WME Signs Olympian-Turned Filmmaker Savanah Leaf After Strong Reviews Of Her Film ‘Earth Mama’

Savannah Leaf

WME has recently announced the signing of Savanah Leaf, an Olympian-turned-filmmaker, known for her award-winning short films and music videos. The signing comes after the world premiere of Leaf's first feature film, ‘Earth Mama,’ which debuted to strong reviews at the Sundance Film Festival.

Earth Mama is a heartwarming tale developed by Film 4, that follows a pregnant single mother, who embraces her Bay Area community as she determines the fate of her family. Cody Ryder and Sam Bisbee produced the film for Park Pictures, along with Shirley O’Connor and Medb Riordan of Academy Films, and Leaf, with Danielle Massie serving as co-producer. A24 co-produced and financed the film and plans to release it later this year.

Leaf is no stranger to the film industry, having previously co-directed The Heart Still Hums, a 2020 documentary short distributed by Searchlight Pictures that follows five women as they fight for their children through the cycle of homelessness, drug addiction and neglect from their own parents.

In addition, Leaf has also directed several music videos, including Gary Clark Jr.’s “This Land” and Marvin Gaye’s 1971 hit “What’s Going On”. She even nabbed a Grammy nomination for the former.

Before entering the film industry, Leaf was a former volleyball player who competed as part of Great Britain’s team at the 2012 Summer Olympics. She continues to be represented by 2AM and Granderson Des Rochers.

Overall, Leaf’s talent and dedication to filmmaking have been recognized by the industry, and with the release of Earth Mama later this year, it's expected that she will continue to create remarkable stories for the world to enjoy.