Karine Teles

Karine Teles (born 16 August 1978) is a Brazilian actress, screenwriter, and filmmaker whose career spans more than three decades, beginning in the early 1990s with minor television roles that quickly showcased her natural charisma and keen emotional insight. Raised in Petrópolis, a historic city in the state of Rio de Janeiro, she studied at the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro where she first engaged with theatrical productions, laying a solid foundation for her later work in cinema. Her breakthrough came in 2015 with the critically acclaimed film The Second Mother (Portuguese: Que Horas Ela Volta?), where she delivered a nuanced performance that earned international recognition and highlighted social issues such as class disparity and family dynamics in contemporary Brazil. Beyond acting, Karine has expanded her creative repertoire by writing and directing independent short films, demonstrating a commitment to storytelling that transcends the traditional boundaries of performance. Throughout her prolific career she has collaborated with prominent Brazilian directors and has been a regular presence on both the big screen and television, appearing in series that explore the cultural fabric of her homeland. In 2003 she married fellow filmmaker Gustavo Pizzi, a partnership that lasted until their divorce in 2015, and together they have two children who have occasionally accompanied her to set, inspiring her to speak publicly about the challenges of balancing motherhood with a demanding artistic profession. Karine's continued activism for gender equality in the film industry and her mentorship of emerging talent have solidified her reputation not only as a versatile artist but also as a vital advocate for progressive change within Brazilian cinema. Her work remains a testament to the power of authentic representation and her influence continues to grow as she explores new narratives and innovative cinematic techniques.