Kleber Mendonça Filho

Kleber Mendonça Filho, born on 22 November 1968, is a renowned Brazilian film director, screenwriter, producer, and critic. He obtained a degree in journalism from the Federal University of Pernambuco and commenced his distinguished career as a film critic and journalist. During his initial years, he wrote for esteemed newspapers including Jornal do Commercio and Folha de S. Paulo, as well as for respected magazines like Continente and Cinética. Kleber also contributed to his own dedicated site, CinemaScópio. As a director, Filho widely experimented with fiction, documentary, and video clips throughout the 1990s, eventually transitioning from video to digital and 35mm film during the 2000s. O Som ao Redor (Neighbouring Sounds, 2013) was Mendonça's first feature-length drama that brought him extensive acclaim and numerous awards. His films, notably including Aquarius and Bacurau, have participated in international competitions such as the Cannes Film Festival and the Independent Spirit Awards. In 2013, Kleber was honored with the prestigious responsibility of being the jury president of the Critics' Week section at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival. Filho's creations have received more than 120 awards globally, participating in a diverse range of film festivals such as New York, Copenhagen, and Cannes.