Meet Austin Leih | Film Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Austin Leih and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Austin, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
Film has contributed to such a staggering amount of my life’s meaning. The process of filmmaking is seemingly all-encompassing- equally chaotic and systematic, cerebral and instinctive. At the age of 4 or 5, I became obsessed with filmmaking. It was this catch-all for my tangental interests, and I quickly recognized it as a way to sort out the flurry of excitement inside of me. From this early age, I couldn’t envision myself doing anything else with my life. I want nothing more than to contribute- to give back to the art form that has given me so much. Because of this, and perhaps a healthy dose of stubbornness, I have never considered an alternate route. For me, success is the opportunity to keep doing what I love. I know to keep going because there is still so much work to be done.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
There has yet to be a punctuated moment where I feel I have “made it” or feel like a professional. It’s not a moment I expect or feel entitled to. For me, the reward is in the work- taking an idea from its abstract form and working it into something that other people can see for themselves. My life and my professional endeavors are intertwined to the point of nearly being indistinguishable. The lessons I learn in life inform my work and the process of filmmaking permeates into my everyday life. It’s a constant dance between patience and relentlessness- to extend your reach beyond your capacity but to be comfortable in knowing results take time. I have numerous projects that I am proud of and excited to share. My recent music video work for Andrew Combs, a brilliant Nashville-based singer/ songwriter, is set for release over the coming months. There will be four videos, each unique to their respective song, but abstractly connected through their black and white imagery. Along with my body of work in music videos, my narrative short film, Alpenglow, will be released later this year once the film festival circuit comes to a close. The film chronicles an act of environmental protest and a headstrong activist who becomes pitted against a future for her son or a life with him.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Growing up in the DFW metroplex, Dallas was one of the first places I got to experience completely on my own. There is a multitude of places that shaped my interests and made Dallas an exciting place to be. Some of my favorite spots include the Kessler Theater (especially if my good friend and Dallas local, Thomas Csorba is playing. Few things are better than getting to hear him live.), The Texas Theater (one of a few theaters in Texas still showing films on 35mm), and Novel Coffee (great staff and consistently the best coffee in the metroplex).

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The creative process can be incredibly isolating. I am in debt to numerous collaborators, friends, and family members who keep me present and maintain a foundation to love and be loved. While seemingly impossible to single one person out, I would be remised not to mention my dear friend and collaborator, Dan Winters. Dan is a brilliant photographer and filmmaker, or as he would more aptly put it, an “image-maker.” His staggering body of work and relentless attention to detail is an indescribable inspiration. Through the years, Dan’s friendship and generosity to extend his insights and love for the mediums of image-making have infused my life and craft with an even deeper sense of purpose. It’s a wonderful thing to have a friend that intimately understands and cherishes the struggle and bliss of the creative process.

Instagram: austin_leih

Other: Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/austinleih