João Salaviza Manso Feldman da Silva, a versatile and multidisciplinary artist, was born on February 19, 1984, in Lisbon, Portugal. As a film director, screenwriter, editor, producer, and former actor, he has demonstrated an extraordinary range of creative talents, earning widespread acclaim and recognition within the film industry.
Salaviza's formative years were significantly shaped by the presence and guidance of his father, José Edgar Feldman, a renowned film director, who instilled in him a deep appreciation for the art of filmmaking from a young age. Additionally, his mother, a talented producer in her own right, played a vital role in nurturing his creative ambitions. As a result, Salaviza's desire to pursue a career in the film industry only grew stronger with time.
He subsequently enrolled in the Lisbon Theatre and Film School, a prestigious institution renowned for its rigorous programs and distinguished faculty, where he honed his skills and developed a solid foundation in the craft of filmmaking. Moreover, Salaviza's academic pursuits took him to the Universidad del Cine de Buenos Aires in Buenos Aires, Argentina, a world-class film school that offered him the opportunity to learn from experienced industry professionals and network with like-minded individuals from around the globe.
Through his educational experiences, Salaviza gained a comprehensive understanding of the technical and creative aspects of filmmaking, as well as the business side of the industry. His time at the Universidad del Cine de Buenos Aires, in particular, allowed him to immerse himself in the rich cultural heritage of Argentine cinema and to develop a unique perspective on storytelling and visual narrative.
Salaviza's impressive cinematic portfolio boasts a plethora of accolades, with a standout achievement being the critically acclaimed film Arena, which garnered the prestigious Short Film Palme d'Or award at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival, a testament to his exceptional storytelling prowess.
Furthermore, his subsequent film, Rafa, garnered widespread recognition, ultimately receiving the coveted Golden Bear for Best Short Film at the 62nd Berlin International Film Festival in 2012, solidifying Salaviza's reputation as a masterful filmmaker capable of crafting compelling and impactful cinematic experiences.
Beyond his impressive portfolio of directorial credits, Salaviza has also made significant contributions to the film industry as an assistant editor, collaborating with the renowned Portuguese filmmaker Manoel de Oliveira on the critically acclaimed project, Eccentricities of a Blonde-haired Girl, showcasing his versatility and dedication to the craft.
