BURN Studio Signs Rising Director Matheo Fernandes Following Shots and Ciclope Honors

Jun. 17, 2026

BURN Studio welcomes Brazilian director Matheo Fernandes to its roster, marking the filmmaker’s first representation in the U.S. market. Matheo has quickly emerged as a distinctive new voice working across fashion, commercials and narrative filmmaking, earning New Talent in Direction at Ciclope Latino and a Bronze as New Director of the Year at the Shots Awards and, most recently, a 2026 Young Director Award shortlist at Cannes for his film “PROLOGUE.”

Matheo shared:

"What drew me to BURN was their belief in building things with intention rather than urgency. In a moment when everyone seems obsessed with scale and constant visibility, they understand that less can often mean more. You can feel that mindset in everything, from their carefully curated roster to the genuinely human way they approach relationships.” 

 

Matheo added:

“I'm someone who tends to think carefully about every decision, not only the next step, but the ones that follow. Finding a team that approaches careers with the same long-term perspective felt like a natural fit. The U.S. market represents a new chapter in my career; one I'm approaching with curiosity and a great sense of momentum."

 

Raised in the countryside of São Paulo state, professionally shaped in Brazil's commercial production industry and now based in Paris, Matheo brings a perspective that moves naturally between local specificity and global relevance. He began taking photographs at fourteen before later pursuing anthropology, where he explored the ways communities communicate through food, ritual and everyday life. That experience continues to shape his approach to filmmaking today, helping him uncover the cultural and emotional insights that connect brands with audiences in meaningful ways.

Prior to directing, Matheo spent years working as a creative assistant with production companies including Iconoclast, Landia and Rebolucion, developing a deep understanding of the creative and production demands of commercial filmmaking. 

Blending a documentary approach with a strong visual point of view, Matheo creates films that feel intimate and emotionally grounded. Drawing from Latin American, European and contemporary global influences, his work translates complex cultural and emotional realities into visually sophisticated stories rooted in observation, culture and human connection.

His films have earned recognition from Ciclope, the Clio Awards, Shots, Berlin Commercial, the Berlin Fashion Film Festival, Director's Library and the FilmLight Colour Awards (EnergaCAMERIMAGE), among others. Recent projects, including “PROLOGUE,” “MIRAGE” and “ANTRÓPICO,” showcase the distinctive visual and emotional sensibility that has defined his work to date. 

For BURN, the signing reflects the studio’s ongoing commitment to identifying and supporting emerging filmmakers with distinctive creative voices.

Brad, Managing Director and Executive Producer at BURN Studio shared:

"Matheo embodies the kind of director we patiently look for. He has a strong sense of self and a creative POV paired with excellent taste. He understands the importance of platforms as amplifiers of craft, and we're excited to develop his voice even further within the U.S. market.”

 

Greg Hardes, Founder & Director at BURN Studio added:

“He’s someone I admire hugely, both as a filmmaker and as a person. With Matheo, every frame feels like a painting. I’m such a fan of his classic visual style, but it’s the humanity of his work that ultimately gives it such depth.”