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