Jesse Leaman is an Australian/Spanish Writer and Director whose heritage and personal experiences—including living with a mild tic disorder—shape his commitment to telling authentic stories and amplifying underrepresented voices.
His debut short film Lorne, starring Oscar-nominated actor Guy Pearce, screened internationally at festivals including Palm Springs ShortFest, Nashville, and Flickerfest, winning multiple awards before being released on Omeleto to wide acclaim. Building on this success, Jesse’s short film Mad Martha is now available on SBS On Demand and has earned international awards for direction and cinematography.
His documentary Mother of Chooks has played at major festivals worldwide, including Hot Docs, Doc Edge, and the Edmonton International Film Festival, and received a Jury Citation Award at the Thomas Edison Film Festival.
Jesse has also directed music videos for artists such as ARIA-nominated rapper Masked Wolf and acclaimed singer-songwriter Didirri. His work has collectively reached tens of millions of viewers, with Skin earning him Best Director at ARFF Barcelona, along with Best Production and an Honourable Mention at the International Music Video Awards. In 2023, he was nominated for Best Direction in a Music Video at the Australian Directors Guild Awards for Didirri’s Often Broken.
In the effort of beauty, Jesse builds worlds grounded in bitter reality and deep existential tones. His work lingers long after the credits roll. He is currently developing his debut feature film with co-writer Taylor Adams, following the success of Lorne.
BIO.
What I am about.
I put 100% of myself into my work and endeavor to create meaning in every piece.
I think my love for art, particularly film, started at a very young age, maybe 12 or so. I used to look forward to Christmas when all the extended family would come over to our house, and we kids would run off with mum's 3-megapixel camera and try to make movies! I remember the pure joy we kids had when we would finish the editing and show our parents these terrible movies. Of course, they were horrible, but it just sparked so much excitement in creating a story. It's funny to look back now as an adult at how confused our parents would have been in our storytelling.
Now I would say I am much more versed, but the excitement to make art is still the kid inside me.
It is an honour and a pleasure that my career is my passion. I hope to collaborate with many more of my peers in my field soon.
