Leia Yan is a dynamic actress with a cross-cultural upbringing and a lifelong devotion to storytelling. In an exclusive interview, Flickering Myth sat down with Leia to talk about her short film Marrow.
Hi Leia welcome to Flickering Myth! What got you into acting and made you realize that it was your chosen path?
Technically, acting has always been the undercurrent connecting all my artistic pursuit. From dance to music to competitive performance. But my certainty grew gradually, like collecting pieces of a mosaic. Every film that left me breathless, every play that haunted me for weeks, every new project where I discovered unexplored parts of human nature…these are the accumulated moments that crystallizes my belief every day.
What sets you apart from other actors?
Other than my cultural backgrounds, I would say that being a professional dancer for over a decade has given me a special physical vocabulary to access. But at the end of the day, my job is not to stand out, I just want to do my best to serve what the story needs.
Who are your influences growing up that helped to mold you into who you are today?
While every person who crossed my path in my life has influenced me in one way or another, I would say my mother has had the greatest impact on all angels of my life in the best way. She continues to set the bar for me by being a living example. I am still learning from her every day.
In today’s Hollywood, there is a significant push for greater inclusivity and representation. How do you see your work contributing to this movement, and what changes do you still hope to see in the industry?
I’m happy that the industry is getting better at greenlighting diverse stories and characters. My hope for my own work would be actually making people forget that I am “representing”. I believe real inclusivity isn’t about spotlighting the differences but making them irrelevant in the moment of truth. Instead of explaining the stereotypes I want to outlive them. So, I hope the industry provides more roles and stories that allow that perspective to come through.
You’ve just wrapped a project, tell us about Marrow.
‘Marrow is about two teenagers breaking their own walls during one quiet night together. Through silent understanding and shared vulnerability, they seem to find solace in each other. I play the lead character Claire. She is a teenage girl who is very in tune with her emotions and seeks to connect. We have only just completed the project and are now in post-production. We plan to hit the festival circuit this Fall.
Can you share any fun facts from the set?
Yes! Many scenes were shot in the tiniest library room. So, on camera it looks sweet, cozy and organized, but during the shoot me and my scene partner’s limbs were… very pretzeled.
We are excited to see it. Have you set any 2025 professional goals to achieve?
Intentional growth would be the goal. I would like to book a role that is completely out of my comfort zone. Keep being curious, grateful and open.
Finally, if you had one message to give to your fans, what would it be?
Keep doing what makes you happy! Be kind and love yourself and one another, makes everything even better!
Sound advice. What’s the best way to follow you online?
People can look up my work on IMDb.
Our thanks to Leia Yan for taking the time for this interview.
