Ep 207: Crafting Impactful Stories with Leah Warshawski

Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby

Description: Join us for a captivating episode as we welcome Leah Warshawski—an accomplished Executive Producer, Producer, Director, Impact Producer, and even Craft Service extraordinaire. Leah shares her inspiring journey from the beautiful shores of Hawaii, where she began her film career working on iconic shows like LOST and HAWAII, to becoming a driving force in documentary filmmaking.In this episode, Leah takes us through her significant leap into filmmaking with her first feature film, FINDING HILLYWOOD (2013).
Discover how this film, which profiles Rwanda's emerging film industry, was showcased at over 70 film festivals worldwide and led to the creation of rwandafilm.org—a networking platform for Rwandan filmmakers.Leah also opens up about her most recent feature documentary, BIG SONIA (2016), a deeply moving portrayal of her 94-year-old grandmother, a Holocaust survivor whose story has touched hearts globally.
With 23 awards and an Academy Award qualification, BIG SONIA is a testament to Leah’s dedication to powerful storytelling.Beyond filmmaking, Leah’s experiences and insights have inspired a TedX Talk and contributions to the best-selling book Soul Success. She holds a certificate in Social Impact Strategy from UPenn and specializes in Positive Psychology. Leah’s values of authenticity, loyalty, grit, and gratitude shine through in all her endeavors.Tune in to hear Leah’s incredible journey, the challenges and triumphs she has faced, and the profound impact of her work. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about filmmaking, storytelling, and making a difference through creative endeavors.Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to Leah Warshawski:
  • Overview of her multi-faceted career in film and production.
  • Early days in Hawaii, working on LOST and HAWAII.
• Journey to FINDING HILLYWOOD:
  • The story behind her first feature film.
  • The impact of showcasing Rwandan cinema globally.
  • Co-founding rwandafilm.org to support local filmmakers.
• Creating BIG SONIA:
  • Documenting her grandmother's incredible life story.
  • The emotional and creative challenges of the project.
  • Achievements and recognitions, including 23 awards and an Academy Award qualification.
• Personal Inspirations and Accomplishments:
  • Insights from her TedX Talk and contributions to the book Soul Success.
  • Academic achievements and certifications.
  • The values that drive her work and life.
• Reflections and Key Takeaways:
  • The importance of storytelling in healing and connecting communities.
  • The impact of the Hillywood Film Festival in East Africa.
  • Encouragement for listeners to pursue their creative passions.

Educational Value: This episode offers invaluable insights into the world of documentary filmmaking, the importance of storytelling in addressing and healing trauma, and the impact of creative endeavors on personal and community levels.
Leah’s experiences provide a rich learning opportunity for aspiring filmmakers, storytellers, and anyone interested in using their creativity to make a difference.We hope today's episode inspires you to pursue your creative passions, no matter where you are. Remember, every story deserves to be told, and you never know where your next adventure might take you or what incredible projects it might lead to.
Thank you for joining us. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your friends. Stay tuned for more fascinating stories and insightful conversations in our next episode.
W: https://www.inflatablefilm.com/how-we-work/
Damien Swaby Social Media Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmmaker_damien_swaby/