Leon Hirszman

Leon Hirszman was a director and writer. A founder of Brazilian Cinema Novo, Hirszman came to film via the university film club circuit, theatre and the Center of Popular Culture (CPC).He was married to Liana Maria Lafayette Aureliano da Silva, Mercedes Pires Fernandes and Norma Pereira Rego.
Hirszman left Brazil in 1974 at a time of increasing political repression, to live in Chile for two years. He won an award at the Venice Film Festival in 1981 with his film ”Eles Nao Usam Black Tie” (”They Don’t Wear Black Tie”). The film was chosen as ”best picture of the year” in Brazil and Mr. Hirszman was also named as best director.
His first major film, ”A Falecida” (”The Deceased”), won a special jury award at the International Film Festival of Rio de Janeiro in 1965. In 1970, he directed ”Sao Bernardo,” which is considered a classic in Brazil. His last film, ”Imagens do Inconsciente” (”Images of the Unconscious”) is to be released in Brazil in November.