Joao Augusto De Nardo, a Brazilian screenwriter and director, has carved out a distinctive space in the world of cinema. With a repertoire that spans animated shorts, live-action films, anthologies, and experimental projects, Joao’s storytelling stands out for its boldness, emotional depth, and fearless exploration of the supernatural. From humble beginnings to becoming an influential voice in Brazilian filmmaking, Joao’s journey reflects his dedication to crafting unforgettable stories and his unrelenting passion for the art of cinema.
Early Works: Finding His Voice
Joao began his filmmaking career with the animated short Golden Skull (2021). Though an early step in his career, this project hinted at the themes and stylistic choices that would define his later works. The animation combined striking visuals with an eerie narrative, immersing viewers in its mysterious world.
For Joao, Golden Skull was more than a debut project—it was a statement. It reflected his passion for creating visually arresting stories that linger in the minds of audiences long after the credits roll. The success of Golden Skull set the stage for Joao’s transition into live-action filmmaking, allowing him to further hone his craft and take on more ambitious projects.
A Dive into Live-Action: Crafting Emotional Suspense
Joao’s transition to live-action films brought two remarkable short films: Served Red and Rare (2022) and All That You Love Will Be Carried Away (2023). These works cemented Joao’s reputation as a director capable of building tension and suspense with incredible precision.
Served Red and Rare showcased his ability to deliver compelling narratives that explore the darker sides of human nature. Meanwhile, All That You Love Will Be Carried Away, an adaptation of a Stephen King story, demonstrated Joao’s ability to handle complex source material. The film earned praise for its subtle exploration of themes like isolation and longing while staying true to King’s haunting original work. This project, in particular, highlighted Joao’s skill in blending emotional depth with an unsettling sense of suspense.
The SlashFM Series: Halloween Anthologies
Joao stepped into the world of feature films with two anthology projects, SlashFM (2022) and SlashFM II (2023). Both anthologies celebrated the spirit of Halloween, featuring chilling tales of horror and suspense that thrilled audiences.
The first SlashFM anthology became a favorite among horror fans, offering a mix of scares, humor, and creativity. Building on its success, SlashFM II expanded on the concept, delivering more diverse and inventive stories while retaining the spooky charm of its predecessor. These anthologies highlighted Joao’s ability to collaborate with other filmmakers and bring together unique voices under a shared theme.
The SlashFM series also demonstrated Joao’s understanding of the horror genre and his dedication to delivering stories that are both terrifying and entertaining. By creating films that appeal to a wide range of viewers, Joao has solidified his place in the world of genre filmmaking.
Breaking New Ground: Death Always Craves
In 2024, Joao embarked on his most ambitious project yet: his first original feature film, Death Always Craves. Set for release in 2026, this film tells the story of a pregnant woman visiting her sick mother, only to become entangled in supernatural events and family secrets.
Death Always Craves represents a significant milestone in Joao’s career. With its richly layered narrative and atmospheric setting, the film promises to showcase his growth as a storyteller and his ability to handle complex, emotionally charged material. The supernatural elements, combined with themes of family and legacy, make this project a perfect culmination of Joao’s strengths as a filmmaker.
As he prepares for the release of Death Always Craves, Joao is entering a new phase of his career, one that positions him as a filmmaker capable of delivering compelling feature-length narratives with the same precision and passion he has brought to his shorter works.
Collaborating with Icons and Innovating with Storytelling
Joao’s ability to collaborate with prominent figures and experiment with innovative formats has been another defining aspect of his career. In January 2025, he worked with Brazilian icon Rogério Skylab on the short film Agatha Did Not Kill Her Psychiatrist. This psychological thriller explores a therapy session that spirals into a dangerous game of secrets and lies, showcasing Joao’s knack for crafting intense character-driven narratives.
In the same year, Joao ventured into experimental storytelling with Unread, a screenlife film featuring Isabel Oberheim and a cameo by Edwin Neal, the legendary actor from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. By telling the story entirely through digital screens, Unread highlights Joao’s willingness to push the boundaries of conventional filmmaking and explore new ways of engaging with audiences.
These projects exemplify Joao’s versatility as a filmmaker. Whether working with acclaimed actors or experimenting with unconventional formats, he continues to challenge himself creatively, ensuring his work remains fresh and impactful.
A Future in Horror: What Comes Next
Looking ahead, Joao has exciting plans to further explore the horror genre. Two upcoming slasher features, The Tenth Night and Viral, promise to bring his signature blend of psychological depth and suspense to new audiences.
With The Tenth Night, Joao plans to craft a story that delves into the terror of isolation and the darkness of the human psyche. Meanwhile, Viral will explore themes of modern technology and its impact on fear, showcasing Joao’s ability to tackle contemporary issues through the lens of horror.
These projects reflect Joao’s ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of the genre and creating stories that resonate emotionally while delivering edge-of-your-seat thrills. As he continues to expand his body of work, Joao remains dedicated to exploring new ideas and taking risks, ensuring his films stand out in a crowded field.
Joao Augusto De Nardo’s Enduring Legacy
Joao Augusto De Nardo’s journey from Golden Skull to Death Always Craves is a testament to his passion, talent, and dedication to the art of filmmaking. His ability to blend emotional depth with gripping suspense has made him a standout voice in Brazilian cinema and beyond.
Through his work on short films, anthologies, and innovative projects, Joao has demonstrated a fearless approach to storytelling, one that embraces both tradition and experimentation. As he prepares for the next chapter in his career, Joao’s legacy as a filmmaker who consistently delivers thought-provoking and unforgettable stories is already taking shape.
With an impressive body of work and exciting projects on the horizon, Joao Augusto De Nardo is not only a filmmaker to watch but also a creative force destined to leave a lasting impact on the world of cinema.
