PRO TENNIS PLAYER TO FILMMAKER: HOW DID ALEAH DO IT?

By Kyle Dutton, DLE Marketing and Membership Intern, Finance and Marketing major with a minor in Economics at Syracuse University, New York

Growing up as an avid tennis player, Aleah Marrow, DLE Advisory Board and Culture Chat Committee member, knew from the start what she was passionate about. Her level of determination was phenomenal and couldn’t be compared to anyone at the time.

When Aleah decided to grow on this a little more, she found her love for the game–a game that taught her so much that she could never think about leaving it. Rightfully so. Aleah pursued her dreams and went on to play Division 1 tennis at Syracuse University on a scholarship. “I never thought I’d be playing tennis at such an amazing school. I was and still am so grateful for the opportunities that I was presented with.”

Post college, Aleah turned a dream into reality. She went pro and has played on the competitive circuit for 11 years.

She’s now serving up a major career move–leaving sports for the film industry. “I always knew that I wanted to be a screenwriter when I retired from tennis,” she reveals. “Ever since I was twelve, I’ve had a deep appreciation of filmmakers. I felt this type of art was engraved in me. I just had to work toward it.”

During COVID, Aleah spent most of her time writing short films and scripts that really allowed her to express herself. “Despite COVID, I did not want to sit back and do nothing. I wanted to create art, and that’s what I’m doing. I am funding and creating my own short film.”

Using her networking skills, she reached out on social media to filmmakers with questions and requests for advice. She also used her Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn platforms to recruit and build her production team.

Throughout the spring and summer of 2021, Aleah was writing scripts, scouting sites for shoots and auditioning actors–staying close to her North Carolina hometown of Durham. Additionally, she took on two extra jobs to fund her project. “Every dollar that went into this film came from me,” she proudly beams.

Now completing final edits, Aleah also is gearing up for the official premiere of her movie–and it is happening with the DLE. On Dec. 14^th, the DLE will produce a private screening and conversation with filmmaker Aleah from 6:00-7:00 pm ET. This will be the first public showing of Wish Hill, Aleah’s eight-minute film. Reservations will be limited to 30 to promote an intimate, inclusive experience. More details on the event—including a registration link—will be forthcoming on the DLE website and the Nov. 17^th HUB.

Aleah couldn’t be prouder. “This chapter in my life is a small piece of a larger story,” she declares. The possibilities for Aleah are endless. Incidentally, two of her favorite actors are Denzel Washington and Viola Davis.