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Director Leonel joins Bonaparte
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Bonaparte has signed award-winning Swedish-German director Leonel for US representation.
A graduate of the renowned Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg, Leonel first made his mark in Berlin as one half of directing duo LeonelRuben.
LeonelRuben crafted campaigns for Nike, Volkswagen, Jägermeister, Vogue, Snipes and Under Armour, alongside music videos for some of Germany’s biggest hip-hop artists. The duo went on to deliver a global campaign for Swatch and a UK campaign for Google Pixel.
Leonel later founded his own production company in Berlin before relocating to the United States, where he has continued building his portfolio with brands including Nike and Vodafone, as well as directing a music video for Empire’s Afrobeats artist June Freedom. His work blends cinematic precision with cultural edge, pairing strong visual craft with emotionally grounded storytelling.
Alongside his commercial output, Leonel has remained committed to narrative filmmaking. His debut feature, Ende Neu (The New End), toured international festivals before airing on German television, and his short Now Or Never screened at the Oscar-qualifying Rhode Island International Film Festival. He is currently developing an American feature.
“The team at Bonaparte aren't just exceptional creative partners, they're wonderful people who create a sense of trust and belonging,” says Leonel. “Having known each other since film school makes all the difference, and it feels like a circle closing: from a small town in Germany to the mecca of the film industry.”
Bonaparte co-founder Nico Kreis adds: “From building his own production company in Berlin to fully committing to his directing career in the US, Leo has never lost his cinematic, passionate voice. We’re incredibly proud to be part of his journey and to bring his unique perspective to the US market.”
Now based in Los Angeles, Leonel joins Bonaparte’s US roster as he focuses on the next chapter of his career stateside.
