Leo Behrens
- Cinematographer
- Director
Leo Behrens is a Norwegian award-winning cinematographer, based in Los Angeles. In 2023, Leo earned his cinematography degree from The American Film Institute (AFI) in Los Angeles. Shortly after graduating, he was selected for The ASC Vision Mentorship Program.
Leo started his path in film when he was accepted into the Norwegian Film School Westerdals Film & TV in 2008. During his education, he wrote and directed four short films. Following graduation in 2010, he started working as a camera operator and director/videographer. A few years later, he progressed to become a cinematographer, contributing to numerous documentaries, music videos, short films, TV series, and reality TV shows in Norway.
Leo's short film "SKIN" won the Gold Medal in the alternative/experimental category at the 2023 Student Academy Awards, where he served as the writer, director, and cinematographer. "SKIN" was also selected for Oslo Fusion International Film Festival and AFI FEST in 2023. His recent cinematography contributions to the documentary "Evan Ever After" earned it the Audience Award for "Best Florida Short" in 2023 and gained recognition at notable film festivals, including, Outfest Los Angeles, InsideOut Film Festival Toronto, NorthwestFest, NewFest New York, and Out On Film Atlanta.
Leo was one of the cast members in the documentary series "Født i Feil Kropp/Born in the Wrong Body", which won the "Golden Screen/Gullruten" in 2015. He was offered the role as one of the cinematographers for the second season of the award-winning documentary series in 2017.
Leo has a deep love for stories that showcase unique angles and provide fresh perspectives. He enjoys exploring subjects outside of conventional topics and challenging audiences with thought-provoking narratives that encourage questioning current social norms. He holds a special fondness for drama, thrillers, magical realism and science fiction. As a transgender filmmaker, Leo is also passionate about exploring LGBTQ themes across various genres.
Leo started his path in film when he was accepted into the Norwegian Film School Westerdals Film & TV in 2008. During his education, he wrote and directed four short films. Following graduation in 2010, he started working as a camera operator and director/videographer. A few years later, he progressed to become a cinematographer, contributing to numerous documentaries, music videos, short films, TV series, and reality TV shows in Norway.
Leo's short film "SKIN" won the Gold Medal in the alternative/experimental category at the 2023 Student Academy Awards, where he served as the writer, director, and cinematographer. "SKIN" was also selected for Oslo Fusion International Film Festival and AFI FEST in 2023. His recent cinematography contributions to the documentary "Evan Ever After" earned it the Audience Award for "Best Florida Short" in 2023 and gained recognition at notable film festivals, including, Outfest Los Angeles, InsideOut Film Festival Toronto, NorthwestFest, NewFest New York, and Out On Film Atlanta.
Leo was one of the cast members in the documentary series "Født i Feil Kropp/Born in the Wrong Body", which won the "Golden Screen/Gullruten" in 2015. He was offered the role as one of the cinematographers for the second season of the award-winning documentary series in 2017.
Leo has a deep love for stories that showcase unique angles and provide fresh perspectives. He enjoys exploring subjects outside of conventional topics and challenging audiences with thought-provoking narratives that encourage questioning current social norms. He holds a special fondness for drama, thrillers, magical realism and science fiction. As a transgender filmmaker, Leo is also passionate about exploring LGBTQ themes across various genres.