Fradique .
filmmaker
Luanda, AO
fiction documentary docufiction arthouse music videos african cinema dystopias archivesAbout
Born in Luanda, Angola in 1986, Fradique is a film director and screenwriter currently based in Berlin. He is notable as the director of the critically acclaimed films "Independência" (2015) and “Air Conditioner” (2020).
Fradique’s stories are grounded in the subtleties of dystopian worlds built between science fiction and magic realism. His themes often focus on memory, mourning and social justice issues. His first feature film “Air Conditioner” had its world premiere at the Rotterdam International Film Festival and it was screened in numerous prestigious international film festivals. In 2021, “Air Conditioner” had a worldwide distribution by MUBI, quickly becoming a critics gem and being selected by the New York Times monthly pick on streaming services.
“Independência”, his first full-length documentary which focuses on Angola's liberation struggle was considered an important step in the recovery of Angola’s collective memory leading him to be one of recipients in 2015 of Angola's highest award in culture and arts, the Culture National Prize for Cinema. An award he would win again in 2022 with Geração 80, the Angola film collective and production company he co-founded because of its resilience and visible contribution to the development of Angolan cinema.
As a filmmaker he has been a vocal advocate of global south cinema at different panels, International Film Festivals and Universities. Fradique is an alumni of the New York Film Academy (2006), Academy of Arts University (BFA, 2010), Berlinale Talent Campus (2011) and the Realness Institute (2017). In 2022, he was invited to join the avant-garde Science New Wave movement and its manifesto. In addition to cinema, he has directed various art house music videos for artists like Aline Frazão, Nástio Mosquito, Sara Serpa and MCK.
Currently he’s writing and developing his second feature film, “Hold Time for Me”.