Laís Bodanzky's directorial career commenced with the acclaimed short film Red Card, a poignant exploration of a girl's sexual awakening amidst a group of boys. The 1995 New York Film Festival selection showcased her exceptional storytelling abilities and garnered recognition for the talented director.
Her feature film debut, Brainstorm, was a groundbreaking joint production between Brazil and Italy, introducing the world to actor Rodrigo Santoro. The film's success earned it numerous awards, solidifying Laís' position as a prominent filmmaker.
Just Like Our Parents, her fourth feature film, premiered at the 2017 Berlin International Film Festival, generating significant buzz and sparking fiery feminist debates. The film received a Teddy Award nomination and was met with widespread critical acclaim.
Laís has also helmed other highly acclaimed films, such as The Ballroom, a collaborative effort with France, and The Best Things in the World, which debuted at the Rome Film Festival. Her work extends beyond feature films, with notable documentaries like Cine Mambembe - Cinema Discovers Brazil and Olympic Women, aired on ESPN.
As a producer, Laís has partnered with filmmaker Luiz Bolognesi at Buriti Filmes, overseeing feature films like Rio 2096: A Story of Love and Fury and Ex-Shaman. Her father, Jorge Bodanzky, is a renowned filmmaker, having directed Iracema - Uma Transa Amazônica and Jakobine.
Laís grew up surrounded by filmmaking, studying Theater with Antunes Filho and eventually earning a degree in Film from Faap. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to promoting the Brazilian film industry, coordinating the Tela Brasil social projects, which have brought over one million people to movie theaters, many for the first time in their lives.
Person biography:
Laís Bodanzky is a Brazilian filmmaker, born to a family deeply rooted in the film industry. Her father, Jorge Bodanzky, is a well-known director, and she grew up studying Theater and eventually earning a degree in Film. Laís has made a name for herself as a talented director, producer, and educator, with a strong focus on promoting the Brazilian film industry and bringing quality cinema to underserved communities.
