Leef Hansen

Leef Hansen is a Researcher at the Department of Media and Communication Studies, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. He holds an M.F.A. from Bauhaus University Weimar and specializes in media art, documentary interventions, and visual anthropology. His work bridges artistic practice with academic research, focusing on how media shape societal phenomena.

Education

• B.A. in Political Science (Christian-Albrechts-Universität Kiel, 2008-2012)
• B.A. in Media & Communication Studies (MLU Halle-Wittenberg, 2013-2016)
• M.F.A. in Media Art & Design (Bauhaus University Weimar, 2017-2019)

Research Focus

Hansen explores boundaries between media art & theory, emphasizing documentary film's role in societal critique. His projects address visual ethnography, media philosophy, and politically charged audiovisual narratives. Recent works include co-curating 'STOLPERSTEINE – Films against Forgetting' and producing the award-winning documentary A Place Beneath The Surface.

Awards & Recognition

• Bauhaus Graduation Scholarship (2018)
• Edinburgh Docufest Award of Recognition (2020)
• Featured in MDR, ZEIT ONLINE, and 3SAT for GIFT (2023)

Teaching & Mentorship

Leads seminars on post-documentary interventions, media resonance spaces, and expanded cinema practices. Current courses include EXZESSE DER GEWALT (MA) and COLLAGIEREN ALS METHODE (BA). Serves as thesis advisor for media studies students.

Labs & Collaborations

Co-directs the MMZ (Mitteldeutsches Multimediazentrum) and collaborates with institutions like Franckeschen Stiftungen on transmedia exhibitions. Active in the Society for Artistic Research (SAR).