Francisco Lacerda is a multifaceted American-Portuguese filmmaker who has revolutionized the cinematic landscape in Portugal by pioneering a unique and captivating sub-genre, dubbed "Azoresploitation". This innovative movement was initially conceived through his thought-provoking short films, including the critically acclaimed "Dentes e Garras!" (2014) and its sequel "Dentes e Garras 2" (2016),as well as the gripping "Freelancer" (2017).
Lacerda's creative genius continued to unfold with the release of his short film "Karaoke Night" in 2019, which premiered at the prestigious Slamdance Film Festival and went on to be showcased at over 50 international film festivals, garnering widespread critical acclaim.
Beyond his work in short films, Francisco Lacerda has also ventured into the realm of video art installations, with projects such as "Misericórdia" (2021),which showcases his versatility and artistic range. Additionally, he has created faux trailers for lost Azorean Sci-fi films, including "A Última Galáxia" (2020),which has piqued the interest of fans and critics alike.
In recent years, Lacerda has continued to push the boundaries of his "Azoresploitation" sub-genre with his latest works, including a take on the classic "euro-western" sub-genre, titled "Cemitério Vermelho" (2022),which premiered at the esteemed IndieLisboa Film Festival, Fantasia, and Beyond Fest, cementing his status as a visionary filmmaker.
