Leif is currently directing his latest feature film, Dancing Through the Shadow of Mao, which is slated for release in late 2020. His extensive filmography includes a wide range of productions distributed by notable studios such as MGM and Fox worldwide. Some of his notable directing credits include Love on Safari (2018),The Apostle Peter: Redemption (2016),and The Red Dress (2015).
As a producer, Leif has been involved in an impressive 18 projects for HBO, which have garnered a total of six Primetime Emmy Awards. His work with the Hallmark Channel has also yielded some of the highest-rated films, including Love, Romance & Chocolate (2019),Veteran's Christmas (2018),and Christmas Next Door (2017).
One of Leif's distinctive strengths is his ability to incorporate global locations into his films, enriching the storytelling and viewer experience. He has filmed in a variety of exotic locations, including Belgium, South Africa, Italy, Ireland, Croatia, Kenya, Malta, and most recently, Taiwan.
Leif's 2003 film, Blizzard, has become a Christmas classic, playing annually around the world and even receiving a three-minute feature in the opening of the 75th Academy Awards Ceremony. Throughout his career, he has had the privilege of working with some of the industry's most talented individuals, including Oscar winners Christopher Plummer, Brenda Blethyn, and Whoopi Goldberg, as well as notable actors such as Gabriel Byrne, Lacey Chabert, Joanne Whalley, Kevin Sorbo, Debra Kara Unger, and John Rhys-Davies, who is also a close friend.
Leif has also had the joy of collaborating with his wife, Agnes Bristow, a writer and co-producer on many of his projects. Additionally, he has worked closely with his daughter, Brittany Bristow, on various films and TV shows.
