Leslie Zemeckis

Leslie Zemeckis is an accomplished actress, author, and award-winning documentary filmmaker renowned for her work that highlights the narratives of women in American pop culture, particularly from the early 20th century. Among her notable films, "Behind the Burly Q" stands out as a critically acclaimed exploration of the history of American burlesque. Zemeckis is also the author of the definitive oral history, "Behind the Burly Q," alongside "Goddess of Love Incarnate: The Life of Striptease Lili St. Cyr." Her most recent book, "Feuding Fan Dancers," released on October 2, 2018, delves into the lives of iconic showgirls Sally Rand and Faith Bacon, capturing the essence of their era.

In addition to her filmmaking and writing endeavors, Zemeckis is a prominent voice in cultural commentary, contributing to platforms such as The Huffington Post, Medium, and Talkhouse, as well as writing for W Magazine and Stork Magazine. Her expertise and passion for her subjects have led her to present at esteemed venues and events, including Santa Barbara City College, the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, The Chicago Club, the Chicago History Museum, MoMA, the Burlesque Hall of Fame, and BurlyCon. Through her work, Zemeckis continues to illuminate the stories of female entertainers who have historically been marginalized and stigmatized, advocating for a deeper understanding of their contributions to the arts.