Meet Bruno Soares | Film Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bruno Soares (Portuguese Film Director) and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bruno, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I often say that we’re shaped by our experiences, and in our area of creating films, our experiences heavily influence our aesthetic sense, our way of being, and how we weave narratives.

Being a filmmaker is a continual learning process—I believe it lasts a lifetime—so the films we create end up reflecting who we are at that specific moment.

My ongoing education in the various areas presented in Cinema and Advertising is extremely importante for who i am as a director, what i want to do, what i showcase, and above all, for whom i reach with my work.

My time at university was crucial. It provided me with ample time—time to immerse myself in studying the timeless masterpieces of cinema and their creators. That’s where my critical perspective originates, alongside my extensive collection of now-outdated DVDs.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have a genuine passion for what I do and the impact it has on people’s lives. The sheer number of talented individuals I can collaborate with in a single day, all working towards a common goal, is remarkable. It’s a multifaceted field where people achieve remarkable feats, showcasing expertise and know-how that can’t be neatly summarized in a Curriculum Vitae or showcased in a job interview.

What distinguishes me from others is simply being myself, not trying to emulate someone else. My profession is an intensely competitive and extremely demanding. In this case, the opportunities we create, or have access to, are trials of fire. To be prepared for the challenges is importante highlight what shape us —books, films, plays, travels, the people we meet, the mentors we’ve had, the scripts we’ve worked on, the opportunities we’ve created.

Consequently, I cannot be a copy of anyone else, and likewise, no one can replicate who I am. If the same text were handed to multiple individuals, each would offer their unique interpretation. This individual perspective is what defines a director’s vision—their unique vision on a story / script.

What brings me the most pride? It’s the journey! It hasn’t been a smooth ride. I’ve faced numerous challenges and worked relentlessly. Nowadays, I see individuals seven years younger than me following the same path with a much smother journey. They never experienced the shift from analog to digital or to work on a country where was no film industry, which made it a “family bussiness”. They stepped into an industry with established cinema laws and advanced technical education. Moreover, most of their peers transitioned seamlessly into the job market, offering mutual support. In contrast, out of my class of 35, only 5 have found their footing in the industry.

Reflecting on my past, I take pride in my journey—a journey that led me through various production houses, introduced me to countless individuals, and honed my skills across different departments. This diversity has made me adaptable and capable of overseeing a project from inception, to creation, to post-production and finally until delivery to the client.

While having strong connections from the outset would have made things easier, I didn’t have that privilege. I ventured alone into an industry known for its difficulty in breaking in, and every day, I persist in fighting to maintain my presence here, doing what I love the most. Consequently, we must always be prepared to seize the limited opportunities that come our way.

In conclusion, a deep passion for our craft is indispensable to survive in this field. Every triumph is a significant milestone. Each acknowledgment is genuinely inspiring, and every opportunity is profoundly breath of air.
Being a film director means exposing oneself to the world. It requires baring our thoughts, feelings, and unique perspectives on life. It demands courage.
But leaving behind a legacy of memories, not just dreams, offering a small piece of ourselves to the world—it’s undeniably gratifying

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’ve reached the best part. As my father always says: ‘The only things we take with us are the good times and what we eat.’ Lisbon is unique. It has a distinct light and is filled with traditional streets blending the modern with the old. Most of the time, we enjoy good weather and pleasant temperatures. We have plenty of restaurants and very talented chefs.

Having lived outside Portugal for a few years (in Barcelona), I had the chance to take this tourist tour with some friends. But where I currently live would be the place to stay for a week. My hometown: Ericeira. Here, we’re by the beach, with waves all year round for surfing enthusiasts. We have cycling paths for running and biking, offering excellent views, and an invaluable quality of life. The people are kind, there are great restaurants, fresh fish, and a very interesting multicultural community that allows for networking and a rich exchange of experiences.

Next door, there’s Mafra, a historic town with one of the country’s largest monuments: The Mafra Convent, a great place to visit and understand a bit of Portugal’s history.

Surrounding Ericeira, there are many beaches, villages, and traditional areas where some still make a living through agriculture and farming. It’s a great place to live.

I won’t advertise any specific restaurant, but finding good options here is quite easy.”

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I must admit, having the chance to put this thoughts out gives me immense happiness. Our lives and identities are shaped by our life experiences and the people we share them with.

I hail from a background where my father was an electrical engineer and my mother, a talented oil painter. While I grew up in a seaside village, it was in the suburbs of Lisbon that I truly honed my character.

Spending time and connecting with people has been a gift, contributing significantly to my ability to create and direct characters in my films.

So, who do I owe my gratitude to? To everyone who crossed paths with me, leaving an indelible mark on my life. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to my parents, unwavering in their support even during times when I felt adrift. They never abandoned me, imparting vital life values, especially emphasizing the essence of family and humility.

My elder brother, Miguel, inadvertently instilled in me a passion for imagery, composition, shadows, cameras, and film negatives. His penchant for renting movies from the local store and copying them from VHS (original) to VHS (blank) started construction my treasure trove of films.

A special mention to my beloved Grandma Aidinha, who departed eight months ago. She taught me the true essence of love and where the heart finds its place.

To my ex-wife and mother of my daughters, Carla, I owe a debt of gratitude for her unwavering belief in me. Her positive influence guided me toward recognizing my forte—being a film director.

My daughters, Alice and Vitoria, and my nephew, Pedro, serve as wellsprings of inspiration. They instill in me an unyielding drive to constantly reach new goals.

Website: www.thebrunosoares.pt

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bruno_____soares/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/info-bruno-soares/

Other: https://vimeo.com/infobrunosoares https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5435189/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Image Credits
Photos by Marília M. Moura framekillah_ João Carneiro Carlos Cirilo