With over 20 years of experience in independent film, festivals, and grant-making consultancy, Leah Sapin is dedicated to fostering ethical responsibility, accessibility, and inclusivity in the arts. Curating impactful films and panels, she has also produced and managed local and global events with a focus on human rights and social justice.
As Associate Director at the Human Rights Watch Film Festival for 11 years she led efforts to embed accessible, inclusive and trauma-informed practices from programming to event production while building relationships in the film, human rights and journalism worlds. Leah is actively involved in the international film community as consultant, juror, curator, and grant advisor, most recently with Sundance Institute and CPH:DOX, and as consulting producer on documentary films, such as the recent 2x Emmy nominee, HBO Documentary film, Great Photo, Lovely Life.
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Jury Member Social Impact Media Award (SIMA) Awards, Feature Documentary, 2025
Screening Committee Sundance Film Festival, Feature Documentary, 2025
Jury Member CPH:DOX - Human:Rights Award, 2024
Grant Advisor Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program (DFP) 2024
Grant Advisor Catapult Film Fund, 2024
Associate Director (incl. Curator) Human Rights Watch Film Festival (HRWFF), 2013- 2024
Artist Grant Advisor Creative Capital Awards, 2018
Fellowship Advisor: Artist as Activist Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, 2016-2017
Grant Advisor Tribeca Film Institute, 2013
Screening Committee Rooftop Films, 2011-2016
Screening Committee POV: American Documentary, 2011 - 2015
Screening Committee Hamptons Film Festival, 2011
Grant Advisor, Chicken & Egg Pictures, 2010-2013
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Consulting Producer, Searching for Kikhia, Feature Documentary due to be completed in 2025.
Consulting Producer, Great Photo, Lovely Life, Feature Documentary, 2023
Dir. Amanda Mustard and Rachel Beth Anderson; 2 x Emmy nominated HBO Documentary film, Official Selection SXSW 2023, IDFA 2023, Sheffield DocFest 2023 + more
Co-Producer, Pretty Old, Feature Documentary, 2012
Dir. Walter Matteson, Executive Produced by Joe Berlinger and Sarah Jessica Parker; Winner “Best Documentary” Santa Barbara International Film Festival 2012, Official Selection Nantucket Film Festival 2012 + more
Producer, Swimming Away, Narrative Short, 2011
Dir. Margarita Jimeno; Official Selection New Filmmakers NY 2012, London Short Film Festival 2012, IndieLisboa Film Festival 2011 +more
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Associate Director Human Rights Watch Film Festival • Global, 2013- 2024
We co-built individual campaigns around each film in the festival in a variety of global locations, working with over 1000 films during my tenure.
Outreach & Production Coordinator, PBS’ POV: American Documentary • New York, 2010-2011
Headed impact campaign for a series of 3 films on POV. Built partnerships, audiences, created media, wrote and managed production of press materials, outreach text, blogs and web pieces for TV broadcast / online campaign and youth film competition.
Outreach Manager, A Community Concern, Feature Documentary, 2010
Created outreach strategy involving partnerships and building networks, wrote discussion guides, set up and ran community screenings and events.
Festival & Outreach Manager, Media That Matters Film Festival, Arts Engine • New York, 2006-2010
I oversaw individual and annual / thematic collection impact campaigns including particular focus on educational institutions, global audiences, and co-writing discussion guides and curriculum, teaching workshops on using short film for social impact.
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Human Rights Watch Film Festival • Global, Associate Director, 2013- 2024
Curated and implemented accessible programming for global editions, integrating inclusive practices for diverse audiences, a collection of over 1000 global fiction and non-fiction feature films, and a small selection of VR projects.
Oversaw production timelines and logistics for concurrent global festivals, enhancing operational efficiency.
Managed relationships with funders, partners, and vendors, ensuring a high-quality experience for all stakeholders.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align program objectives with organizational goals, driving growth and impact.
Tracked program participation and feedback to monitor success and identify areas for improvement.
Tribeca Film Festival • New York, Panels Manager, 2014
Coordinated logistics for 24 panels, including communication with celebrities, speakers and managing schedules to ensure seamless execution.
Oversaw team of volunteers and festival assistant.
Curated and managed participant engagement, fostering strong relationships with industry professionals and audiences alike.
Brooklyn Film Festival • New York, Festival Manager, 2010 + 2011
Created, organized and managed 10-day event production including screenings, premiere events, press events, “kidsfilmfest” for youth programming, special performances and networking events.
Oversaw sponsor relations, event planning and production. Managed 20+ staff and volunteers.
Oversaw production, post-production and artwork for trailer, print and marketing materials.
Media That Matters Film Festival, Arts Engine • New York, Festival & Outreach Manager, 2006-2010
Curated three annual collections of short films, featuring approximately half from youth and student filmmakers; notable films Garbage Dreams and Sun Come Up received Academy Award nominations.
Forged strategic partnerships with organizations dedicated to youth, including HBO’s Reelworks, Educational Video Center, and DCTV Youth Media, as well as a global network of schools, significantly enhancing program outreach.
Produced and facilitated engaging events in collaboration with grassroots organizations, schools, and universities, ensuring enriching experiences for young participants.
Oversaw outreach and educational materials, including school curricula, to improve visibility and accessibility for youth-focused programming.
Represented Arts Engine at international conferences, expanding networks and advocating for youth-centered initiatives.
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"It is interesting to consider what makes a film 'controversial,'" says Leah Sapin, who programs the New York Human Rights Watch Film Festival
Interview: Human Rights Watch Film Fest
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