Oscar nominated, and multi award winning director Fernando Meirelles started out as an architect. Whilst studying architecture at the University of São Paulo he developed an interest in filmmaking, producing experimental videos with a group of friends and winning a huge number of Brazilian awards. He went on to form a small independent production company called Olhar Eletrônico Eletrônico before establishing O2 Filmes in 1991.
Fernando started directing independent television programs during the 1980’s, progressing in the 90’s to commercials. In 1997 he co-directed his first feature; the children’s film O MENINO MALUQUINHO with Fabrizia Pinto. In 2000 he co-wrote and co-directed, alongside Nando Olival, the feature MAIDS. Fernando then went on to direct the critically acclaimed CITY OF GOD. The film won more than 52 awards around the world and received four Academy Award nominations in 2004, including Best Director.
In 2004 Fernando directed THE CONSTANT GARDENER, released in 2005. Fernando was nominated for a Golden Globe and a BAFTA for Best Director. The film won a BAFTA, an Academy Award and a Golden Globe. Fernando’s next film as a director, BLINDNESS, was based on the novel by José Saramago. The film was selected for the Official Competition at Cannes, opening the festival. In 2008, Fernando adapted a new miniseries for Globo TV called SOUND AND FURY, based on the Canadian series, SLINGS AND ARROWS.
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