Fernando Grostein Andrade facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fernando Grostein Andrade
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | January 30, 1981 São Paulo, Brazil
|
| Occupation | Filmmaker |
| Spouse(s) | Fernando Siqueira |
Fernando Grostein Andrade (born January 30, 1981) is a Brazilian filmmaker, director, and producer from São Paulo. He is known for making movies and documentaries that make people think about important social issues. He also writes for the magazine VEJA and the newspaper Folha de S.Paulo.
One of his most famous works is the documentary Quebrando o Tabu. In this film, he explores different ideas about how to solve problems related to the "War on Drugs." It features interviews with famous leaders, including former U.S. presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, and the former Brazilian president Fernando Henrique Cardoso. The film was later made into an international version narrated by actor Morgan Freeman.
His movie Abe was shown at the famous Sundance Film Festival in 2019. It stars Noah Schnapp, known from the TV show Stranger Things, and Brazilian actor Seu Jorge.
In 2019, the World Economic Forum selected Fernando as a Young Global Leader, an honor given to people who are making a positive impact on the world.
Contents
Filmmaking Career
Fernando studied Business Administration but soon followed his passion for film. He took directing and screenwriting courses at universities in Brazil and the United States. He started his career in media when he was only 15 years old.
Exploring Big Ideas in Quebrando o Tabu
In 2011, Fernando released his documentary Quebrando o Tabu. For the film, he traveled to 18 cities around the world. He interviewed many important people, including presidents, doctors like Drauzio Varella, and the writer Paulo Coelho. The film discusses different approaches to the global "War on Drugs."
The movie had a big impact in Brazil. It started many conversations in schools and in the media. It was praised for its detailed research and for showing many different points of view. The project grew into a popular online platform that supports human rights, with millions of followers on social media.
Later, the project became a TV series that explored other important topics like democracy and racism. The series won several awards, including one at the MIPCOM festival in Cannes, France.
Movies and TV Shows
Fernando has worked on many different films and television projects.
Abe
In 2020, Fernando released his first English-language movie, Abe. It tells the story of a 12-year-old boy in Brooklyn, New York, played by Noah Schnapp. Abe's family is half Jewish and half Muslim. He tries to bring his family together through his love of cooking, with help from a chef played by Seu Jorge.
The movie was shown at the Sundance Film Festival and received good reviews. Critics called it a "charming film" and praised Fernando's directing.
Wandering Heart
In 2003, Fernando followed the famous Brazilian musician Caetano Veloso on a tour through São Paulo, New York, and Japan. He turned this experience into a documentary called Wandering Heart. The film shows a personal side of the musician and features appearances by filmmakers like Pedro Almodóvar and musician David Byrne.
Other Film and TV Work
- Na Quebrada: A movie based on the true stories of young people from low-income areas who discover a passion for filmmaking.
- Jailers: A TV series about the lives of prison guards. Fernando directed five episodes and helped produce the show, which won an award in 2017.
- Encarcerados: A documentary that shows the daily life of prison workers in São Paulo.
Other Projects
Besides making movies, Fernando has directed over 100 commercials for famous brands like Coca-Cola, Volkswagen, and Nestlé. One of his campaigns for Volkswagen won several awards at the Cannes Lions Festival, a major event for advertising.
He also directed music videos for Brazilian singers like Luan Santana and the duo Sandy & Junior.
Helping the Community
Fernando is also involved in social projects. He helped an acting group made up of inmates inside a prison. Some of these actors later appeared in his movie Na Quebrada and other professional shows.
He is a co-founder of Mapa Educação, a project started with politicians Tabata Amaral and Renan Ferreirinha. The group works to make education a top priority in Brazil. They organize events and encourage politicians to improve the country's schools.
Fernando also founded Spray Media, a company that produces films, online content, and advertising.
Awards and Recognition
Fernando's work has earned him many awards throughout his career.
- His campaign for Volkswagen's Kombi van won 2 Gold and 5 Bronze Lions at the Cannes Lions Festival.
- The TV series Jailers won a top prize at the MIPDrama Screenings in Cannes in 2017.
- The Quebrando o Tabu project won an Audience Award in Brazil and international awards for its TV series version.
- His movie Abe won awards at the Kinder Film Festival in Vienna and the Washington Jewish Film Festival.
- In 2011, GQ Magazine named him one of its Men of the Year.
Personal Life
Fernando is the son of urban planner Marta Dora Grostein and journalist Mario Escobar de Andrade. His mother's other son is the well-known Brazilian TV host Luciano Huck. Fernando currently lives in Los Angeles with his husband, actor Fernando Siqueira.
