Laneikka Denne

Laneikka Denne is a queer writer and actor hailing from Western Sydney. At just seventeen, Laneikka garnered the prestigious SA State Theatre Company’s Young Playwrights Award for their play *DEAD SKIN*, which has been showcased in both Sydney and Los Angeles and is published by Australian Plays. In 2023, Laneikka debuted their second play, *FEMINAZI*, as part of the Sydney World Pride Programming at Belvoir Theatre.

In recognition of their talent, Laneikka received the Diversity Entertainment Creative Mentorship in 2022. *DEAD SKIN* is currently in development for a feature film adaptation following its successful performances in LA. Additionally, Laneikka directed the documentary *The Real Meaning of Pleasure*, which secured development funding from Screen Australia and AIDC in 2023.

Laneikka also founded *THE MONOLOGUE COLLECTIVE*, a platform where teenagers create and perform monologues for their HSC. This initiative was met with acclaim, receiving a nomination for Best Production for Young People at the Sydney Theatre Awards in 2023. As an actor, Laneikka is set to star in two upcoming feature films — *PUZZLE BOX*, a horror film, and *SALT ALONG THE TONGUE*, a psychological thriller, both scheduled for release in 2024. Central to all of Laneikka's creative endeavors are the experiences and stories of young queer individuals.