Julien Leclercq

Julien Leclercq (born 15 July 1979) is a French film director, screenwriter and producer known for his kinetic action storytelling and willingness to explore high‑concept sci‑fi and thriller premises. Born in Paris, France, he grew up immersed in cinema, frequenting local art‑house theaters and studying film theory at the prestigious École Supérieure de Réalisation Audiovisuelle (ESRA), where he first experimented with short‑form narrative and visual effects. His early short films, such as The Return of the Storks (2003), earned him recognition at European festivals and set the groundwork for a career marked by collaborative projects with stunt coordinators and visual‑effects teams. Leclercq’s breakthrough arrived with the 2009 sequel District 13: Ultimatum, co‑directed with Pierre‑Conrad Cai, which cemented his reputation for blending parkour‑filled choreography with gritty urban landscapes, influencing a new wave of French action cinema. Following this success, he directed The Beast (2009), a political thriller starring Ron Perlman, showcasing his ability to handle international casts and more somber, character‑driven narratives. In 2016, Leclercq ventured into the science‑fiction arena with The Incident, a time‑travel thriller that demonstrated his deft handling of complex plot structures and visual style, earning nominations at the Cannes Film Festival’s Critics’ Week. Throughout his career, he has consistently emphasized practical stunts over CGI, a choice that has garnered both praise for authenticity and criticism for occasional safety concerns. Beyond directing, Leclercq has contributed as a screenwriter on several of his projects and produced emerging French talent, reflecting his dedication to expanding the national film industry. His work continues to evolve, with upcoming projects that promise to blend his signature high‑octane action with deeper thematic explorations of technology and humanity.