Emmy-Winning Foley Magic, Trans Stories That Heal & a Creative Yoga Giveaway 🎬✨

Hello creators and changemakers!

We’re back with another weekly edition of the Light Leaks newsletter - every week we’ll bring you insights from established filmmakers working in the industry, opportunities for creative growth, and the latest from our partners.

🎧 Meet Sanaa Kelley of Reel Foley Sound

On this episode of Inside Job, we chat with Emmy-winning Foley artist Sanaa Kelley, founder of Reel Foley Sound. Over her 27-year career, she’s worked on Ted Lasso, Only Murders in the Building, Shōgun (which earned her an Emmy this year), and so many more.

Curious what goes into making your favorite shows sound so real? Foley artists bring films to life by creating realistic sounds using everyday objects — think footsteps, door creaks, or rustling leaves perfectly timed to the action on screen.

Whether you’re a filmmaker, an aspiring sound designer, or just love behind-the-scenes insights, this episode is for you!

~Yoga Giveaway Time~

One Down Dog generously gifted us a ticket to the upcoming FLOW & CONNECT event with Recess for Creatives, and we’d love to raffle it off to someone in our community 💕

To Enter the Giveaway:

1. Follow @the_lightleaks, @recessforcreatives and @onedowndog on instagram

2. Like our giveaway post

3. Comment with your favorite yoga pose 🧘🏽‍♀️
   

   Here’s what they shared: A fresh take on networking for female leaders in creative fields. Flow, reflect, and connect with intention with other creative women.
   (View full description on their website)
   
   🗓️ August 17 | 2–4 PM 📍
   One Down Dog, East Hollywood

The event is on August 17 from 2 to 4 PM in East Hollywood. Winner announced August 14.

Note: This event is hosted by our partners, not The Light Leaks.

Support The Trans Community: Papa Melissa and the Power of Radical Love

In a world where authentic non exploitative trans stories are still rare, Papa Melissa is a must-watch. This intimate documentary follows Melissa, a trans and nonbinary femme mother, and her Mexican family’s journey of love, identity, and transformation.

Supported by the LALIFF Works in Progress Fund, the film shows radical love in everyday moments — a story told with trust and care built over four years.

Our founder, Kim Hoyos, sat down with director Sophia Stigletz and producers 271 Films, Domenica & Constanza Castro to explore why this story matters now more than ever. If you believe in films that challenge norms, open hearts, and inspire change, you’ll want to support this film.

Watch the full interview here:  The Light Leaks — Papa Melissa Interview

To our readers, thanks for being part of this bold, brilliant community of storytellers.

Our message to you is this: Keep pushing boundaries. Keep telling your truth. We’ll meet you in the next edition, next week.