About

Ashley Karras Leishman's love of cameras started much like every other filmmaker: making superhero movies with her dad's home video camera and a cast of friends looking for something to do. Since then, her work has evolved from whimsical story lines about evil villains and magic potions to inspiring and visually captivating documentaries.

Washington D.C.

Her first major production, "The Uganda Project," was made during her senior year at Utah State University. Shortly before graduating with a degree in journalism in 2007, she started working as a freelance filmmaker making promotional videos, wedding videos, and assisting in productions by other Utah filmmakers.

American Cemetery, Manila Philippines

Her work gained national attention when her full-length documentary, "The Inheritance of War," premiered at the 2009 Palm Springs International Film Festival. It swept across the country claiming accolades such as "Best First Time Filmmaker" at the GI Film Festival and "Audience Choice" and "Best Documentary" at the Foursite Film Festival. In 2010, it aired on broadcast television with PBS affiliate KUED.


She currently resides in Salt Lake City, Utah where she works as a freelance editor and shooter, taking on photography as a natural compliment to her video experience.