“I’m a young, dynamic and creative individual who strives to create an empire by taking Angolan storytelling to higher heights,” says Paulo Idalécio da Silva João, an emerging cinematographer.

Born and raised in Luanda, 26-year-old Paulo hopes to become a renowned film director. Sharing his path, the Agostinho Neto University graduate says, “The idea is to start by creating local productions and tell Angolan stories, while working towards international recognition and stardom. But my biggest dream is to become the first Angolan to win The Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.”

The ambitious emerging filmmaker says he is passionate about Africa’s story and is interested in centering it in future films. “In Angola in particular, we need more knowledge sharing programs about African history, because there is a popular saying: We will only know where we are going, if we know our history and where we come from.”