Karim Ainouz

Born to a Brazilian mother and an Algerian father in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil, Karim Aïnouz has flourished as a film director, screenwriter, and visual artist. His career took off in 1992, and he has been continuously active since then, gaining a reputation for his profound works in the world of cinema. Making a significant impact with his feature debut, Madame Satã, which premiered at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival, Aïnouz’s succeeding films also claimed the spotlight and captivated audiences globally. His films Suely in the Sky and I Travel Because I Have to, I Come Back Because I Love You (co-directed with Marcelo Gomes), premiered at the 2006 and 2009 Venice Film Festival respectively. On the television front, he created and directed Alice, an acclaimed 13-episode series for HBO Brasil.

Aïnouz's successful journey doesn't end with directing. He has also been ardently involved in multiple institutions as an advisor, lecturer, and been a part of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences since 2017. His works were featured in ten festivals across the globe, including the Amnesty International Film Award-winning documentary Zentralflughafen THF. His powerful storytelling continued in The Invisible Life of Eurídice Gusmão, an adaptation that depicts the repression and bigotry against two sisters in 1950s. This film won the top prize in the 2019 Cannes Film Festival. Aïnouz's journey of exploring his Algerian roots led to the documentary Mariner of the Mountains. His most recent feature Motel Destino, was a nominee for the Palme D'Or at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.