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Levi Otis, a filmmaker, producer & vision of film industry!!! An exclusive interview

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Levi Otis
Leonard magazine

Journalist : Please introduce yourself!!!  –

Hello, my name is Levi Otis, I am a filmmaker

Journalist : What made you pursue a career in the film industry? 

I was in drama club while in high school where I would write and produce short plays for the students to watch during lunch, and through college I continued drama. But it wasn’t till I graduated college and moved to Californian things changed. I was in the mall with a friend and a weird looking guy approached me about doing a commercial because he like my long hair. I took his card, I was reluctant at first, but my friend told me to give him a call and glad I did because this guy was the real deal. He booked me in a Gap promo commercial. There I met other people who were actors and I started doing background work then it branched off to small roles here and there. Once day I was working production on an indie movie set where they were only paying people a slice of pizza. I did it for the credits and to network. But this person was so rude and disrespectful that people start walking off set. At that moment I knew that I wanted to create my own content and treat people with respect. By this time, I was working at a group home where the clients had more sense than the workers. I found comedy in this and created my first web series call “underpaid” I was working on another set with Doug Spearman, an actor and producer. I had met him when he was on a popular show called Noah’s Arc, he was working on his first movie and invited me to set to be background. The way he ran his set was so professional, he treated everyone with respect from the Lead to the PA and I knew that how I wanted to run my productions. This is when I knew this was what I wanted to do forever

Journalist : What qualities should film producers have?

I think the main quality would be to know your vision and be opened to making some changes along the way if need be according to budget and locations needed. And always treat your cast and crew with respect. This is important when building a loyal cast and crew

Journalist : What aspect of the career in film making do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy the concept to bringing it to life. This has some stressful moments but worth every bit of it

Journalist : What are you most proud of in your professional experience?

The way I make people feel when they see my projects, including cast and crew

Journalist : Why are you committed to discovering new directors?

I think new directors can bring new visions. Something that you didn’t even think of. And I like being in the position to give other opportunities

Journalist : What are your projects that upcoming in next ? 

KXNG D.O.P.E. I am currently shopping this, And in the next month I will be filming “The Real Nico Live” and “Case Management” season 2, then I will be finishing up writing the “BRADEN” movie

Levi Otis Levi Otis

Levi Otis – Leonard magazine official

 

 

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Entertainment

Leilani Kristina: A Force of Art, Activism, and Ancestral Power

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Leilani Kristina: A Force of Art, Activism, and Ancestral Power

Some artists entertain. Others inspire. But every so often, a singular presence emerges—one who does both, and so much more. Leilani Kristina is that presence: a fearless creative, a truth-teller, and a living bridge between culture, art, and justice.

A true polymath in the modern age, Leilani is a published model, gifted singer-songwriter, dancer, and passionate Indigenous rights advocate. Her path is not just one of performance—it’s one of purpose. She isn’t simply chasing fame; she’s building a platform for expression, healing, and impact.


Ancestral Legacy, Artistic Fire

At the heart of Leilani’s artistic expression lies her deep-rooted Indigenous heritage. Her performances aren’t just acts of creativity—they’re acts of remembrance. In Nanyehi, a musical staged by Tulsa Theater, she portrayed Betsey Ward, a descendant of her own ancestor, Nancy Ward (Nanyehi), a revered Cherokee woman and peacekeeper. Sharing the stage with Hollywood icon Wes Studi, Leilani brought her family’s history to life in a way that was both emotional and empowering.

This wasn’t just a role—it was a reclamation. Through her portrayal, she honored the resilience of her lineage and connected her audience to stories often excluded from the mainstream narrative.


Runways with a Message

Leilani’s influence stretches far beyond the theater. On the catwalk, she brings her cultural pride and commanding presence to international fashion weeks in Milan, New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. Her look is striking, but it’s the message behind the walk that truly sets her apart.

She doesn’t just model clothes—she models courage, authenticity, and representation. Leilani challenges narrow beauty standards by standing unapologetically in her identity. With each show, she redefines what it means to be seen and celebrated in an industry still learning how to embrace diversity.


A Sound that Speaks Volumes

In the music world, Leilani Kristina delivers more than catchy hooks—she delivers truth. Her original songs, distributed through United Masters, are rich with emotion and intention. Themes of strength, healing, love, and resistance pulse through every lyric, creating a soundscape that resonates deeply with listeners navigating their own struggles.

Her upcoming album promises even more depth, offering sonic experiences that serve as both refuge and rallying cry. Through her voice, Leilani isn’t just singing—she’s speaking directly to those who feel unheard.


Lights, Camera, Impact

Hollywood is beginning to recognize what audiences already feel: Leilani Kristina is a star in every sense. She’s performed at major industry events like the BET Awards Weekend and Big Game Weekend, capturing attention from influential circles in film and music. With auditions for high-profile roles such as Moana and Juliet in a musical adaptation, she’s poised for a breakout in film and television.

But Leilani’s rise in Hollywood isn’t about fitting in—it’s about breaking through. She represents the stories and voices that have long been missing from the screen. Her presence is not just refreshing—it’s necessary.


An Advocate First

Beyond the spotlight, Leilani is a powerful voice in advocacy. Drawing from her lived experience, she speaks on the realities of human trafficking, gender-based violence, and human rights abuses with rare honesty and conviction. Her activism is informed, urgent, and deeply personal.

Whether on stage, in interviews, or through her social media, Leilani uses every tool at her disposal to raise awareness and inspire action. She doesn’t seek attention—she seeks justice.


Defining Her Own Legacy

With representation by ADR Agency and Urge Management, Leilani Kristina continues to blaze her own trail—on her own terms. She’s not following trends or chasing validation. She’s telling stories, amplifying truths, and holding space for those often left out of the conversation.

Leilani isn’t just rising—she’s lifting others as she climbs.


To witness her journey and join her growing movement, follow her on Instagram: @lotus_pua

Because Leilani Kristina is more than a name.
She’s more than a performer.
She is a living movement—a beacon of culture, creativity, and change in a world hungry for all three.

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Entertainment

Kyng Pariah on Faith, Fire, and the Future of Hip-Hop

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Kyng Pariah

In a musical era often consumed by clout and commercialism, Kyng Pariah steps onto the scene with something more enduring: truth. Not the kind filtered for algorithmic favor, but an abstract, spiritual, and fire-forged truth rooted in faith, pain, and purpose.

Keeping It Abstract, Keeping It Real

“I want to keep the abstractness in my sound and creativity—if that makes any sense to you like it does to me,” Kyng explains.

And it does make sense—for those listening with more than just their ears. His music isn’t designed to be overly polished or industry-molded. It’s made to breathe, to sting, to heal. Every beat carries his fingerprint, every lyric shaped by both chaos and clarity. His upcoming releases aren’t just albums; they’re experiences—spiritually charged expressions of survival, soul, and sound.

Vulnerability Meets Resilience

There’s no performance in Kyng’s pain. Just presence.

Balancing vulnerability and resilience isn’t a contradiction—it’s a calling. “My father always told me, ‘Never tell someone anything that will hurt you.’ So I don’t,” he shares. “But I still want people to know they’re not alone.”

This isn’t trauma for applause. It’s truth for connection. Kyng’s vulnerability is sacred—shared only to bridge, never to break.

Collaborations & Creative Alignment

When Kyng talks dream collabs—Tupac, Kendrick, Lupe, Pharrell, Nas—you understand his ethos. “It’s the poetry behind the human spitting the bars,” he says. “They redesigned Hip-Hop with intellect and soul.”

As founder of Team Dork Nation, Kyng takes collaboration seriously. “Authenticity, transparency, communication—those are my non-negotiables. The energy has to be right.”

This is art with intention, not ego.

The Message Behind the Music

Kyng doesn’t write from ego. He writes from spirit. Every track is a message in a bottle—reaching out to those who’ve battled doubt, trauma, identity, or silence.

His mission? To speak life into people who feel like outsiders. The misfits. The dreamers. The survivors. “It’s about the story behind the human who creates it,” he says. And Kyng’s story is one of redemption, resistance, and relentless faith.

Upcoming Releases to Watch:

  • Brown Skin Kids – June 19, 2025
  • Finna Trip – September 12, 2025
  • F.A.F.O. Starter Pack – January 30, 2026
  • God Given Gift 2 – TBA

Plus, new beats and visuals dropping monthly on YouTube @TeamDorkNation

“Kyng of Pariahs” – A Title Reimagined

“I’m the reject but the original design.”

That’s how Kyng defines the phrase “Kyng of Pariahs.” It’s not ego—it’s empowerment. A bold reclamation of identity. The “Y” in Kyng? That’s not just style. It stands for youthful spirit, eternal creativity, and nonconformity.

His identity holds duality—masculine and feminine energy, light and shadow, seriousness and play. It’s not a brand. It’s a movement.

Words for the Warriors

To every artist hustling through hardship, Kyng has this to say:

“Stay invested in your health—physical, mental, and emotional. Stay authentic. Allow yourself to forgive… especially yourself. Stay eager to learn and grow. Take time for yourself. You owe it to YOU to be great. You will achieve your goals. Don’t stop working—it’ll pay off. Be blessed.”

A Movement, not a Moment

In a world thirsty for something real, Kyng Pariah offers the Abstract Truth: Hip-Hop is still holy. Still healing. Still evolving. And with Kyng behind the mic, the genre’s future sounds spiritually raw, unapologetically Black, and beautifully fearless.

Stay tuned. The revolution is real—and it’s wearing a crown.

Follow the Movement
📺 YouTube: @TeamDorkNation
📱 Instagram / X / TikTok: @KyngPariah
🎧 Streaming Platforms: Coming Soon

The revolution is real — and it’s wearing a crown.

 

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Curstin Andrews: Redefining Success in Film, One Role at a Time

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Curstin Andrews

From modest beginnings in Augusta, Georgia, Curstin Andrews has carved out a name for himself in the competitive world of acting. Now based in Atlanta, this 25-year-old artist is not just building a career—he’s building a legacy.


Starting from the Ground Up

Curstin’s first foray into acting came in late 2022 when he stepped onto set life as a background extra. While these early roles were silent, they were far from insignificant. They gave him a front-row education in the rhythm of filmmaking, helping him absorb the nuance, discipline, and dedication it takes to thrive in the entertainment world.

By March 2023, Curstin was landing speaking roles—stepping out of the background and into the spotlight. With each new project, his sense of purpose grew clearer: storytelling through character is not just a passion but his calling.


Sharpening the Craft

Determined to evolve as a performer, Curstin began formal training at Mann Robinson Studios under the instruction of Dale Jennings. His journey continued under the guidance of respected acting coaches like Louis Stancil and Lucky Johnson, both of whom helped him refine his emotional range, presence, and authenticity on screen.


On-Screen Journey

From emotionally charged dramas to intense thrillers, Curstin’s growing résumé speaks to his versatility and drive.

🎬 Feature Films

  • Pure Pain (Lead) – Directed by Toine South

  • Trapoligy (Lead) – Directed by Micheal

  • My Killer Ex-Girlfriend (Supporting) – Directed by Johnathan Milton

  • Ryder The Movie (Supporting) – Directed by Jaloni Jackson

  • Illijah (Supporting) – Now streaming on Tubi

  • House of Hope (Supporting) – Directed by Marques Womack

  • Additional credits: Twisted Love, Bottle Girl, Callie, Three the Hard Way, and more.

🎥 Short Films

  • Who’s There (Lead) – Directed by Alexis Morrison

  • Blooming Hearts (Supporting) – Directed by Jasmine Alexander

  • Love on Delay (Supporting) – Directed by Jayla Re’Shon

📺 Television

  • Ms. Pat Settles It – Co-starred in an episode by 495 Productions

  • BMF (Season 3) – Stand-in role on STARZ

  • The House & Collective Trust – Co-starred

📣 Commercial & Music Appearances

  • Appeared in an Old Spice commercial as a prom-going teen

  • Starred in Derrico’s music video Do Not Disturb


Beyond Acting: A Visionary with a Business Mindset

More than just a performer, Curstin is an entrepreneur in the making. He’s the founder of a film production company and has future plans to build a full-service studio. His mission? To create access for underrepresented voices and open doors for new talent across the South.


What’s Ahead

With fame looming, Curstin remains focused on the bigger picture. While he strives for A-list status, his deeper goal is to be a catalyst for change—both on and off the screen. Whether through impactful stories or mentorship, Curstin Andrews wants to shape a more inclusive and dynamic entertainment industry.


Curstin Andrews is not just acting—he’s architecting a future. From breakout roles in Illijah, House of Hope, and Blooming Hearts to his ambitious behind-the-camera pursuits, this rising star’s journey is just beginning. And it’s one the film world will want to follow closely.

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