Meet Beatriz Simoes Santos | Director, Producer, and Photographer.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Beatriz Simoes Santos and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Beatriz, what are you inspired by?
I’m inspired by life. I am in awe of how humans connect to the world around them, be it through our ability to communicate with one another or through admiring and protecting our beautiful planet. The idea that there was a need for perfect conditions for life to exist makes me emotional, because it truly makes me notice how special it is to be alive.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The first one is the fact that I am an immigrant coming from Brazil. My worldview of film can be very different from that of the average American because of the different culture and the different media that I was introduced to.
Another aspect is my love for history. My next upcoming project, which I’m very excited about, is my thesis, which is all about the city of Savannah. I think it’s really important for history to be appreciated, because it’s what got us to the present, and we need to study it so we learn from the past.
The last factor that I would say sets me apart is my love for nature and my keen eye. I love photographing animals, especially the birds at Forsyth Park. I think being in the moment and appreciating the environment you are in is crucial to connecting with the present.
I’m still very much getting started in the industry, and I can tell it is going to be hard, but I am not frightened by the challenge. I think it is a privilege to be able to tell stories, and I am willing to put all the dedication needed into it.
I want the world to know that I will listen to their stories and I will tell them. Be them about people, about moments in history, or about the environment.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My thesis being about Savannah, you can tell that I’m very passionate about this city! I would definitely do a walking tour of downtown, because I feel like that’s how you will truly appreciate the beauty and structure of the city. For food, my favorites include Nom Nom Poke, Sushi Hana, Franklin’s (especially their iced raspberry tea!), Leopold’s, and Savannah Coffee Roasters for their amazing pavlova. For locations, I’d definitely go to the Girl Scout Cookies headquarters, the Sorrel Weed House (for the fans of the supernatural), the City Market, our amazing range of museums, and, if the weather allows, to visit Tybee Island and Fort Pulaski. My favorite thing about Savannah is the fact that it offers so many different options of tourism, ranging from historical to nightlife to supernatural. Savannah has plenty to offer!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to shout out some people, because without them, I wouldn’t be where I am. Firstly, obviously, my parents. When I told them about my desire to be a filmmaker, they embraced it and have since helped me in every way possible to achieve my dreams. I’d also like to shout out three of my best friends, who are all incredible professionals in their respective fields and who have taught me much of what I know: Ahon Dasgupta, one of the best directors I’ve ever worked with; Colin Emery, my favorite Director of Photography; and Michaela Bidon, the woman who got me into producing.

All of these people have pushed me to do my best, and I’m extremely lucky and thankful to have them with me. I love you all.

Website: https://www.beatriz-santos.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biasimcar.mov/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beatriz-santos-5149a8231/

Image Credits
Adam Blair-smith took my photo, other than that, all photos are mine