Born in 1966, Lisbon, Portugal. He began by studying biology at Lisbon University to become an ornithologist, but soon gave it up for cinema studies. He graduated from the Lisbon Film School and his international career started at the 54th Mostra of Venice in 1997, where his short ‘Happy Birthday!’ was awarded a Special Jury Mention. In 2005, his second feature ‘Odete’ was awarded several prizes, among them was Special Mention from Cinemas de Recherche in Cannes 2005, Director’s Fortnight .