Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Benitah
Hi Leslie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story begins in Paris, where I was born and raised. After earning my PhD from the Sorbonne, my career quickly took flight in the world of media. I became an Executive Producer for TF1, France’s most-watched television network, overseeing primetime content. That chapter of my life set the foundation for my passion for storytelling. But life had other plans for me—plans I didn’t quite expect.
In 2006, I found myself moving from the romantic streets of Paris to the sun-soaked city of Miami after a coin flip with my newlywed husband. We had just gotten married and couldn’t agree on whether we should live in Miami, his home, or Paris, mine. So, we flipped a coin, and I lost! Eighteen years later, I’m still here, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Along the way, I’ve worn many hats—producer, director, author, activist, and philanthropist—but all of them are tied to a single thread: my commitment to preserving stories that matter. Four years ago, I founded The Last Ones, an independent documentary series featuring the final Holocaust survivors. It’s not just a project; it’s a personal mission rooted in my identity as the granddaughter of 4 holocaust survivors. With millions of views and educational usage around the world, The Last Ones connects past and present in a way that resonates across generations, bridging gaps that must never be forgotten.
And amidst all this, I’m a mother of three, 17, 15 and 7 years old, juggling the wonderful chaos of family life. It’s a balancing act, but one that enriches every aspect of my journey.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Has it been a smooth road? Oh, absolutely… not! But if it were easy, it wouldn’t be nearly as rewarding, right? The bumps in the road have been more like mountains at times. Between balancing my family life with three kids (which is a challenge in itself), navigating the complexities of independent film production, and convincing the world that history still matters in a digital age—it’s been a rollercoaster.
For starters, independent production is like trying to bake a cake without half the ingredients. You’re constantly improvising, finding creative solutions, and convincing others to jump on board. Getting The Last Ones off the ground wasn’t a walk in the park—it was more like a marathon where the finish line kept moving! Funding challenges, logistical nightmares, and the emotional weight of preserving the stories of Holocaust survivors all added layers of complexity.
But here’s the thing: every struggle, every “no,” every late night spent editing or rewriting, makes the final result that much sweeter. There’s something incredibly rewarding about overcoming the hard stuff. If it were easy, I’d probably be bored! The challenges push me, and the payoff—knowing we’re making a real impact—is worth every tough moment.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m the co-founder of The Last Ones, a documentary series that captures the stories of Holocaust survivors—the last living witnesses to an important chapter of history. My work isn’t just about preserving history, it’s about creating deep, meaningful connections between the survivors and today’s audience, especially the younger generation. I’m known for my ability to truly connect with people from all walks of life. Whether I’m interviewing a Holocaust survivor, a child, or someone from a different culture, I approach every conversation with curiosity, empathy, and a genuine desire to know their story.
One of my greatest strengths is that I speak five languages, which helps me break down barriers and connect on a deeper level. This curiosity fuels everything I do. I love getting to know people—understanding their experiences, their emotions, and the profound stories that have shaped their lives. My curiosity helps me connect with individuals on a deeper level, allowing them to share their histories and memories with trust and authenticity.
I’m also known for my fearlessness. I dive headfirst into situations that others might find too risky. Last year, I filmed in Venezuela, even though my entire circle tried to dissuade me, warning me it wasn’t safe for an American. But when you’re driven by the mission of telling real stories, fear takes a back seat. Right now, I’m directing a feature film in Israel, close to Gaza. I’ve been filming there since November, and I go back every month, even though sirens blare and booms echo in the distance. I stay right there, 2 km from the border, and it doesn’t faze me because the motivation behind the work—capturing these stories—is so much bigger than any fear I might have.
What sets me apart is my passion for connecting with people and my determination to tell stories that matter, no matter the circumstances. I’m most proud of The Last Ones, which has touched millions of people worldwide, and I hope to continue bridging the gap between generations through storytelling, because that’s how I define myself—not as a journalist, but as a storyteller, someone who tells the story of another. I am the witness to the witness.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was incredibly curious—so much so that I’d constantly hear, “Curiosity is a bad habit!” But I never saw it that way. I loved asking questions, exploring, and even sneaking around to spy on adult conversations from the stairs! My personality was pretty fiery; I was always full of energy, whether it was through sports or simply trying to entertain people by imitating everyone around me. I loved imitating accents too, which I still do from time to time!
I have a twin brother, and our personalities were so different. He was easygoing, while I was always a little more “tricky.” Because we were raised the same way, I grew up as quite the tomboy, running around and keeping up with him in everything we did.
I was always busy with activities—escrime, karate, ballet, tennis, you name it. I read a lot as well, which only fueled my curiosity and love for stories. And thanks to my parents, I had the privilege of traveling all over the world from a young age, which really shaped my perspective on people and cultures. I’ve carried that love of exploration into my own family. We travel extensively, and my kids speak four languages, so no matter where we are in the world, they can always find their way and connect with others.
Looking back, that combination of curiosity, adventure, and being surrounded by diverse cultures really set the stage for who I am today and the work I do.
This should capture everything you wanted with a touch of humor and personality. Let me know if there’s anything else!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lesderniers.org/
- Instagram: lesderniers_thelastones
- Facebook: lesderniers
- Other: Tik Tok : Les Derniers / The Last Ones
