Carlos Coelho Costa has long been respected within the film industry, both for his artistic rigor and his relentless pursuit of human-centered storytelling. When asked about his favorite part of making a film, Costa doesn’t hesitate to highlight the irreplaceable energy of being on set.
“While each stage of filmmaking has its own rhythm and beauty, from the first quiet read-through of a script to the glamour of a red carpet premiere,” Costa explains, “there is something profoundly alive about being on set. That moment when the lights come on, the camera rolls, and the actors step into the emotional skin of their characters… it’s electric.”
For Costa, the set is not just a workplace — it’s a sacred space of convergence.
“Directing on set is where all the disciplines converge: the visual language, the performances, the sound, the movement. It’s where collaboration becomes creation,” he says. “I’m not just orchestrating shots. I’m translating emotion into image, crafting silence and dialogue into meaning.”
In his words, the filmmaking process is “the most human part,” where vulnerability, spontaneity, and brilliance all intersect. “That’s the heart of cinema — capturing something real in an entirely constructed world. That’s the magic. That’s the moment I chase every time I make a film.”
It’s this deep respect for the process and the people involved that has earned Costa not just awards, but admiration across the industry. When asked about the secret to his impressive success, Costa points to a powerful yet humble habit: discipline combined with curiosity and humility.
“Cinema is not just a career for me, it’s a lifelong devotion,” he shares. “Whether I’m directing a feature film, producing a documentary, or guiding students in the classroom, I approach each moment as an opportunity to learn, improve, and connect more deeply with the human experience.”
That perspective has helped him navigate a competitive and often unforgiving industry with both grace and impact. While proud of the 350+ awards he has garnered, Costa is quick to deflect individual credit.
“Filmmaking is a collective art; it thrives on collaboration. I deeply believe that no director, no matter how visionary, creates a film alone,” he insists. “Every story that reaches the screen is the result of an extraordinary team effort.”
He speaks with equal reverence about actors, editors, assistants, and technicians — every person whose contribution breathes life into a project. “Everyone matters. Everyone brings something vital.”
This sense of collective purpose is not only a moral compass but also an artistic imperative for Costa. “Humility is essential in this industry. You have to stay grounded, no matter how much success you achieve,” he reflects. “The moment you stop listening, or believe you’ve learned everything, is the moment your work begins to lose its truth.”
When asked to sum up his current year in a single word, Costa chooses one that speaks volumes: evolution.
“This has been a transformative period, one of intense creative activity and personal growth,” he explains. “I’ve been deeply involved in multiple projects that span different areas of cinema: from directing and producing to academic investigation and creative writing.”
One highlight of the year, he notes, is returning as Artistic Director of the Festival International de Cinéma et Mémoire Commune de Nador, a role he holds with great pride.
“It’s not only an opportunity to shape a powerful cultural platform,” he says, “but also to help elevate voices and stories that deserve global attention.”
Costa is also preparing a diverse slate of new productions, including two feature films and several documentaries.
“Each project is at a different stage of development, but all of them reflect my ongoing commitment to cinema as a tool of reflection, dialogue, and transformation,” he adds.
While many details remain confidential, Costa shares that his latest works reflect where he is now — both as an artist and as a human being.
“Some themes are deeply personal, others more globally resonant, but all of them challenge me creatively and represent the evolution of my voice as a filmmaker.”
This creative chapter is also marked by a deeper integration of academic research and interdisciplinary thinking into his filmmaking process — blending art, theory, and practice into a richer, more nuanced cinematic language.
Looking ahead, Carlos Coelho Costa remains deeply inspired by the path forward.
“One thing is certain — this year is filled with potential, and I truly believe it will be one of the most inspiring and dynamic chapters of my career so far.”
For a filmmaker with over 350 awards and an unshakable devotion to the art, the journey is far from over. In fact, it seems that Carlos Coelho Costa is just getting started — and the global film community is eager to see where his evolution takes him next!
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