Denize Galião
Filmmaker & Editor
Denize Galião, born in Porto Alegre, Brazil, is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and editor based in Germany. She trained in film editing at NDR (Northern German Television) and studied at the University of Television and Film Munich (HFF).
Denize combines her unique cultural heritage, technical expertise, and passion for storytelling to create compelling and thought-provoking films. Whether as an editor or director, her work reflects a deep commitment to exploring diverse narratives that bridge cultures and histories.
Her award-winning works resonate with audiences and critics alike, thanks to her ability to blend visual poetry, emotional depth, and compelling storytelling. Her films reflect a rare talent for capturing moments of vulnerability and strength, offering profound insights into
human connection and identity.
Saudade (30 min., Documentary)
Production: Kalb Media and HFF Munich, 2019
Cinematographer: Dino Osmanovic
Editing: Valeria Valenzuela
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AWARDS:
- IDFA 2019 – Best Student Film Award, Netherlands
- Bosnian Cinematography Award 2019 – Best Student Cinematographer: Dino Osmanović
- Full Frame Documentary Film Festival 2020 – President's Award for Best Student Film, USA
- It’s All True Festival 2020 – Honorable Mention, São Paulo, Braz
Jury Comments:
IDFA 2019, Nederlands
"To an intelligent and sensitive author that manages to achieve the near-impossible: translating human emotions into cinema. With artistic precision and through personal experiences, she creates a universal narrative of love and loss. It is deeply touching. The narrative, to borrow the filmmaker’s own words, “makes us understand what it means to have deep longing for someone you love”. Sometimes words are not enough and sometimes we just don’t have them in our vocabulary..
A masterful blend of visual storytelling and poetic introspection"
Bosnian Cinematography Award 2019 - Best Student Cinematographer
Recognized for its “lyrical use of light and composition to evoke profound emotions.
In the Shadow of Copacabana (60 min., Documentary)
Production: HFF Munich, 2014
Cinematography: Jonas Spriestesbach
Editing: Magdalena Winhardt
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AWARD:
- DOK.fest Munich 2014 - FFF Newcomer Award Winner
Jury Comment:
FFF Newcomer Award
“In the Shadow of Copacabana” is a touching homage to an individual in a one-man struggle.
Denize Galiao’s film offers a visually powerful portrayal, not of a superhero,
but of a human protagonist with rough edges – and without resorting to clichés of Brazil.”
Denize Galiao’s film offers a visually powerful portrayal, not of a superhero,
but of a human protagonist with rough edges – and without resorting to clichés of Brazil.”
Through the Lens of InkedKenny (15 min., Documentary)
Production: L’inis and HFF Munich, 2012
Directed by Denize Galiao & Marie Elisa Scheidt
Cinematografer: Jerome Hof
Editing: Volker Güttlein
AWARDS
Talent Award, Bamberger Kurzfilmtage 2012
Grand Prix - Other Movie Lugano Film Festival, International Competition 2013
Honorable Mention, Regensburger Kurzfilmwoche 2013
Jury Comments:
Talent Award, Bamberger Kurzfilmtage 2012
“A bold and refreshing take on identity and artistry, delivered with finesse and style.”
Grand Prix - Other Movie Lugano Film Festival, International Competition 2013
“An exceptional portrait of creativity and self-expression that invites the audience into a world rarely captured with such intimacy and grace.”
Regensburger Kurzfilmwoche 2013 - Honorable Mention
“With its innovative storytelling and striking visuals, the film captures the rawness and beauty of its subject, resonating with authenticity.”
︎ Film
Some like it sweet (15 min., Documentary)
Production: HFF Munich, 2012
Producer: Isabel Haug
Cinematographer: Tim Kuhn
