Leonardo Cross is a 22-year-old Peruvian-American filmmaker. Leo was born in the US but moved to Peru as an infant. Leo demonstrated a passion for filmmaking at a young age and made his first film at 12. When Leo was 16, he left his family and friends behind and moved to the US to study film at The High School of Art and Design in New York City. He then did a 30-month program at Ghetto Film School, where he wrote and directed the 2021 Thesis film, and also was a directing fellow at Reel Works Media Makers. Leo won 1st place at the ABC/Disney Get Reel With Your Dreams Competition for his public service announcement addressing gun violence. In addition, he won 1st prize in a national filmmaking competition, Lights Camera Save!, sponsored by the American Bankers Association for his public service announcement encouraging teenagers to save money. He was featured in the New York Post because of it and won a national Gold Medal at the Scholastic Art Awards. Leo is currently a senior at Emerson College.