We recently connected with Felipe Marinheiro and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Felipe thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
Fuck You, Cupid has been the most meaningful project for me, especially since it got selected for LA Shorts, my first Oscar-qualifying festival, and it’s premiering July 23. As a Brazilian immigrant filmmaker living in LA, this achievement is incredibly significant.
The idea for the film came when Madison, the lead actress, and I decided to collaborate. During a visit to New York, I spent an afternoon at the Met, where the art inspired the story. Despite budget constraints forcing me to wear many hats, the collaboration with our talented cast and crew brought the film to life.
This project is close to my heart as it allowed me to explore themes of love, self-deception, and mysticism while pushing my creative boundaries. Seeing it resonate with audiences and spark discussions has been incredibly fulfilling, marking a significant step in my career and personal growth.
Felipe, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Hi, I’m Felipe Marinheiro, a Brazilian immigrant filmmaker living in Los Angeles. My journey in film began in high school with summer camps at NYFA, and I furthered my studies at DePaul University in Chicago, where I earned my BFA in Film and Television. My work blends poetic, absurd, and mystic elements, drawing inspiration from my cultural background and passion for storytelling.
My short films, like Fuck You, Cupid, which was selected for LA Shorts, my first Oscar-qualifying festival, explore themes of love, self-deception, and mysticism. This film is particularly meaningful to me as it reflects my personal and philosophical explorations while achieving significant recognition.
In addition to filmmaking, I’m an Acquisitions Manager for Infuse Releasing, where I help independent filmmakers re-release their movies on online streaming platforms, supporting them in reaching wider audiences.
Being an immigrant in the U.S. has had its challenges. I had to quit my job and wait months without working for my work permit and visa to be approved. Despite these struggles, I remained dedicated to my passion for filmmaking.
What sets my work apart is its rich character development, unique visuals and tone, and philosophical influences. I strive to create thought-provoking and emotionally resonant stories that engage and challenge audiences. I’m proud of my ability to bring unique stories to life despite challenges and aim to continue growing as a filmmaker, taking on projects that inspire both myself and my audience.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Immigrating to the U.S. and moving to LA after college was incredibly challenging. After graduating from DePaul University in Chicago, I was eager to dive into the film industry in Los Angeles. However, the transition was far from smooth. As a Brazilian immigrant, I faced numerous obstacles, starting with the bureaucratic nightmare of obtaining a work permit and visa.
I had to quit my job and spent months without being able to work legally while waiting for my paperwork to be approved. This period was not only financially stressful but also emotionally taxing. I watched opportunities pass by, unable to participate in the industry I was so passionate about. To make ends meet, I relied on my savings and took on odd jobs whenever I could.
Despite these hardships, I refused to give up on my dream. I used this downtime to write, brainstorm ideas, and connect with other filmmakers online. This period of enforced inactivity became a time of intense creative growth. I wrote the script for Fuck You, Cupid during this time, pouring my frustrations and hopes into the story.
When my work permit finally came through, I hit the ground running. I took on multiple roles in my projects to cut costs, from directing to production design. For Fuck You, Cupid, I even hand-made props like the voodoo doll and spell jars. Balancing all these responsibilities on set while coordinating with my DP and actors tested my limits, but it also demonstrated my resilience and determination.
This experience taught me the value of perseverance and resourcefulness. It reinforced my belief in my creative vision and my ability to overcome obstacles. Today, I’m proud of the journey I’ve taken and the stories I’ve been able to tell, knowing that each challenge has shaped me into the filmmaker I am today.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to share my work and build a community of other creatives. Immigrating to LA and navigating its challenges has been tough, but the city has also provided me with a vibrant network of creative friends who constantly inspire me with their stories. We support each other, collaborate, and help one another grow.
Being in LA has allowed me to connect with like-minded individuals who understand the struggles and triumphs of the creative process. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see how our collective efforts lead to amazing projects and new opportunities. This sense of community and mutual inspiration is what I cherish most about being an artist. It keeps me motivated and reminds me why I pursued this path in the first place.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @marinheirofelipe
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/felipe-marinheiro
