Joao Augusto De Nardo has emerged as a distinctive filmmaker, bringing his unique voice to the world of screenwriting and direction. Hailing from Brazil, Joao has built an impressive body of work that includes short films, anthology features, and an upcoming original feature film. His ability to craft narratives that blend psychological depth with supernatural intrigue has earned him recognition both locally and internationally. From his early animation projects to his current exploration of experimental storytelling, Joao has continually pushed the boundaries of his craft, establishing himself as a key figure in modern cinema.
The Beginning: Golden Skull
Joao’s journey began with the short animation Golden Skull (2021), a project that hinted at his future potential as a filmmaker. The animation was marked by its striking visuals and a storyline that drew viewers into its eerie, atmospheric world. Despite its short runtime, Golden Skull demonstrated Joao’s ability to tell a complete and compelling story. It was a bold first step into the world of filmmaking, one that paved the way for his later works.
This early project laid the foundation for Joao’s interest in blending genres, combining elements of horror, suspense, and drama into cohesive narratives. It also showed his commitment to crafting stories that resonate emotionally while maintaining an edge of mystery and intrigue.
A Pair of Riveting Shorts
Following the success of his debut, Joao ventured into live-action filmmaking with two remarkable short films: Served Red and Rare (2022) and All That You Love Will Be Carried Away (2023). The former captured audiences with its sharp tension and gripping storyline, showcasing Joao’s ability to build suspense with precision.
All That You Love Will Be Carried Away took Joao’s storytelling to another level. This Stephen King adaptation required a careful balance of staying true to the original material while infusing it with a unique cinematic vision. Joao managed to achieve this balance, earning praise for his ability to bring King’s haunting story to life. The film’s exploration of themes like loneliness and emotional struggle reflected Joao’s knack for delving into the complexities of human emotion.
Halloween Thrills: SlashFM and SlashFM II
Joao expanded his reach in the horror genre with two anthology feature films, SlashFM (2022) and SlashFM II (2023). These Halloween-themed anthologies showcased Joao’s love for the eerie and the macabre. Each installment featured a collection of chilling tales, tied together by their shared celebration of the spooky season.
SlashFM became a hit among horror fans, delivering a mix of scares and dark humor. With SlashFM II, Joao built on this success by presenting even more inventive and terrifying stories. Both films demonstrated his ability to collaborate with other filmmakers and bring diverse ideas to life while maintaining a cohesive vision. The anthologies were not only a testament to Joao’s creativity but also his dedication to engaging audiences with fresh, exciting content.
An Ambitious Leap: Death Always Craves
In 2024, Joao took a significant leap forward in his career by producing his first original feature film, Death Always Craves. This project, slated for release in 2026, tells the story of a young pregnant woman who, while visiting her sick mother, becomes entangled in a whirlwind of supernatural events and dark family secrets.
The film is poised to be a major milestone for Joao, combining his signature elements of suspense and psychological depth with a richly layered narrative. Set in a mysterious old residence, Death Always Craves explores themes of family, legacy, and the unknown. It is a project that reflects Joao’s growth as a filmmaker, showcasing his ability to handle complex storylines while maintaining an emotional core.
This feature film marks a turning point in Joao’s career, as he transitions from short films and anthologies to full-length, original narratives. With Death Always Craves, he is set to make an even greater impact on the global film scene.
Collaborating with Icons and Experimenting with Form
Joao’s career has also been defined by his willingness to collaborate with notable figures and experiment with new storytelling formats. In January 2025, he worked with Brazilian star Rogério Skylab on the short film Agatha Did Not Kill Her Psychiatrist. This psychological thriller takes place in a therapy session where secrets unravel, leading to a dangerous game between the characters.
Another notable project is Unread, a screenlife experiment starring Isabel Oberheim and featuring a cameo by Edwin Neal, famed for his role in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. This film, told entirely through digital interactions, pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling. With Unread, Joao explores the intersection of technology and suspense, creating a narrative that is both timely and innovative.
These projects highlight Joao’s versatility as a filmmaker. Whether collaborating with established actors or exploring unconventional formats, he continues to challenge himself creatively. His ability to adapt to different styles and genres sets him apart as a filmmaker who is unafraid to take risks.
What Lies Ahead: A Vision for the Future
Joao’s upcoming projects promise to further solidify his place in the world of cinema. Two slasher feature films, The Tenth Night and Viral, are currently in development. These projects will continue Joao’s exploration of the horror genre, delivering the intense, character-driven storytelling that has become his trademark.
In The Tenth Night and Viral, Joao plans to delve deeper into the psychological aspects of fear, creating narratives that are as emotionally engaging as they are terrifying. His commitment to pushing the boundaries of horror ensures that these films will not only entertain but also leave a lasting impression on audiences.
As Joao looks to the future, his passion for filmmaking remains unwavering. His ability to blend genres, experiment with new formats, and collaborate with talented actors and filmmakers positions him as a visionary artist with a bright future.
Joao Augusto De Nardo’s Legacy
Joao Augusto De Nardo’s journey as a filmmaker is one of dedication, innovation, and artistic growth. From his early days with Golden Skull to his upcoming feature Death Always Craves, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to crafting stories that resonate with audiences. His work is marked by a deep understanding of human emotion, a willingness to experiment, and a passion for storytelling that shines through in every project.
With a growing body of work that includes short films, anthologies, and ambitious features, Joao is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the world of cinema. His ability to create narratives that are both compelling and thought-provoking sets him apart as a filmmaker of exceptional talent. As he continues to explore new projects and push the boundaries of his craft, Joao Augusto De Nardo is a name to watch in the world of film.
