DIRECTORS

Leslie Cunningham is a Durham-based storyteller and the creative force behind TRIBES Entertainment, where Leslie wears multiple hats—artist, writer, filmmaker, and owner of this boutique digital media company that crafts narratives from the frontline of indie music, arts, and culture. A graduate of the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University, Leslie’s passion for storytelling extends to the silver screen. Her engaging documentary films have graced public television, online platforms, and film festivals across the U.S. and beyond. Notably, her debut feature, “M.I., A Different Kind of Girl” (2012), garnered attention at festivals like the North Carolina Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, Atlanta’s Out On Film, and the Gender Reel Film Festival. Weaving stories that educate, entertain, and provoke thought, Leslie is on a new venture into the captivating realm of family history with her latest project, “JIG SHOW | Leon Claxton’s Harlem in Havana.” This three-part documentary unravels the mesmerizing tale of her grandfather’s popular traveling “girl show” that left an indelible mark on American entertainment. It’s part of The Harlem in Havana Project, a multimedia endeavor to resurrect her family’s rich entertainment legacy. Leslie is a member of the Gamma Xi Phi fraternity, championing community service, artistic excellence, and brotherhood. She’s also a proud advocate for women directors, contributing her talents to Film Fatales—a non-profit organization dedicated to achieving parity in the entertainment industry.