be known as Ted. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life, as she would go on to form a lasting union and relocate to the vibrant city of Los Angeles. Under the professional moniker Letitia Popa Schwartz, she would embark on a multifaceted career, showcasing her remarkable talent and versatility as a director.
Throughout her tenure in Los Angeles, Letitia would exercise her creative expertise in various mediums, including documentary filmmaking, theatre direction, and feature film production. Her impressive repertoire would come to include the critically acclaimed "The American Dream" by the renowned playwright Edward Albee, as well as the thought-provoking "Ghetto Cabaret" penned by the talented Joshua Sobol.
Noted for its widespread critical acclaim, the show garnered prestigious recognitions, including the coveted title of "Critic's Pick" bestowed by the esteemed publication Backstage West, as well as the prestigious "Pick of the Week" designation from the influential LA Weekly. Moreover, Letitia's outstanding work earned her a coveted local Cable Ace nomination for her exceptional documentary, "H.O.M.E.", which went on to win a Gold Medal for Best Director at the prestigious Sofia Film Festival. Her impressive body of work also merited two Special Awards at the esteemed Monte Carlo Film Festival, further solidifying her reputation as a masterful director.
Letitia has expanded her creative horizons beyond acting, venturing into the realm of screenwriting with the conception of "An Offering of Oranges", a screenplay that draws inspiration from a deeply rooted true story.
Furthermore, she has embarked on a collaborative effort with Judith Vogelsang, co-authoring the documentary "HUMBLE BEAUTY: Skid Row Artists", which shines a light on the remarkable stories of homeless artists residing in Los Angeles.
This cinematic endeavor has garnered widespread acclaim, with FilmThreat.com hailing it as a "first-rate, profound documentary" that boasts "seamless, unobtrusive filmmaking", showcasing Letitia's versatility and dedication to her craft.
