From Alhambra High linebacker to Jordan Peele's horror class

Jared Leaf, a Martinez native and former standout linebacker at Alhambra High School, has made a remarkable transition from the football field to the film industry. Leaf, who played college football at San Jose State and the University of Hawai'i, is now one of five filmmakers selected for Jordan Peele’s inaugural No Drama Initiative, a program aimed at supporting emerging talent in the horror genre. His journey from Martinez to the international film scene has inspired many in the local community and serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring filmmakers and athletes.

Leaf’s success has brought recognition to Martinez and has sparked a sense of pride and inspiration among local residents. His story highlights the potential for local talent to achieve global success, encouraging young people to pursue their dreams regardless of their background. The No Drama Initiative, a collaboration between Monkeypaw Productions, the Toronto International Film Festival, and the Universal Filmmakers Project, has provided Leaf with a platform to showcase his work, "Spilled Milk," a short film that explores themes of fear and redemption. The film has already garnered significant acclaim, winning the Audience Award for Best Narrative Short at the Pan African Film Festival and the HBO Short Film Award Showcase at the American Black Film Festival.

Leaf’s path to filmmaking is as unique as it is inspiring. After a stint in college football, he moved to Portland in 2021 and began directing for Nike, including documentaries on Serena Williams and the "Decolonizing Design" series. His work has spanned various genres, and he has directed eight short films since 2018. The No Drama Initiative, which includes a $50,000 grant and a year of workshops, has been pivotal in his development as a filmmaker. The program kicked off with a four-day intensive at Universal Studios, providing Leaf with access to industry executives and invaluable mentorship. Additionally, Leaf’s production company, Ninety Third Story, has seen success with his direction of all 10 episodes of the second season of the BET+ workplace comedy "Churchy," which premiered on August 21, 2025.

Looking ahead, Leaf’s future in the film industry is promising. Under the terms of the No Drama Initiative, Universal and Monkeypaw hold an exclusive option to buy his projects once the program concludes. Residents of Martinez can follow Leaf’s progress through his production company’s website, Ninety Third Story, where updates on his projects and upcoming screenings are regularly posted. As Leaf continues to navigate the film industry, his story remains a testament to the power of perseverance and the pursuit of one’s dreams. The community can expect to see more from Leaf as he continues to make waves in the film industry, and his journey from Martinez to Hollywood serves as an inspiration to all who aspire to achieve greatness.