Christopher Gruse has built a career defined by striking composition, layered storytelling, and a relentless attention to detail.

His recent work includes a high-octane Super Bowl commercial for Kawasaki titled “Mullets,” the NBA Finals spot “The Toast,” and standout campaigns for Resy and Google. His ability to blend emotional resonance with visual ingenuity has earned him industry recognition, including a Cannes shortlist and millions of viewers worldwide.

Christopher has long used Detroit as both inspiration and backdrop. He got his start directing music videos for arists like Big Sean and Jack White, and his viral short film for an X Games bid helped redefine how the world saw the city—resilient, electric, and unapologetically alive.

His feature-length documentary “Kenny (The Marxist Who Would Be Mayor)” dives deep into Detroit history, chronicling the life of attorney Ken Cockrel Sr. and his clash with the city’s notorious STRESS police unit following their execution of 22 Black Detroiters over a three-year span. The film blends investigative rigor with a poetic lens on political resistance, legacy, and community reckoning.