LEONARD MERRILL KURZ (1953 - 2021)


Leonard Kurz was born in Brooklyn, spent his youth in Rockland County, New York and resided in the San Francisco Bay Area as well as Nyak, New York. He earned a B.A. in History from Grinnell College and an M.A. in Film and Television Production from Stanford University.
Leonard founded Forest Creatures Entertainment, a motion picture, television, and new media production company in 1993. A dedicated historical researcher and documentarian, Leonard’s career in film and television production ranged from Jewish music and culture to African spirituality, from the lasting horrors of child abuse to elderly residential care.

Kitka & Davka in Concert: Old & New World Jewish Music documents traditional Jewish a cappella group Kitka and jazz ensemble Davka innovative concert at the historic Temple Sinai in Oakland. Maangamizi: The Ancient One is the first film from Tanzania considered for an Academy Award. Summoned to the majestic heights of Kilimanjaro, two women – one American, one African – are led by an ancient and mysterious ancestor on a primal journey of spiritual awakening. Other films of note include Early Misgivings - A Film on Child Abuse, Accused of Being a Communist, and My Wild Irish Rose.
Raiford "Ossie" Davis with LMK
The company worked with the International Fellowship of Reconciliation and United Nations to promote the Nobel Peace Prize Laureates’ Appeal for a Decade of Culture of Peace and Nonviolence – calling attention to the effects of international conflict on the children of the world.
Leonard served as a director and officer of the Kurz Family Foundation which played a significant role in establishing two endowed professorships at Brooklyn College – the Herbert Kurz Chair in Constitutional Rights and Civil Liberties, and the Herbert Kurz Chair of Finance and Risk Management. He was instrumental in creating a mentorship program for African-American and Latino male Brooklyn College students.

Leonard proudly served on the boards of the Frederic Ewen Foundation, the NYU Advisory Board of the Frederic Ewen Center, the SUNY Chancellor’s Society, the Hudson Youth Leadership Academy, and Free the Children USA.
Leonard was honored for his philanthropic work as recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. Award for helping develop the Multipurpose Center in Spring Valley, NY; recipient of Special Recognition by the Susan G. and Edmund W. Gordon Community Partnership and CEJJES Foundation; and Rockland Development Council’s Outstanding Philanthropist.
In 2008, Leonard founded Forest Creatures Foundation and provided its endowment through his estate. Legacy Grants support organizations Leonard championed throughout his life, prioritizing independent productions and new media.