Karim Ainouz is a Brazilian filmmaker, writer, and producer. Born in Peru in 1967 to a Lebanese father and German mother, he was raised in Fortaleza, Brazil. He studied Film Direction at the School of Communications and Arts of the University of São Paulo.
He started his career as a director in 1996 with his short film “Tinta Preta” (Black Ink). He then directed the feature films “Madame Satã” (2002), “Vento Seco” (2004), and “O Abismo Prateado” (2006).
In 2008, he directed his first international feature film “Mademoiselle Paradise”, which won the Golden Leopard Award at the Locarno International Film Festival. He then directed the feature films “Praia do Futuro” (2014), “Futuro Beach” (2016), and “Frontera” (2020).
In addition to feature films, Karim has also made various documentary films, such as “Estrada de Palha” (1998), “Vida que Segue” (1999) and “A Vida Invisível” (2002). He has also directed several television series, including “Onde Estão os Homens” (2008) and “Viagem ao Fim do Mundo” (2010).
Karim’s films often explore the complexities of Brazilian culture, identity, and inequality. He has won numerous awards for his work, including the Jean Vigo Award for Best Director at the Cannes Film Festival in 2009 and the Grand Prix at the Tokyo International Film Festival for “Mademoiselle Paradise” in 2008.
Karim continues to direct and produce films, and is one of the most acclaimed filmmakers in Brazil. His work has been praised for its nuanced and honest portrayals of Brazilian society, and he has been credited for his ability to capture the nuances of Brazilian life. He is a passionate advocate for the rights of Brazilian people, and a strong voice for social justice in Brazil.
