João Rui Guerra da Mata

Birthplace: Lourenço Marques, Portuguese Mozambique

Biography

João Rui Guerra da Mata was born in Lourenço Marques, Mozambique. He teached Art Direction at the Lisbon Film School from 2004 to 2011. In 1997 he co-starred in the short PARABÉNS!, directed by João Pedro Rodrigues, that won the Special Jury Mention at the 54th Mostra di Venezia. As an Art Director, he worked in several features and shorts, notably the ones directed by João Pedro Rodrigues, whose films he also co-scripted. This collaboration lately evolved to co-direction, namely in the shorts CHINA, CHINA (2007) – 39th Directors’ Fortnight, Cannes; Best Short Film and Audience Award, Belfort Film Festival and ALVORADA VERMELHA (2011) – Best Portuguese Short Film, IndieLisboa Film Festival; international premiere at Locarno Film Festival. O QUE ARDE CURA (2012) is his debut solo film.

Known For

O Fantasma
The Ornithologist
Two Drifters
Will-o'-the-Wisp
Haircut
Here in Lisbon
To Die Like a Man
Where Do You Stand Now, João Pedro Rodrigues?
Afonso's Smile
IEC Long

Top Movie Credits

O Fantasma Makeup Artist
The Ornithologist Art Direction
Two Drifters Set Decoration
Will-o'-the-Wisp Writer
Haircut Costume Design
Here in Lisbon
To Die Like a Man Art Direction
Where Do You Stand Now, João Pedro Rodrigues? Cinematography
Afonso's Smile Production Design
IEC Long Director of Photography