Fernando Meirelles

Directing

Fernando Meirelles

Born November 9, 1955 · São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil (age 70)

Fernando Ferreira Meirelles (Brazilian Portuguese:[feʁˈnɐ̃du mejˈɾɛlis]; born 9 November 1955) is a Brazilian film director, producer, and screenwriter. He is best known for co-directing the film City of God, released in 2002 in Brazil and in 2003 in the U.S. by Miramax Films, which received international critical acclaim. He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Director for his work in the…

Known For

City of GodCity of God · 2002
City of God
8.42002
MovieDramaCrime
In the poverty-stricken favelas of Rio de Janeiro in the 1970s, two young men choose different paths. Rocket is a budding photographer who documents the increasing drug-related violence of his neighborhood, while José “Zé” Pequeno is an ambitious drug dealer diving into a dangerous life of crime.
UrubusUrubus · 2021
Urubus
7.22021
MovieDrama
Trinchas and his gang of graffiti taggers risk their lives climbing tall buildings to sign their names up there. When he falls for Valéria - an art graduate student -, they shake the international art scene.
TrashTrash · 2014
Trash
7.12014
MovieAdventureCrime
Set in Brazil, three kids who make a discovery in a garbage dump soon find themselves running from the cops and trying to right a terrible wrong.
BlindnessBlindness · 2008
Blindness
6.52008
MovieDramaMystery
When a sudden plague of blindness devastates a city, a small group of the afflicted band together to triumphantly overcome the horrific conditions of their imposed quarantine.
VIPsVIPs · 2011
VIPs
6.42011
MovieDrama
Marcelo leaves his family and moves to Mato Grosso do Sul, where he learns how to fly airplanes by himself watching the pilots. One day, he responds the call of a drug dealer and uses his boss' plane to help the man to transport his cargo. He is hired by the drug lord to work transporting drugs in his airplanes. When he is arrested by the Federal Police, he does not rat his gang and the leader of the cartel gives a large amount of money as a bonus and asks him to leave the gang since he is known by the police. Marcelo uses the money to promote a party in the Carnival of Recife pretending to be the son of the owner of the Gol (a Brazilian air flight company). He lures the high-society, including the television presenter Amaury Jr. Marcelo is arrested again and is sent to prison. During a rebellion, he uses his leadership to present the claims of the prisoners and help to control the situation.
The Constant GardenerThe Constant Gardener · 2005
The Constant Gardener
7.02005
MovieDramaMystery
Justin Quayle is a low-level British diplomat who has always gone about his work very quietly, not causing any problems. But after his radical wife Tessa is killed he becomes determined to find out why, thrusting himself into the middle of a very dangerous conspiracy.
Here Comes the FloodHere Comes the Flood
Here Comes the Flood
MovieThrillerCrime
An unconventional heist movie about three people locked in a deadly game of cons and double crosses.
The Two PopesThe Two Popes · 2019
The Two Popes
7.52019
MovieDramaHistory
Frustrated with the direction of the church, Cardinal Bergoglio requests permission to retire in 2012 from Pope Benedict. Instead, facing scandal and self-doubt, the introspective Pope Benedict summons his harshest critic and future successor to Rome to reveal a secret that would shake the foundations of the Catholic Church.

Movies

City of GodCity of God · 2002
City of God
8.42002
MovieDramaCrime
In the poverty-stricken favelas of Rio de Janeiro in the 1970s, two young men choose different paths. Rocket is a budding photographer who documents the increasing drug-related violence of his neighborhood, while José “Zé” Pequeno is an ambitious drug dealer diving into a dangerous life of crime.
UrubusUrubus · 2021
Urubus
7.22021
MovieDrama
Trinchas and his gang of graffiti taggers risk their lives climbing tall buildings to sign their names up there. When he falls for Valéria - an art graduate student -, they shake the international art scene.
TrashTrash · 2014
Trash
7.12014
MovieAdventureCrime
Set in Brazil, three kids who make a discovery in a garbage dump soon find themselves running from the cops and trying to right a terrible wrong.
BlindnessBlindness · 2008
Blindness
6.52008
MovieDramaMystery
When a sudden plague of blindness devastates a city, a small group of the afflicted band together to triumphantly overcome the horrific conditions of their imposed quarantine.
VIPsVIPs · 2011
VIPs
6.42011
MovieDrama
Marcelo leaves his family and moves to Mato Grosso do Sul, where he learns how to fly airplanes by himself watching the pilots. One day, he responds the call of a drug dealer and uses his boss' plane to help the man to transport his cargo. He is hired by the drug lord to work transporting drugs in his airplanes. When he is arrested by the Federal Police, he does not rat his gang and the leader of the cartel gives a large amount of money as a bonus and asks him to leave the gang since he is known by the police. Marcelo uses the money to promote a party in the Carnival of Recife pretending to be the son of the owner of the Gol (a Brazilian air flight company). He lures the high-society, including the television presenter Amaury Jr. Marcelo is arrested again and is sent to prison. During a rebellion, he uses his leadership to present the claims of the prisoners and help to control the situation.
The Constant GardenerThe Constant Gardener · 2005
The Constant Gardener
7.02005
MovieDramaMystery
Justin Quayle is a low-level British diplomat who has always gone about his work very quietly, not causing any problems. But after his radical wife Tessa is killed he becomes determined to find out why, thrusting himself into the middle of a very dangerous conspiracy.
Here Comes the FloodHere Comes the Flood
Here Comes the Flood
MovieThrillerCrime
An unconventional heist movie about three people locked in a deadly game of cons and double crosses.
The Two PopesThe Two Popes · 2019
The Two Popes
7.52019
MovieDramaHistory
Frustrated with the direction of the church, Cardinal Bergoglio requests permission to retire in 2012 from Pope Benedict. Instead, facing scandal and self-doubt, the introspective Pope Benedict summons his harshest critic and future successor to Rome to reveal a secret that would shake the foundations of the Catholic Church.
Rio, I Love YouRio, I Love You · 2014
Rio, I Love You
4.82014
MovieRomanceDrama
The third episode of the Cities of Love franchise, Rio, I Love You is an anthology, created by 10 visionary directors from across the globe. The story line of each segment focuses on an encounter of love in a different neighborhood of the city, demonstrating the distinctive qualities and character of that location. The film serves to bridge gaps between cultures, educating and entertaining the audience, while celebrating unique and universal expressions of love.
MarighellaMarighella · 2021
Marighella
7.62021
MovieDramaHistory
Afro-Brazilian poet and politician, the legendary Carlos Marighella. Driven to fight against the erosion of civil and human rights following the CIA-backed military coup of 1964 and the brutal, racist right-wing dictatorship that followed, the revolutionary leaves behind his wife and son to take up arms, becoming a notorious enemy to the power structure.
LoopLoop · 2019
Loop
7.82019
MovieScience FictionDrama
After his girlfriend's murder, Daniel, a physics student becomes obsessed with the idea of going back in time to stop the tragedy. He lets himself be consumed by his own obsession until after years of isolation, he finds the solution. Daniel then gives up his future and returns to the past. However, he is not the same man.
Eduardo and MonicaEduardo and Monica · 2022
Eduardo and Monica
7.72022
MovieRomanceDrama
On an unusual day, a series of coincidences lead Eduardo to meet Monica at a party. A curiosity is aroused between the two and, despite not being alike, they fall madly in love. In 1980s Brasília, their love needs to mature and learn to overcome differences.
Brasil AnimadoBrasil Animado · 2011
Brasil Animado
5.92011
MovieAnimationComedy
The story of Stress & Relax: a businessman who thinks only of money and a film director who lives for insisting that this invest in their projects. This time, the "project" is to look for the oldest tree in Brazil. Stress is excited about the possibility of making money with this rarity. The problem is that they do not know exactly where it is. Stress and Relax out in search of the "Big Jequitibá Rose" with no map, no compass and clueless.
ArtArt
Art
MovieComedy
Follows three friends, Marc, Serge and Yvan, and one ridiculously expensive, plain white painting. It’s procurement by one friend and differing opinions about what constitutes ‘art’ sparks a conflict among the group that uncovers long-held grievances and tension points in their relationships.
Once Upon a Time There Was IracemaOnce Upon a Time There Was Iracema · 2005
Once Upon a Time There Was Iracema
2005
MovieDocumentary
A making-of directed by Bodanzky himself, the documentary discusses the language of the film Iracema - Uma Transa Amazônica 30 years after it was made, gathering interviews with the authors, actors, critics and the filmmakers themselves.
360360 · 2012
360
5.72012
MovieDramaRomance
A disparate group of characters unknowingly bond by the sexual choices they make. Consumed by loneliness, a British businessman ponders a rendezvous with a prostitute. The businessman's wife prepares to call it quits with her younger lover. A Brazilian student breaks up with her boyfriend in London. A recovering alcoholic travels to Phoenix in search of his missing daughter. A paroled sex offender struggles to stay composed when propositioned in a Denver airport. A widower's religious devotion is put to a difficult test.
O Filho EternoO Filho Eterno · 2016
O Filho Eterno
7.42016
MovieDramaFamily
Roberto is in the edge to become a father for the first time. He was already dreaming of the years yet to come, wondering how his son would be. While trying to figure out how to act like a father he must also face and endure a tough reality - to be a Down syndrome child's dad. Insecure and ashamed of the situation he will have to confront and overcome it.
From Nowhere: A Portrait of Valter Hugo MãeFrom Nowhere: A Portrait of Valter Hugo Mãe · 2025
From Nowhere: A Portrait of Valter Hugo Mãe
2025
MovieDocumentary
Filmed over seven years, the documentary follows Valter Hugo Mãe as he writes his novel “A Desumanização”, across journeys through Iceland, Brazil, Portugal, Colombia, and Macau. A visual meditation on solitude, loss, and belonging, featuring appearances by cartoonist Laerte Coutinho and Icelandic composer Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson, mentor of bands such as Sigur Rós and Björk. The film is part of the project “The Meaning of Life”, which director Miguel Gonçalves Mendes has been developing for more than a decade: a series of nine features built as a kaleidoscope of contemporary figures, in which the filmmaker invites us to reflect on what makes us, as humans, unique beings.
ComercialComercial · 2010
Comercial
2010
MovieDocumentary
The documentary “Comercial” brings a portrait of Brazilian advertising, from the perspective of the production of advertising films, told through the eyes of scene directors, creatives and clients; from those who lived the golden age of advertising in Brazil, to the professionals of the new generation; talking about the challenges, changes, the future of advertising films in Brazil and new language trends.
City of MenCity of Men · 2007
City of Men
7.02007
MovieDrama
Best buddies Acerola and Laranjinha, about to turn 18, discover things about their missing fathers' pasts which will shatter their solid friendship, in the middle of a war between rival drug gangs from Rio's favelas.
7 Prisoners7 Prisoners · 2021
7 Prisoners
7.12021
MovieDramaCrime
An impoverished teen seeking to escape the clutches of a human trafficker must weigh living up to his moral code against his struggle to survive.
Untitled Elza Soares BiopicUntitled Elza Soares Biopic
Untitled Elza Soares Biopic
MovieDramaMusic
A biopic about star Elza Soares, considered one of the greatest samba singers ever and a symbol of the struggle against racism and women discrimination in Brazil.
A Fera na SelvaA Fera na Selva · 2017
A Fera na Selva
8.02017
MovieDrama
A story about a man who hopes to see something extraordinary. Based upon the book of Henry James.
BuscapéBuscapé · 2022
Buscapé
2022
MovieAction
With executive production by Fernando Meirelles and direction by Fred Luz, actors Alexandre Rodrigues and Edson Oliveira are Buscapé and Barbantinho, two friends who meet again in today's City of God: bigger, more diverse and connected.

TV Shows

SugarSugar · 2024
Sugar
7.12024
SeriesDramaMystery
John Sugar is a dashing private eye navigating the dark corners of sunny LA. Though he sees only the good in humanity, Sugar is haunted by a secret too dangerous to expose.
The South Bank ShowThe South Bank Show · 1978
The South Bank Show
5.61978
SeriesDocumentary
The South Bank Show is a television arts magazine show produced by ITV between 1978 and 2010. A new series began on Sky Arts from 27 May 2012. Presented by Melvyn Bragg, the show aims to bring both high art and popular culture to a mass audience.
Close Up with The Hollywood ReporterClose Up with The Hollywood Reporter · 2015
Close Up with The Hollywood Reporter
6.22015
Series
Some of this year's most talked about talent open up about the challenges and triumphs of creating critically acclaimed series and performances.
Brava GenteBrava Gente · 2000
Brava Gente
8.32000
SeriesComedyDrama
Brava Gente was a television series aired by TV Globo in Brazil between 2000 and 2003, initially as a special year-end. The program was adapted from stories and national stories, and plays by famous playwrights, screenwriters and signed by a number represented by several actors and actresses. The genres of the stories varied each week with the style of each director or author. Brava Gente in the stories ranged from comedies and dramas. In all 53 episodes were shown, broadcast on Tuesday nights.
The SympathizerThe Sympathizer · 2024
The Sympathizer
6.82024
SeriesDrama
Near the end of the Vietnam War, a spy who was embedded in the South Vietnam army flees to the United States and takes up residence in a refugee community, where he continues to gather intelligence and report back to the Viet Cong.
Amor com Amor Se PagaAmor com Amor Se Paga · 1984
Amor com Amor Se Paga
6.71984
SeriesComedy
Nonô Corrêa, extremely stingy, puts padlocks on the refrigerator and pantry cupboards to prevent his children, Elisa and Tomaz, from eating more than he considers necessary. Nonô never forgets to raise the rents on the apartments he rents, leaving the tenants desperate. The funny thing is that Nonô is very rich and hides his precious fortune from everyone. The only one who knows his secret is Anselmo. Another character who suffers from Nonô's miserliness is the maid Frosina, who has worked for him for over 20 years. At a certain point in the story, an orphan, Zezinho, crosses Nonô's path. The boy wins the heart of the neurotic man.
City of God: The Fight Rages OnCity of God: The Fight Rages On · 2024
City of God: The Fight Rages On
7.62024
SeriesDramaCrime
Twenty years after City of God, Buscapé recounts how conflicts between police, traffickers, and militias impacted the community.
City of MenCity of Men · 2002
City of Men
7.12002
SeriesDrama
The series is based on the award-winning Brazilian film City of God, which itself was nominated for Oscars in four categories, including Best Director for Fernando Meireles. Based on the story of two friends, Laranjinha and Acerola, who live adventurous and dangerous lives in a Rio de Janeiro slum, 'City of Men' brings into sharp relief the condition of children and adolescents in these areas, realistically yet with a dose of humor.
Sound & FurySound & Fury · 2009
Sound & Fury
7.22009
SeriesDramaComedy
Interwoven with Shakespearean storylines, the miniseries depicts the daily life of a theater troupe from São Paulo, exploring the dilemmas and situations artists face both on and off stage.
The IllusionistThe Illusionist · 2011
The Illusionist
6.82011
Series
The illusionist is mysterious, captivating and mesmerizes all those around him. But is he really a swindler or a man with extraordinary powers? This fascinating telenovela tells the story of seductive Herculano Quintanilha, who exerts significant influence over his great love Amanda, the Hayalla family and his friends. These and other enigmas can be found in The Illusionist, a telenovela where seduction is the great secret.
Children of the Church StepsChildren of the Church Steps · 2024
Children of the Church Steps
6.52024
SeriesDrama
Inspired by the 1993 Candelária massacre in Rio de Janeiro, four homeless youths—Douglas, Sete, Jesus and Pipoca—navigate street life, dreams, and survival, blending their stories with dreamlike sequences in the 36 hours before the massacre unfolds.
Joint VentureJoint Venture · 2019
Joint Venture
8.22019
SeriesDramaCrime
Set in a fictional modern-day Sao Paulo, where marijuana has been legalized, this series follows 29-year-old Biriba, a drug dealer who decides to give up his criminal life and enter the legal drug sales industry. Unfortunately for Biriba, going straight is more difficult than he could have imagined.
Happily Ever After?Happily Ever After? · 2015
Happily Ever After?
7.12015
SeriesDrama
When the mysterious call girl Danny Bond comes on the scene, a crime of passion changes forever the lives of all involved. Who will the victim be? And the villain? After all, in a story so full of secrets and infidelity, who can get away with it to live happily ever after?
Rá-Tim-BumRá-Tim-Bum · 1990
Rá-Tim-Bum
7.61990
Series
Rivers of FateRivers of Fate · 2025
Rivers of Fate
6.82025
SeriesDrama
When a teen is kidnapped by a sex trafficking ring, a river pirate and a fierce mother embark on separate quests to find her — until their paths cross.
Xingu: A Saga dos Irmãos Villas-BoasXingu: A Saga dos Irmãos Villas-Boas · 2012
Xingu: A Saga dos Irmãos Villas-Boas
9.02012
SeriesDocumentary
The 1940s. Three young brothers decide to embark on a great adventure. Orlando (27), Cláudio (25), and Leonardo (23)—the Villas-Bôas brothers—enlist in the Roncador-Xingu Expedition and set out on a pioneering mission across Central Brazil. Their saga begins with the crossing of the Rio das Mortes; they soon take charge of the endeavor, becoming deeply involved in defending Indigenous peoples and their diverse cultures, while documenting everything in a journal titled *A Marcha para o Oeste* (The March to the West).
The Wise OnesThe Wise Ones · 2015
The Wise Ones
3.72015
SeriesDrama
A mini-series of four episodes which has 4 different stories in each episode. Focused on 3rd age, the series shows how it was and how is the life of the elderly. The series teaches that we should not judge anyone by appearances.
A Comédia da Vida PrivadaA Comédia da Vida Privada · 1994
A Comédia da Vida Privada
8.51994
SeriesComedy
AntoniaAntonia · 2006
Antonia
6.02006
SeriesDrama