OlharFilmes/Samsara Film

**OlharFilmes/Samsara Film** is a Brazilian independent film production company founded and directed by actor-filmmaker **Paulo Leão.**

## History

The production company's journey begins with the documentary Why Did You Come to Live Here?

Production began in 2006, and the 46-minute documentary features interviews conducted in various cities in Minas Gerais - Brazil, in which people who left their hometowns recount their stories.

Released in 2009 at the _CineBH Brazil and France Film Festival_, the film established a cinematic identity inspired by narratives that reflect the human perspective. Following its successful debut, several works with excellent reception followed in subsequent years, mainly on the international stage.

### Films

_Why Did You Come to Live Here?_ (2009) - Medium-length documentary that investigates the reasons that lead people to leave their hometowns. _Showcase at Mostra CineBH Brazil-France_ .

_The Hour_ (2013) - A short film that portrays the oppressive routine and humiliations experienced by a woman amidst domestic violence. Developed for the Brazilian campaign _"In a Fight Between Husband and Wife, Intervene" (Em Briga de Marido e Mulher se Mete a Colher),_ the film addresses abusive dynamics in affective relationships. Nominated for the _2013 Avon Award_ in the categories of 'Best Director' and 'Best Film'.

_I Miss You_ (2015) - A short film that evokes the feeling of longing through a fragmented narrative and suggestive images, accompanied by the homounimus song by Snowflake. The work was selected and screened at several international festivals and won an award at the _2016 International Open Film Festival_ in the USA .

_Happy Birthday_ (2016) - A drama that marks an important stage in Paulo Leão's filmography. The film explores the themes of loneliness and the ephemeral nature of life. Widely recognized internationally, _Happy Birthday_ was officially selected for over 50 film festivals, winning several awards, such as 'Best Film' ( _HeadLine International Film Festival 2016_ Canada ), 'Best Director' ( _North American Film Awards 2016_ USA ), 'Great Talent' ( _Cinema Of The World International Film Festival 2023_ India ), 'Honorable Mention' ( _WideScreen Film & Music Video Festival 2024_ Canada ), 'Best Experimental Film' ( _Black & White Film Festival 2024_ Canada ), 'Best Cinematography' ( _Monthly Festival for Trailers 2025_ USA ), etc. Ten years after its premiere, Happy Birthday stills participating of Film Festivals.

_Good Night_ (2023) - A psychological horror movie released on August 13, 2023, exclusively narrated through visual and sound effects, without dialogue, and entirely in B&W. It received nominations and awards at the _Black & White Film_ Festival, _Toronto SCI-FI/Fantasy Festival_, _Hollywood North Film Festival_, and _B-More Horror Fest_ between 2024 and 2025 in the US and Canada .

_J'Adore Travailler_ (2024) - A short film that reflects on the duality between passion for work and the wear and tear caused by daily pressures. With a narrative marked by irony, the film questions the relentless pursuit of personal fulfillment in modernity. It premiered at the _Lift-Off Filmmakers Sessions 2025_ in the UK . It has participated in other festivals and won the 'Best Micro Short' award at the Los Angeles Comedy Film & Screenplay Festival.

_59 For 1_ (2025) - Short film produced in response to an invitation from the _Hollywood North International Film Festival_ for the Halloween Contest event. Nominated for Best Film at this festival's public vote.

### Clips

_Muito Muito Pouco_ (2014) - For Arnaldo Antunes, nominated for best music video award for the artist and best music video of the year - Music Videos and Bands Festival.

_Extranha_ (2015) - For Jards Macalé, nominated for best music video award for the artist - Music Videos and Bands Festival.

_Paris Dakar_ (2017) - For Marina Lima, nominated for best music video award. - Music Videos and Bands Festival.

_In The Stars_ (2024) - For the album Nas Estrelas, awarded as _Honorable Mention_ at the WideScreen Film & Music Video Festival - Canada .

## Style and Philosophy

The **OlharFilmes/Samsara Film** identity reflects Paulo Leão 's artistic vision. By addressing as social issues as subjective states of existence, the director's work invites the viewer to a profound reflection on the human condition, broadening the producer's recognition in the world of auteur cinema.

## See also

- Independent cinema

## Infobox (company)

- **name**: OlharFilmes/Samsara Film
- **image**: Por Que Você Veio Morar Aqui?.jpg
- **image caption**: OlharFilmes/Samsara Film first movie
- **genre**: Cinema
- **founded**: in Minas Gerais
- **hq location city**: Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro
- **hq location country**: Brazil
- **num locations**: 2 offices
- **area served**: Worldwide
- **products**: Films
- **income year**: 2005
- **owner**: Paulo Leão (artist), Paulo Leão