Leonel Vieira is a renowned Portuguese director and producer who has made a significant impact in the international film industry. With a remarkable ability to take on new challenges and adapt to different environments, he has successfully directed 10 feature films, including several top 10 films in Portugal and holds the record for the largest box office in contemporary Portuguese cinema.
His debut film, "A Sombra dos Abutres", received widespread critical acclaim and was selected for over 50 international film festivals, solidifying its status as a reference point for critics. As a producer, Leonel has formed partnerships with prominent producers in Brazil, Spain, France, and the USA, producing over 30 successful feature films and television series, as well as more than 200 advertising spots for major brands.
Throughout his career, Leonel has been an active participant in numerous international film festivals, attending over 100 events and receiving more than 20 awards for his work in cinema and advertising. In Portugal, he has won several prestigious awards, including those from Clube dos Criativos, the country's most prominent advertising awards. In 2008, he was shortlisted for the LIA Awards in London, and in 2015, he was named Personality of the Year in the Arts, featuring on the cover of Forbes magazine in January 2016.
Leonel has also held leadership positions, serving as president of the Association of Cinema and Audiovisual Producers in Portugal from 2017 to 2019. During this time, he was also invited to the Shanghai International Film Festival as a jury member for cinema and the Magnolia awards on television. In 2019, he co-produced the popular Chinese animation series "Panda and Rooster", further expanding his reach and influence in the global film industry.
