Joao is a director with a strong narrative background, with a unique visual sophistication. His work philosophy, just as his life philosophy, is to always immerse himself with the latest, to be open to new ideas and trends, but to always incorporate the new with a solid foundation of classic cinematic storytelling. Joao enjoys a reputation as one of Portugal top advertising directors. He is a partner and co-founder of Garage Films, Portugal's leading and most awarded production company, and a partner at Delicatessen Films, one of Brazil's top production companies. 

A former J.W. Thompson Art Director, he left the agency world to study filmmaking at the New York Film Academy. His 1st feature film, 2011’s  “America” won multiple awards, including the Best Director prize of the 15th Sofia International Film Festival.