Joaquim Salles
Writing
Biography
Filmmaker, screenwriter, and journalist from Rio de Janeiro. He holds degrees from Brown University and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. As a journalist, he worked for the BBC in Washington, focusing primarily on environmental reporting, with a special interest in the Amazon region and climate policy. He wrote and directed episodes of the award-winning documentary series “Quebrando o Tabu” (2018–2019) and is also credited as a screenwriter on the documentaries “Encarcerados” (2019) and “O Mito” (2023). “Copinha” is his first feature film.
Known For
“Breaking Myths” aims to open the world’s eyes to the fragile and “catastrophic masculinity” of Brazil’s current President Jair Bolsonaro, a fanatical far-right politician who can best be described as the Brazilian Donald Trump — and who is up for a second term this October. The story is told through the lens of the critically acclaimed Brazilian filmmaker and LGBTQ activist Fernando Grostein Andrade (“Abe” Sundance 19), who directed, wrote, and produced the feature alongside creative partner Fernando Siqueira as the first release under his production company in California, FilmSoul Studios.
Breaking Myths
Reveals the real, day-to-day life of penitentiary officers from São Paulo, Brazil.
Encarcerados
For the first time, Esporte Clube Macapá will compete in the Copinha, the world’s largest under-20 football tournament. For young prospects from Amapá, the competition represents a rare chance to gain visibility. In Brazil’s Amazonian north, they are often overlooked — but in the Copinha, their matches will be broadcast nationwide, watched by scouts and agents connected to major clubs.