Photography courtesy of Natalya DeSena.
STORYTELLING + PHOTOGRAPHING + FILMING + CREATIVE DIRECTING
Leia Vita Marasovich is a first generation Slovenian-Croatian storyteller and multi-faceted creative visionary. For over a decade, she’s woven human-centered narratives that explore our innate connection to land, water, food, culture, and identity. Through a mosaic of artistic expressions - from photography, videography, writing, creative direction, and immersive storytelling, Leia’s passion is in creating beautiful stories that not only transport the viewer, but also invite them on a personal journey to question, disrupt, and evolve their perspectives.
Grounded in a background and profound commitment to regeneration, Leia was the Director of Storytelling and Creative Development for Farmers Footprint and Seraphic Inc for five years. Through these roles, she propelled the momentum towards regenerative systems, acting as a catalyst for the restoration of both human and planetary well-being through in-depth storytelling of American farmers. Leia also co-founded the non-profit, Sea + Soil, the surf inspired approach to food sovereignty and community building.
A poem I wrote for this Farm Rio campaign video, created by Guigo Foggiatto. This video sums me up and what I stand for :)
Leia's photography has been published in over 10 books and international magazines, and her short film, “Refugee’s Reunion with the Soil” won Best Video for the 2021 NonProfit Awards. She is proud to have been the water cinematography for a docu episode on Moroccan's most accomplished female surfer, signaling a new era for female Arab surfers, which was broadcast on Moroccan television station, TV 2M.
Leia's work is a testament to her dedication to reconnecting individuals with the inherent beauty of nature and the sacredness woven into our shared human experience. Through her artistic lens, she skillfully brings essential topics such as food sovereignty, human rights, and soil health to the forefront of global conversations. Leia uses her passion, skills, and artistic prowess to amplify the voices that resonate with the heartbeat of our collective earth journey.
Sun Sign: Sun: Aquarius // Moon: Sagittarius // Rising: Gemini
Heritage: Croatian + Slovenian
Currently Based: between SoCal (LA & Encinitas) and Santa Marta, Colombia
Education: Soka University of America, Bachelor of Liberal Arts, focus in Environmental Studies
Certifications: Sustainability and Organic Aids Certificate + Permaculture for International Development + Ecovillage Design Educator + 200 Hr Yoga Certification + Carol Sanford Institute on Living Systems Thinking
Also: Teaches Yoga (see below)
Past-life: Rapper ;)
Spent Most My Life: Competitive Swimming
Best Advice Ever Given: "Buy a camera and move to Ecuador"
Best Therapy: Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, Surfing, Yoga, Baths, & Painting
CLIENTS & COLLABORATIONS
Elle Macpherson, Rich Roll, Julie Piatt, Zach Bush MD, Xiuhtezcatl, Tasya Van Ree
Billabong, FARM Rio, Farmer’s Footprint, Artisan Tropic, Onda Wellness + more
PUBLICATIONS
This Cheese Is Nuts! Cookbook by Julie Piatt - all photography + front cover
The Plantpower Way: Italia Cookbook by Julie Piatt + Rich Roll - 90% of photography
Voicing Change: Volume 1 + 2 by Rich Roll - photography
Surf Like A Girl by Carolina Amell - featured as surfer, photographer, and yogini
Blue Surfside Style Magazine, Japan - photography
Thermie Living Magazine, Australia - photography
Malibu Magazine, California - photography
Growers and Co, Canada - photography
EXHIBITS
Water + Women, Pacific Coast Brewery, Oceanside, CA
The Roots Awaken, Life Food Organic, Santa Monica, CA
AWARDS
2021 NonProfit Awards, Best Video for “Refugee’s Reunion with the Soil”
