Petra Costa is a remarkably versatile and accomplished Brazilian creative individual, effortlessly demonstrating exceptional skill and mastery in not one, but two distinct and highly demanding artistic disciplines - filmmaking and acting.
Her impressive cinematic odyssey commenced with the short film Undertow Eyes, which premiered in 2009 and subsequently garnered widespread critical acclaim and numerous prestigious awards, including top honors at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA),the Rio Film Festival, the Cine Las Americas International Film Festival, and the London International Documentary Festival, to name but a few of the many notable festivals and institutions that recognized her exceptional talent.
This initial success laid the foundation for a long and illustrious career, marked by continued innovation, artistic growth, and a deepening commitment to her craft.
The esteemed filmmaker, Costa, followed the critical acclaim of their debut documentary, Undertow Eyes, with the release of their feature-length documentary, Elena. This cinematic masterpiece premiered at the highly-regarded International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, or IDFA, and later made its way to the prestigious SXSW and Hot Docs film festivals. The film's impressive reception was marked by a multitude of awards and accolades, including the top prize for best film at the 2013 Havana Film Festival. Additionally, Elena received a nomination for Best Cinematography at the 2014 Cinema Eye Honors, a testament to the film's exceptional visual storytelling. Moreover, Elena holds the distinction of being the most-watched documentary in Brazil for the year 2013, a remarkable feat that underscores its widespread appeal and impact.
In the year 2013, Costa was one of a select group of 20 individuals who received a grant from the esteemed CPH:DOX organization in Denmark, which allowed her to form a creative partnership with Danish co-director Lea Glob, working together on a feature film that is currently undergoing the post-production process.
This cinematic endeavor, titled Olmo and the Seagull, is being brought to life by the collaborative efforts of several prominent production companies, including Zentropa, Som & Furia, and Busca Vida Filmes.
Costa's academic credentials are truly exceptional, as she earned her undergraduate degree with the highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude, in the field of Anthropology from the prestigious Barnard College, which is a highly selective liberal arts college affiliated with Columbia University, located in the vibrant city of New York.
Following her outstanding undergraduate performance, Costa went on to further her education by pursuing a Master's degree in the interdisciplinary field of Health, Community, and Development at the renowned London School of Economics, situated in the culturally rich and diverse city of London.
Costa's extraordinary life journey has been marked by a profound connection to Brazil, a country that has served as the fertile ground for her creative endeavors. It is within this rich cultural landscape that she has distilled her artistic and academic passions, thereby forging a distinctive identity that has reverberated far and wide in the realm of filmmaking.
