NOA DE LEEUW

Director.Story addict.Light nerd.

About me

I made my first film when I was four years old. It was shot on a tiny camcorder, starred my family (some of them very unwilling), and made absolutely no sense. But it hooked me instantly. Filmmaking has been the way I explore the world ever since, or at least bend it into something that feels honest.

I have Portuguese and Dutch roots, so I’ve always had a mix of cultures around me. That blend shows up in the stories I’m drawn to: curious, layered, a little messy, and always human.

I’ve recently graduated from MetFilm School London with a degree in Film Directing, where I learned how to take the ideas in my head and turn them into something real. I’m still figuring things out — on set, in the edit, and in life — but storytelling is the place where I feel like myself.

Whether I’m watching something that breaks me in the best way or scribbling a chaotic script at 2 a.m., I’m completely in love with this process. Now I’m looking for opportunities, collaborations, and any genuine foot in the door to keep growing and making work that feels honest, a bit strange, and worth watching.

SHOWREEL 2025

Grad Film

coming SOON

Stay Tuned

The Last Confession

Short Film | Drama | Psychological

In a quiet café, Ella is confronted by Mark — a figure from her past who forces her to face a guilt she’s long tried to bury. What begins as small talk quickly turns into a tense, psychological power play.

A short drama about grief, manipulation, and the emotional weight we carry — told through loaded silences, sharp tension, and subtle visual storytelling.

METFILM SCHOOL PROJECTS

Shake It Off

Episode 3 of a 14-Part Comedy-Drama Web Series

Zoe’s post-breakup spiral takes an unexpected turn when two glitter-loving Swifties crash into her flat — loud, chaotic, and oddly therapeutic. What starts as pure irritation evolves into margaritas, friendship bracelets, and a spontaneous act of letting go (involving fire, naturally).

Shake It Off is Episode 3 of Enjoy Your Stay, a 14-part web series chronicling one woman’s emotional (and often ridiculous) journey through heartbreak, healing, and Airbnb guests who may or may not change her life.

Dragged Around London

Client Project | Edutainment | Pride Campaign

This was my first client video — created for Dragged Around London, a queer-led company offering drag tours, shows, and community events. The goal was to celebrate drag in its realest form: raw, joyful, political, and rooted in community — far beyond what’s shown on mainstream TV.

What started as a tightly planned shoot quickly became a lesson in flexibility, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. Performers ran late, schedules shifted, and plans changed by the minute — but the chaos brought unexpected magic. The candid moments, the laughter, the glitter, the stories — that’s what made it real.

I directed, edited, and delivered both a main video and social media extracts for Pride Month, all while learning how to navigate the balance between creative direction and client needs. This project challenged me and shaped me — and I’m proud that it feels as alive and honest as the people it represents.

Mediacollege Amsterdam projects

Film experience

  • Set Production Intern

    At ITV, I had the chance to be on set for two Dutch TV drama series, helping out across different departments. It was my first real experience inside a professional production, and it honestly taught me a lot — especially how much teamwork and quick thinking go into keeping things moving. I saw how every little detail matters, and how good communication can make or break a shoot. It was intense, sometimes chaotic, but incredibly motivating.

  • Casting Intern

    My time at Blue Circle Casting gave me a whole new appreciation for the casting process. I helped scout and book actors for films and series, and got to see how finding the right person for a role is both an art and a puzzle. It made me realize how important gut instinct, collaboration, and story sense are in casting — and how the right actor can completely change the energy of a project. It was one of the most eye-opening parts of my industry experience so far.

  • Film Crew Mentor – Amsterdam International Community School

    I first joined the after-school film crew club at AICS when I was eight years old — a space that played a huge role in shaping my love for filmmaking. For six years, I collaborated with other students on small projects, experimenting, learning, and falling in love with the creative process.

    At 18, I returned to the club — this time as a mentor. I supported younger students as they explored filmmaking for the first time, helping them shape ideas, solve problems, and grow in confidence. It was incredibly rewarding to give back to the same community that sparked my own passion. Teaching others reminded me just how collaborative filmmaking really is — and how powerful it can be to share what you’ve learned along the way.

  • My Experience at NY Film Academy Summer School

    Going to the NY Film Academy Summer School two years in a row was a game-changer for me. It’s where I really started to see film in a whole new light. The experience wasn’t just about learning the technical side — it opened my eyes to the power of storytelling and made me fall even deeper in love with filmmaking. Those two summers gave me the confidence and inspiration to keep pushing myself creatively.

Kunstbende Regional Winner — First Place (Film), 2023

In 2023, my film took first place in the regional round of Kunstbende in the Film category — a moment that still feels a little surreal. Kunstbende is one of the biggest platforms for young creators in the Netherlands, and suddenly seeing my work up there, being watched, judged, and actually celebrated, was wild in the best way.

This was the first time I felt that spark of oh, maybe I can really do this. My film connected with people I’d never met, and that tiny bit of recognition pushed me to take filmmaking from a passion to something I’m truly chasing.

It wasn’t just an award. It was the beginning of me taking myself seriously as a filmmaker — and also the moment I realized how much I love telling stories that land with people.

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