About

Leander Film Festival

Mission Statement

The Leander Arts & Film Alliance exists to promote arts, film, culture, and creative expression across Central Texas. Through festivals, screenings, exhibitions, workshops, and educational programs, we bring artists, filmmakers, students, and neighbors together to tell our stories, preserve our shared history, and open new doors to imagination for people of every age.

About the

Leander Arts & Film Alliance

The Leander Arts & Film Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating and growing the creative life of Central Texas. We believe that art, film, and storytelling have the power to connect a community, spark curiosity, and give everyone a way to be seen and heard.

Our work spans festivals, exhibitions, screenings, workshops, competitions, and public events that put creativity front and center. From the Leander Film Festival to youth arts programs and community storytelling projects, we create spaces where established artists and first-time creators can share their work and learn from one another.

Education sits at the heart of what we do. We support programs in arts, film, media, and storytelling that give students and lifelong learners the tools to explore their creativity and build real skills. We are especially committed to youth arts initiatives, because today’s young storytellers become tomorrow’s filmmakers, artists, and cultural leaders.

We also see ourselves as stewards of local history and identity. By preserving and promoting the stories, culture, and creative voices of our region, we strengthen community pride and invite visitors to discover what makes Central Texas special. Every screening, exhibition, and public art project is an invitation to imagine, connect, and belong.

The Alliance thrives on collaboration. We partner with artists, filmmakers, educators, students, and community organizations to build programming that enriches lives, supports local culture, and welcomes everyone through the gateway to imagination.

Meet the Founders

Sasha Yelaun

Sasha Yelaun is an award-winning film producer and member of the Producers Guild of America with more than a dozen feature films to his credit. After beginning his career at ABC/Touchstone Television and Paramount Studios, he earned his M.F.A. from the New York Film Academy, where he produced the award-winning short A Relative Stranger.

His producing and executive producing credits include 10,000 Saints, Wild Oats, Mothers and Daughters, The Book of Love, the animated feature Animal Crackers, and River Runs Red. Throughout his career, Sasha has worked with Academy Award nominees, internationally recognized talent, and independent filmmakers, helping bring projects of all sizes from development to release.

As a founding member of the Leander Arts & Film Alliance, Sasha brings deep industry expertise and a passion for independent filmmaking, helping shape the vision of the Leander Film Festival and support the next generation of storytellers.

Mike Herrera

Mike Herrera is a dedicated community leader, business professional, arts advocate, and public servant who has called Leander home since 2018. He currently serves on the Leander City Council, where he supports responsible growth, economic development, infrastructure planning, and initiatives that enhance quality of life for residents and businesses. His previous service on the Leander Parks, Arts, and Culture Commission, TIRZ Board, and Leander ISD Bond Steering Committee reflects his longstanding commitment to strengthening the community.

Professionally, Mike is a business leader with CSSI Solutions, bringing decades of experience in sales, operations, leadership, and business development. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Chainbreakers, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals and families through outreach and life-changing resources.

A passionate advocate for the arts, Mike believes that creativity enriches communities, drives economic vitality, and inspires future generations. He has championed initiatives that promote arts, culture, and filmmaking throughout Central Texas and supports partnerships between government, businesses, schools, nonprofits, and artists to help establish Leander as a thriving destination for creativity. Through the Leander Arts & Film Alliance, Mike is proud to advance opportunities that celebrate storytelling, culture, and community.

Laura Davis

Laura is the founder of Davis Consulting AI, a Leander-based firm specializing in sales, marketing, and strategic communications. She sits on the boards of multiple nonprofit organizations and brings a background in business development spanning both domestic and international markets, along with a deep commitment to the arts and civic life of Williamson County. A dedicated advocate for education, Laura champions efforts to advance educational programs that create opportunities for students and families.

Diane Herrera

Diane Herrera is the founder and CEO of CSSI Solutions, a software and services company serving the investment management industry. With offices in five states and in London, CSSI serves clients worldwide, ranging from large firms such as Vanguard and Northern Trust to small independent RIAs. The company has twice been named one of the fastest-growing businesses by the Philadelphia Business Journal.

A recognized voice in her field, Diane has spoken at industry conferences including Schwab and SS&C/Advent, and is a contributing author of Born to Stand Out: Tips to Becoming an Excellent Computer Consultant.

Beyond her work in technology, Diane has served on the national board of a consulting association and as regional president of the US Amateur Ballroom Dancers Association, where she often ran national competitions.

Born and raised in Waco, Diane is a graduate of Baylor University, holding both a BS and an MS in Mathematics. She is a member of Generations Church in Leander, where she leads a women's bible study, and has served as a long-time volunteer on the board of Chainbreakers Prison Ministry.