Laura Marques is an award-winning director, writer, and producer from Brazil. She has worked in the film industry for over 15 years, creating a wide range of both commercial and independent projects. Her work has been featured in festivals around the world, including Cannes, Sundance, and Berlinale.
Marques began her career as an editor, cutting commercials and documentaries for television. She soon transitioned into directing, creating short films that earned her recognition in international festivals. Her first feature-length film was “A Paz” (Peace), a coming-of-age drama that won several awards in Brazil and abroad.
Marques’s work has focused on themes of social justice, gender, race, and class. She has explored these themes in her subsequent feature films, including “Palavras” (Words), a musical drama about a woman’s search for her identity; “O Dom” (The Gift), an exploration of friendship and loyalty in a rural community; and “O Tempo” (Time), an intimate look at a woman’s struggle to find freedom.
Marques’s films often feature strong female protagonists, and she is widely recognized for her efforts to promote female filmmakers in Brazil. She has served as a mentor to female directors at the annual Cine Ceará festival, helping to create an environment in which women can work without fear of sexism or discrimination.
Marques’s work has earned her numerous awards, including the Grand Prix for Best Film at the Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival, the Grand Jury Prize at the Tokyo International Film Festival, and the Best Director award at the Berlin International Film Festival. She has also been recognized with the FIPRESCI Prize for her body of work.
Marques is a passionate advocate for the advancement of independent cinema in Brazil. She is an active member of the directors’ guild, and her work continues to inspire and energize a new generation of filmmakers.
