October 13, 2025
XCVIII — Léa Esmaili
Léa Esmaili is a French / Iranian director and photographer working across music videos, short films, and commercials.

Below are Léa’s SELECTS:

Film
The Amusement Park by George A. Romero
1975

It was originally commissioned as an educational film about the elderly. But here, it’s a horror film that shows us how, as a society, we mistreat our elders. It’s so refreshing to watch, and this film is a true source of inspiration for me.

Film
The Idiots by Lars Von Trier
1999

This is one of my favorite films by one of my favorite directors. He’s one of the few who makes us forget about the camera and gives us the feeling that we’re truly there with these people—people we don’t even see as characters anymore.

Documentary
Paris is Burning by Jennie Livingston
2007

This documentary is indescribably beautiful. It’s beautiful in every sense of the word—both in its message and its aesthetics. And it makes me want to go back to New York every single time I watch it.

Music Video
‘My High’ Disclosure by Simon Cahn
2020

This is one of the music videos that made me want to start directing music videos myself. I love how it pushes absurdity to the extreme, the colors…

Documentary Short
Bim, Bam, Boom, Las Luchas Morenas by Marie Losier
2013

I love filming people who are “unconventional” and including types of people in my work that you wouldn’t usually see in a rap or pop music video. After watching this mini documentary about a family of female wrestlers, it confirmed for me that this is exactly the kind of thing I love to see—and to create.

Narrative Short
‘PAPOTA’ CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso by Martín Piroyansky
2025

I love this Argentinian duo, and the visuals they build around their work are just incredible. They make short films for the release of their projects! It’s completely my style—my kind of humor, the colors, the lighting—it’s everything I love. A solid 10/10!

Series
Batman: The Animated Series by Bruce Timm & Eric Radomski
1992

I grew up with superheroes, I love animation, and the dark universe built around Batman is a constant source of inspiration—even if my own work is much more colorful.

PEOPLE IN THIS ARTICLE
George A. Romero
Mentioned
Jennie Livingston
Mentioned
Simon Cahn
Mentioned
Marie Losier
Mentioned
Martín Piroyansky
Mentioned
Bruce Timm
Mentioned
Eric Radomski
Mentioned