Flavio Alves

Flávio Alves

Flávio Alves on the set of The Secret Friend, New York, March 23rd, 2009
Born Flávio Pimenta Alves
November 30, 1969
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Residence New York City, New York
Nationality Brazilian
Education Columbia University
New York University
Occupation Film director, producer, screenwriter
Years active 2006-present
Spouse(s) Randall Martusis (2002-present)
Website
http://www.FlavioAlves.com

Flávio Pimenta Alves (born 30 November 1969) is a Brazilian writer, screenwriter, and film director resident in America since 1998. His movies consistently feature elderly characters as protagonists.[1] He is best known for the film The Secret Friend, starring Siobhan Fallon and Viola Harris.[2]

Early years

Alves was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and served the Brazilian navy for several years before coming to America in 1997. He was granted political asylum in the United States in 1998 based on political opinion and sexual orientation after he wrote the book, Toque de Silêncio ("Call to Silence", 1997), describing his life as a gay man in the Brazilian navy.[3] His request was granted because, according to Alves, he received death threats upon publishing his book. Although various human rights organizations, LGBT activists, and former São Paulo mayor Marta Suplicy supported his claim, it has also divided the Brazilian gay community.[4] He attended Columbia University in New York City, where he earned an undergraduate degree in Political Science. In the early 2000s he worked as an assistant for then-Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-NY) and then-New York Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY).[5]

Career

In 2007, Alves left politics and enrolled at New York University to study film production. While there he wrote and directed, Even in My Dreams, which received the Technisphere Award from NYU for best student film, and was screened at a variety of film festivals around the world. The film was also the winner of the Golden Palm Award at the 2009 Mexico International Film Festival, and the Golden Ace Award at the 2009 Las Vegas International Film Festival.[6][7] In June 2010, Flavio released his short film The Secret Friend, starring Viola Harris and Siobhan Fallon in the major roles.[8][9] The film received multiple awards and nominations after its premiere at the Palm Springs International Film Festival in 2010, where it was chosen as Best of the Fest.[1][10][11] Flavio is currently working in post-production on his upcoming film, Tom in America, featuring an ensemble cast that includes two Academy Award nominees, Burt Young and Sally Kirkland.[12] The film is set to be released in 2014.[13]

Personal life

Flavio lives in Forest Hills, New York with his same-sex partner Randall Martusis. In April 2010, Alves became a US citizen.

Filmography

Producer

Director

Awards

Flavio Alves receives the Storyteller Award at the Savannah Film Festival, Savannah, GA, 06 November 2010

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Canfield, Sean (September 4, 2011), "The Secret Friend - Film Review", The Daily Rotation, retrieved 2012-01-13
  2. ↑ Fishman, Michael (2009-10-16). "Interview with Flavio Alves". OurSpace MovieBlog. Retrieved 2012-01-13.
  3. ↑ Desroches, Steve (June 25, 2002), "The long road to safety", The Advocate, retrieved 2008-12-10
  4. ↑ Brasil, Sandra (May 5, 2004), País com parada gay não é homofóbico, Veja, retrieved 2008-12-12
  5. ↑ Invictus, Fixx (March 21, 2009), "Flavio Alves: Provocative Film maker and ex political asylum detainee", Scallywag & Vagabond, retrieved 2012-01-13
  6. ↑ Grace, Toby (September 24, 2008), Movie Review - Even in My Dreams, Out in Jersey, retrieved 2008-12-12
  7. ↑ New York University Online Interview with Flavio Alves, NYU-SCPS Filmmaking Intensive Alum Scores Success at Film Festivals, December 18, 2008, via New York University.com
  8. ↑ IMDB List of Cast and Crew
  9. ↑ Hall, Phil (January 12, 2011). "The Secret Friend". Film Threat. Retrieved January 13, 2013.
  10. ↑ Propes, Richard (June 2011), "The Secret Friend - Film Review", The Independent Critic, retrieved 2012-01-13
  11. ↑ Official site, Screenings & Awards page, January 13, 2012
  12. ↑ "Filmmaker Highlight by Lily Keyes — Zoom Tilt". Retrieved 5 January 2013.
  13. ↑ "Tom in America by Flavio Alves — Kickstarter". Retrieved 5 January 2013.

External links