Private Project

LEATHERBACK

LEATHERBACK (2025) follows two young scientists in the 90s, Yulon Ackster and Anthony Schmitt, as they develop revolutionary technology, documented by a two-person camera crew. Yulon’s intense ambition drives him to push their work beyond its intended limits, while Anthony insists on ethical progress. As the camera crew capture their differing philosophies and strained exchanges, it becomes clear that their relationship is unraveling under the weight of Anthony’s growing unease and Yulon’s unchecked ambition. Despite their breakthroughs, an unsettling tension looms as ethical lines blur in pursuit of advancement.

  • Alan Leonardo
    Director
  • Alan Leonardo
    Writer
  • Alan Leonardo
    Producer
  • Brendan Bean
    Key Cast
    "Anthony Schmitt"
  • Alan Leonardo
    Key Cast
    "Yulon Ackster"
  • Dylan Meszaros
    Key Cast
    "Wendy Flores"
  • Steven Rueda
    Key Cast
    "Steven Cruz"
  • Brian Kondrach
    Key Cast
    "The Wandering Man"
  • Johanna Gutierrez
    Key Cast
    "Abigail"
  • Beau Berman
    Key Cast
    "News Reporter Voiceover"
  • Angus Scott
    Key Cast
    "News Reporter"
  • Wendy Chavez
    Camera Operators
  • Steven Rueda
    Camera Operators
  • Dylan Meszaros
    Camera Operators
  • Manolo Loredo
    Camera Operators
  • Alan Leonardo
    Camera Operators
  • Louis Palfrey
    Music Composer
  • TEMACHII
    Original Song "FUTURE WORLD"
  • Alan Leonardo
    Art and Animation
  • Steven Rueda
    Photography
  • Amanda Jablonka
    Isaac Newton Artwork
  • Alan Leonardo
    Editor
  • Christopher Tarango
    Special Thanks
  • Diego Valdovinos
    Special Thanks
  • ANALOGNOISE
    Special Thanks
  • Echo & The Bunnymen
    "NEVER STOP" Song
  • Project Type:
    Experimental, Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Sci-Fi, Found Footage, Horror
  • Runtime:
    35 minutes 30 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    November 11, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    2,700 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    4:3
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Lone Star College
Director - Alan Leonardo