Ruben Van Leer, an artist renowned for his award-winning films and interdisciplinary projects, is deeply influenced by his musical heritage and early engagement with contemporary film and theatre. His creations skillfully merge cinema, dance, music, digital art, avant-garde, and pop culture, aiming to connect diverse audiences worldwide.

By the age of 18, Van Leer had already earned two cultural awards: one for a film and print campaign for the Foundation Against Useless Violence, aired on MTV, and the NTR WebDance award, which led to the production of "Merkavah," a contemporary dance film for NPO3.

His education includes Advanced Filmmaking at the San Francisco Art Institute under Oscar nominee Jay Rosenblatt, an MFA degree in Social Design from the Sandberg Institute, and an MA degree in film from the Netherlands Film Academy.

Van Leer's collaborations span various disciplines, working with figures like opera maker Michel van der Aa on "The Book Of Sand," film director Peter Greenaway on "Writing On Water," pianist Tigran Hamasyan on "Cave Of Rebirth," composer Kate Moore on the VR-performance “Sacred Environment,” and choreographer Bill T. Jones on "I Know."

His notable work, "Symmetry" (2015), a sci-fi dance-opera film, was filmed at CERN and explores a science physicist's quest intertwined with a profound love story, earning 11 international awards including the Golden Prague for Best Performance Arts. It has been showcased globally and is available on Amazon Prime and AppleTV in 8 languages.

"Sacred Environment" (2017), in collaboration with Kate Moore, won an Audience Award at the Holland Festival. It examines the contemporary relevance of sacred sites through live music and VR, premiered at the Concertgebouw Amsterdam.

"Power Of Water" (2021), featuring Thekla Reuten and Davina Michelle, addressed climate change and was broadcasted to 180 million viewers during the Eurovision Song Contest.

Van Leer has also directed music videos and live video stages for bands like Coldplay and The Black Eyed Peas, and developed branded content for major brands, collaborating with top global agencies.

He founded Truth.io, a non-profit for artistic research and crossmedia arts collaboration, partnering with prestigious institutions such as Arts@CERN and the Holland Festival, showcasing Van Leer’s commitment to blending art, science, and deep societal themes.

Artist Statement

“In my artistic endeavours, I merge visual storytelling, music, drama, and consciousness, pushing the boundaries of imagination in crossmedia arts. I place fictional characters in real settings, creating a distinct visual language where creativity meets the tangible world. For example, in my film set within a real scientific facility of CERN, a fictional character embarks on a fantastical journey, highlighting the contrast between imagination and the quest for scientific truths. I explore themes of existence as a simulation, suggesting that advancements in technology reflect our innate abilities for self-determination and connectedness. These themes provoke questions about the emotional significance of cosmic origins and integrating ancient beliefs in a modern, digital context. My work seeks to deepen our understanding of human experience in a global society and an expanding universe, bridging ancient wisdom with modern science through art. By transcending genre boundaries in cinema, theatre and digital arts, we can challenge our perceived reality and discover new perspectives. My studio commits to cross-disciplinary research, exploring human identity and potential through collaboration across diverse fields and cultures.”

–Ruben Van Leer