Joana Torgal is a Portuguese film director, screenwriter, and producer. She was born in 1985 in Lisbon, Portugal, and grew up in the small village of Madalena do Pico, in the Azores. After studying Communications and Culture at the University of Lisbon, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her passion for filmmaking.
Joana’s first feature film, “The Dark Tide” (2012), won numerous awards and was selected for the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival. The film is a psychological-thriller about a young girl’s journey to discover the truth behind her family’s mysterious past.
Her second feature film, “The Door” (2015), was a critically acclaimed drama which was nominated for two awards at the Portuguese Golden Globes. It follows the story of a woman’s search for her missing husband, and the secrets that lie beneath the surface of a small Portuguese village.
Joana’s most recent project, “The Decent” (2017), is a horror-thriller set in a mysterious abandoned building. The film follows a group of friends who must confront their fears and discover the truth behind the building’s strange occurrences.
Joana’s body of work has been recognized by various film festivals around the world. She has also been invited to speak at multiple film events, including the Cannes Film Festival and the San Sebastian International Film Festival.
Joana is an incredibly talented and creative filmmaker. Her films explore universal themes of identity, family, and the human mind. Her work is often praised for its gripping storytelling and its unique visual style. Joana continues to be a major force in the world of independent filmmaking, and is quickly becoming one of Portugal’s most successful directors.
