Cassio Pereira dos Santos, a talented individual, was born in the year 1980, specifically in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, a country renowned for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes.
As a young enthusiast, Cassio pursued his passion for filmmaking at the esteemed University of Brasilia, where he had the opportunity to refine his skills by directing both fiction and documentary projects.
Upon completing his film school education in the year 2003, Cassio gained valuable experience by working as an assistant director on various projects, a crucial step in honing his craft and building a strong foundation for his future endeavors.
Throughout his illustrious career, Cassio has written and directed eight captivating short films, showcasing his exceptional talent and creative vision. Some of his notable works include A Menina Espantalho, a mesmerizing short film released in 2008, A Mulher no Alto do Morro, a powerful and thought-provoking film that premiered in 2012, and Marina Nao Vai a Praia, a stunning work that was released in 2014.
These films not only demonstrate Cassio's technical expertise but also his ability to tell compelling stories that resonate with audiences.
Cassio's multifaceted creative endeavors as a writer and director have garnered widespread recognition, with his works being handpicked for numerous prestigious international film festivals, including the esteemed Warsaw Film Festival, OutFest Los Angeles LGBTQ Film Festival, Durban International Film Festival, BFI Flare London LGBTQ Film Festival, Zinegoak Bilbao, Aspen Short Film Fest, Palm Springs ShortsFest, Hamburg Short Film Festival, Seattle International Film Festival, Sao Paulo International Film Festival, Prix Jeunesse Munich, Brasilia Festival of Brazilian Cinema, and Mostra de Cinema de Tiradentes, among many others.
Through his remarkable body of work, Cassio has amassed an impressive tally of over 60 awards, a testament to his exceptional skill and dedication to his craft.
Cassio's remarkable career as a screenwriter has been marked by numerous impressive accomplishments in the world of film. One of his most notable contributions is the feature film "Guigo Offline", a Brazilian television production that has earned widespread recognition, including the prestigious Best Brazilian Feature Film Award at the esteemed Festival Mix Brasil.
Cassio's feature film debut, "Valentina", has received widespread critical acclaim, garnering an impressive 15 international awards and nominations. The film's accolades include the Audience Award at the 44th Sao Paulo International Film Festival, as well as the Best Debut Director Director Award at the 51st International Film Festival of India 2021, held in Goa.
As a testament to the film's global appeal, "Valentina" is set to be digitally released in Latin America and Spain, while also receiving a theatrical release in Japan and Sweden.
Cassio has recently garnered a considerable amount of recognition, with a notable achievement being his selection to participate in the prestigious Berlinale Talents 2021, specifically the Buenos Aires edition.
