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.

 Filmography 

 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. 

 References 

 See also 

 Independent cinema

Category:Independent movies
Category:Brazilian movies
Category:Movies directed by Paulo Leão