Fernando Meirelles

Fernando Meirelles is a highly accomplished Brazilian film director, producer, and screenwriter. Born in São Paulo, he is best known for co-directing the critically acclaimed film City of God(2002-2003) and was subsequently nominated for an Academy Award for Best Director. His other notable directorial projects include The Constant Gardener (2005), an Academy Award-winning film for Best Supporting Actress, and the 2008 adaptation of José Saramago's novel Blindness. In 2019, he directed The Two Popes for Netflix. His television credits include directing and producing HBO's original series Joint Venture. Fernando’s early life exposed him to various cultures, thanks to his father, a gastroenterologist, whose frequent travels broadened his worldview.

Before his remarkable career in the film industry, Fernando studied Architecture and Urbanism at the University of São Paulo. His initial experiences with cinema started in his father's university, where he often directed 8 mm films. At 13, he began producing small films. Fernando also co-founded O2 Filmes, Brazil's largest advertisement firm. His career garnered momentum with experimental films and then transitioned into the advertisement industry. Fernando had a significant influence on Brazilian television, introducing a new wave of refreshing, informal humor in news reporting. His global recognition amplified when his adaptation of City of God from Paulo Lins' book achieved worldwide success. His excellence led him to Hollywood, where his work on The Constant Gardener earned him numerous accolades. Fernando's commitment to cinema also manifested during the 2016 Olympics opening ceremony in Rio, where he served as a creative director and successfully operated on a shoestring budget.