Meet the Director: Roman Leren Armstrong
Born and raised in Alexandria, Louisiana, Roman Leren Armstrong brings an authentic voice to the screen, one shaped by the streets that raised him and the stories that surrounded him. His filmmaking journey began at just seven years old, watching his father produce a local talk show. By fourteen, Roman had already written, directed, and produced his first short film, On Our Own—a raw glimpse into youth survival that hinted at the deeper, more complex narratives he would go on to explore.
Unlike many filmmakers, Roman doesn't just observe the world he writes about, he’s lived it. That’s what makes his vision for YN's so powerful. It’s a story about young men trying to navigate survival, loyalty, and consequence, told by a young man who grew up understanding those stakes firsthand.
From elementary school passion projects to his breakout film I’m Starving, Roman’s early work captured the attention of industry professionals and earned him a nomination at the All-American High School Film Festival. He soon traded the football field and D1 scholarship offers for film sets, choosing to study digital filmmaking at Loyola University. But his real education came from experience: by nineteen, Roman became one of the youngest assistant directors in the world, racking up 10,000 hours on major film and TV productions including Emancipation, Queen & Slim, Swagger, Looking for Alaska, Queen Sugar, Roots, and more.
With YN's, Roman returns to his roots, telling a story of young, Black masculinity, temptation, and consequence through a lens that’s both cinematic and personal. His perspective isn’t manufactured; it’s lived. That’s what separates him from the rest.
Through his company, Armstrong ART, Roman has made it his mission to tell stories that matter, stories that reflect the truth, challenge stereotypes, and uplift the culture. His long-term vision spans original series, films, and documentaries, all designed to resonate across generations and make a lasting impact.
YN's is more than a film. It’s a voice from Louisiana, speaking on behalf of those whose stories often go unheard, crafted by someone who never forgot where he came from.
