Born in Rio de Janeiro, Barreto has been making feature-length films ever since he was 17 years old and remains one of Brazil's most accomplished and popular directors to this day. His films vary widely, from light comedies like "Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands" (1976) and "Bossa Nova" (2000) to tense political thrillers like "Four Days in September" (1997). "Four Days in September" was entered into the 47th Berlin International Film Festival. His 1973 film "Tati" was entered into the 8th Moscow International Film Festival.