Production company MADRE has added Brazilian director Lu Villaça to its talent roster. With degrees in cinema and performance and a master’s in screenwriting, Villaça brings a multifaceted approach to filmmaking.
Villaça’s tastes have been shaped by her childhood training in ballet, studying Greek theatre texts, her passion for music, and her contemplative nature. She honed her cinematic skills early on as an AD and creative assistant before becoming a director. Intent on capturing the drama of everyday life as it plays out, Villaça is tuned in to how the bodies in her frame move through their environments and what elements of the story can be extrapolated from these compositions. Her sharp attention to detail in every aspect, from lighting to the final edit, is designed to connect emotionally with her audience.
Villaça has been awarded three Cannes Lions for her film “Next Minute Law,” which promoted awareness of a law in Brazil designed to address the rampant epidemic of sexual violence. “Next Minute Law” also garnered Best Direction at El Ojo and the Ciclope Latino Festival, where Villaça also won Best New Talent. Additionally, she has directed assorted commercial campaigns for brands like Johnnie Walker, Huggies Wipes, Nestlé, Amazon, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, and a spot for Medley featuring Brazilian Olympic gymnast Rebeca Andrade. Prior to joining MADRE, Villaca had been repped by production house LOBO. Recognized in Brazil as a top music video director, Villaca won Best Female Direction for her work on “Nu” by Assucena and “Lovezinho” by Rachel Reis, which also won Best National Music Video at the MVF Awards. Villaça additionally co-directed the documentary Pagliacci, an homage to circus artist Domingos Montagner and the human need for laughter.
“Beautifully executed work done alongside good people is my ultimate goal,” remarked Villaça. “That’s what made MADRE the perfect fit for me. Their quality of work, dedication to their productions, and remarkable attention to detail, craft, and creativity in MADRE’s films immediately compelled me to sign with them. I admire my roster-mates and am fortunate to call them my colleagues now. They are all a great reflection of what can happen when artists are supported by producers who believe in them.”
MADRE co-founder and managing director Jonathon Ker added, “Lu’s films are so rich–visually, narratively, and compositionally speaking. Whether she executes this through abstract emotions or interesting camera work, there’s always a deeper meaning and purpose underneath her work. Lu genuinely wants to bring light to neglected subjects and provide a point of connection for audiences, which is remarkable. We’re lucky to have her with us at MADRE, and we can’t wait to get started.”
