PHOTO CREDIT | KATIE BURKHOLDER
BIOGRAPHY
Leah Anova is a Los Angeles-based Director of Photography. She was born in Quezon City, Philippines, and was raised around the globe as a military brat (her father was in the U.S. NAVY). Because of her upbringing, Leah developed a strong passion for storytelling at a young age. Traveling the world and discovering new cultures have given Leah a world view that continues to shape and influence her cinematic approach. After earning her Masters of Fine Arts degree in Cinematography from The American Film Institute Conservatory, Leah started her journey as a Director of Photography.
Leah's work is characterized by a keen attention to detail and use of light and shadow. Capturing the essence of a story through the lens is her highest priority. Leah has lent her expertise in lighting, composition, and camera work on feature films, feature documentaries, narrative shorts, episodic TV, and branded content. Her dedication to pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling has elevated her own career.
Her projects have received significant recognition, including her latest feature documentary film, Every Body, directed by Academy Award Nominee, Julie Cohen, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and was distributed by Focus Features. Every Body was shortlisted by NYDOC for the 2023 Oscars. The film is currently playing on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and Peacock.
“Leah’s passion is to create cinematic moments that invoke an awakening and inspire the spirit.”
Other notable accomplishments include the experimental short film, Now & Never, directed by Kymberly Harris. Now & Never had an incredible festival run, winning The Rising Star Award at the Cinegear Short Film Series. The film was recognized for Leah’s dramatic lensing and use of lighting. Leah was also recognized for her work on the feature film, I Am Still Here. She was nominated for Best Cinematography for a feature film at the International Filmmaker Festival of World Cinema, the Berlin Film Festival, and the World Music & Independent Film Festival. Other successful works include the short film, Team Marilyn, directed by LaToya Morgan (showrunner for HBO’s Duster) which won the STARZ + LIONSGATE TELLING OUR STORIES award and the feature documentary, To Climb Gold Mountain, directed by Rebecca Hu and which won the award for Excellence In Programming at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards.
Leah won a Cinematography Fellowship from Project Involve/Film Independent where she was awarded an ASC mentorship with renowned cinematographer, Michael Goi, ASC.
Beyond her accomplishments in the film industry, Leah Anova is also committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in the field of cinematography. She has partnered with Mari Acevedo, CEO of Birns and Sawyer, to create The Birns and Sawyer Camera Package Grant for Filipino American Filmmakers. The vision behind The Birns and Sawyer Camera Package Grant is to support bold new voices behind the Filipino American experience. Four short films were selected and given the grant. The winning films will play at the FIL AM Creative Film Festival in November 2024.
Leah actively mentors aspiring cinematographers and advocates for greater Filipino-American representation both in front of and behind the camera.
Leah loves to create children’s coloring books on unicorns and mystical creatures.
She enjoys hiking, sewing and cooking.
She is currently developing a series of children story books titled Donut, The Flying Dog.
AFFILIATIONS
INTER. COLLECTIVE OF FEMALE CINEMATOGRAPHER (ICFC)
AMERICAN FILM INSTITUTE ALUMNI (AFI)
FREE THE WORK
SUNDANCE COLLAB
