Cosmic Dog Studios is located in Los Angeles, near the North Hollywood Art District, with a branch in Brooklyn, São Paulo, Brazil.
Multicultural studio co-founded by Fernando Grostein Andrade and Fernando Siqueira
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Abe
Finding one’s identity is a challenge everyone faces, but few have the pressure that 12-year-old Abe feels as the son of an Israeli mother and Palestinian father. Though his parents have raised him in a secular household, both sets of grandparents insist he chooses between being Jewish or Muslim. Thankfully, Abe has a passion for food that allows him some escape from the escalating family tensions that are a reflection of the generations-old conflict between Israel and Palestine.
While exploring Brooklyn to discover new foods, he meets Chico, a Brazilian chef who believes “mixing flavors can bring people together.” Chico teaches Abe not only the inner workings of a professional kitchen but how to blend flavors with delicious results. Abe uses his newfound cooking skills to plan a Thanksgiving feast that celebrates his diverse heritage, with the hope of unifying his family.
“Abe” quickly distinguished it self on the international film circuit, being selected for 27 festivals and making its premiere at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. The film features an impressive cast including Noah Schnapp ("Stranger Things"), Seu Jorge ("City of God"), and Mark Margolis ("Breaking Bad"), with Dagmara Dominczyk ("Succession") also starring. The film's unique storytelling and heartfelt narrative earned it the Children's Jury Award at the 31st Kinder Film Festival in Vienna and the Audience Award for Best Narrative at the Washington Jewish Film Festival. Scheduled for a broad theatrical release, “Abe” faced unforeseen challenges due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, its distribution pivoted to a digital release worldwide in 2020, on platforms such as Netflix, Amazon, and Apple TV.
Despite these challenges, “Abe” received widespread acclaim, garnering positive reviews from major publications such as The Hollywood Reporter, Variety and the Wall Street Journal. Critics and audiences alike praised the film for its exploration of cultural identity, family conflict, and the unifying power of food. Later, the film also saw theatrical releases in Japan, Brazil, Germany, and Korea, highlighting its universal appeal. In Japan, “Abe” was further honored with anomination for the prestigious Blue Ribbon Award, a testament to its impact and the international recognition of its narrative and artistic merits. “Abe” stands as a significant achievement in Andrade's career, showcasing his ability to craft engaging, thoughtful cinema that resonates with audiences across the globe with entertainment and social impact.
Breaking Myths
Investigates Jair Bolsonaro's catastrophic masculinity, exploring how it influenced his presidency and Brazil's socio-political landscape. Featuring a preliminary version released 15 days before the elections that garnered 1.1 million views, the film is credited with impacting the election outcome, where Bolsonaro lost by 2.2 million votes. This documentary combines election aftermath with the film's role in shaping voters' perceptions, offering a critical look at the power of media and toxic masculinity in politics.
The original “Breaking Myths” was released for free for one month on the internet before the election as a tool to provoke social change. Was considered by the critics one of the best Brazilian films ever made. This new version includes the result of the change and its only film about Bolsonaro in the world, a document about one of the darkest periods of Brazilian history.
carcereiros
"Carcereiros" is an award-winning drama TV series conceptualized by Fernando Grostein Andrade, who directed five episodes of this gripping portrayal of the lives of prison guards navigating the complexities and moral dilemmas inside a maximum-security penitentiary. The series delves deep into the human stories behind the prison walls, exploring the challenges faced by those who work to maintain order and safety in a world fraught with tension, violence, and conflict. "Carcereiros" offers a rare insight into the Brazilian penal system, shedding light on the often-overlooked perspectives of the carcereiros (jailers) and the inmates they oversee.
Fernando Grostein Andrade was instrumental in bringing "Carcereiros" to life, contributing significantly as one of the series' idealizers and directors. The series was lauded for its compelling storytelling and authenticity, earning the prestigious MIPTV award in 2017. Andrade's commitment to realism and social impact extended beyond the screen; he reactivated a theater group comprised of inmates from a maximum-security penitentiary, named "Do Lado de Cá," casting many of its members invarious productions. His involvement in "É Tudo Verdade" and the Netflix Prize for Brazilian cinema underscores his dedication to using film and television as mediums for social commentary and reform, making "Carcereiros" a notable addition to his body of work that continues to resonate with audiences and critics alike.
quebrando
o tabu
"Quebrando o Tabu" is an insightful documentary that challenges the status quo of the global war on drugs. Directed by Fernando Grostein Andrade, the film features discussions with six former heads of state, including Jimmy Carter and Fernando Henrique Cardoso, who advocate for alternative, more humane solutions to drug policy. By traversing various countries and examining the consequences of current drug laws, "Quebrando Tabu" sheds light on the pressing need for reform. It presents a compelling case for change, aiming to replace punitive measures with approaches grounded in compassion, health, and human rights.
Global Distribution: "Quebrando o Tabu" achieved international recognition, being distributed in 22 countries. This widespread distribution underscores the film's global relevance and its success in sparking discussions on drug policy reform.
Transformation into a TV Series: Following the documentary's success, Fernando Grostein Andrade expanded the project into a television series. Spanning two seasons and comprising 10 episodes, the series delves deeper into the issues presented in the film, further extending its impact and reach.
Awards and Recognition: The documentary's influence and innovative approach to discussing drug policy were recognized with the Mipcom Diversify TV Excellence Award in Cannes, highlighting its significant contribution to the conversation on drug laws and human rights.
Online Media Channel: "Quebrando o Tabu" spawned an online media channel, amassing 10 million followers and becoming Brazil's largest internet outlet focused on human rights. It boasts the highest Facebook engagement rate among all Brazilian media, continuing the dialogue started by the documentary and advocating for policy change and human rights.
Cultural Phenomenon: The documentary and its subsequent expansions into television and digital media have turned "Quebrando o Tabu" into a cultural phenomenon, bridging the gap between cinema, policy, and activism. It stands as a testament to the power of documentary filmmaking in driving social change and fostering a global conversation on critical issues.
TV series
quebrando
o tabu
"Quebrando o tabu" is a Brazilian documentary series, released in 2018, that addresses controversial and challenging social topics such as prostitution, gun control, privatization, abortion, and inequality. Inspired by the documentary of the same name and the digital channel "Quebrando o Tabu," the series comprises 10 episodes, each exploring and debating a different topic. Created by Fernando Grostein Andrade, who also serves as the showrunner, the series features notable figures such as Taís Araújo, Seu Jorge, and Leandro Karnal, aiming to provoke deep reflections and discussions on issues that impact society.
"Quebrando o tabu" has garnered wide acclaim and distribution, reaching audiences in 22 countries and further expanding its impact through a 10-episode TV series spanning two seasons, directed by Fernando Grostein Andrade. The documentary's significant influence on the conversation around drug policy was recognized with the Mipcom Diversity TV Excellence Award in Cannes.
Moreover, "Quebrando o tabu" has expanded into a highly successful online media channel, amassing 10 million followers and becoming the largest human rights channel on the internet in Brazil, with the highest engagement rate on Facebook among all Brazilian media outlets. This digital platform continues to drive public discourse on drug policy, highlighting the documentary's role in advocating for change and human rights.
Coração Vagabundo
In "Coração Vagabundo: Uma Viagem com Caetano Veloso," director Fernando Grostein Andrade offers an intimate glimpse into the life of one of Brazil's most iconic musicians, Caetano Veloso. This captivating documentary follows Veloso as he embarks on a journey across the globe, from the vibrant streets of São Paulo to the bustling cities of New York and Tokyo, showcasing not just the international scope of his fame but also the personal reflections of a man who has become a symbol of cultural resistance and innovation.
As Veloso navigates through rehearsals, performances, and candid moments of introspection, "Coração Vagabundo" reveals the depth of his thoughts on music, politics, and life. The film presents an unparalleled look at Veloso's creative process, his profound insights on the nature of Brazilian and global culture, and his relentless pursuit of artistic freedom. Through encounters with friends and fellow artists, including the likes of Pedro Almodóvar and David Byrne, viewers are treated to a rich tapestry of conversations and collaborations that highlight Veloso's impact on the world stage.
"Coração Vagabundo" is more than just a documentary; it's a lyrical exploration of the soul of an artist who continues to inspire and challenge audiences around the world. With its blend of musical performances, personal revelations, and scenic travels, the film offers an evocative portrait of Caetano Veloso, capturing the essence of a man whose life and work are intertwined with the cultural fabric of Brazil and beyond.
"Coração Vagabundo: Uma Viagem com Caetano Veloso" stands as a testament to the power of minimalistic yet profound documentary filmmaking, brought to life by the dedication and vision of a remarkably small team of just two individuals. Under the skilled direction of Fernando Grostein Andrade, the film navigates through the rich and complex landscape of Caetano Veloso's world, offering audiences a rare and intimate perspective on the legendary artist. Notably, the documentary features some of the last images of the celebrated Italian filmmaker Michelangelo Antonioni, adding a layer of historical significance to its narrative. "Coração Vagabundo" has been showcased at prestigious film festivals around the world, including É Tudo Verdade (Brazil's International Documentary Film Festival), the Festival de Roma, and the Festival Internacional de Documentários Musicais de Barcelona, where it received critical acclaim for its insightful storytelling and innovative approach to documentary cinema. The film's ability to capture the essence of Veloso's influence on music and culture, with such a lean production team, is a remarkable achievement that underscores the documentary's authenticity and the creative force behind it.
Encarcerados
"Encarcerados," inspired by the works of Drauzio Varella, is a penetrating documentary that shines a light on the lives of prison officers working within Brazil's daunting penitentiary system. Directed by Fernando Grostein Andrade, this compelling film offers an unfiltered glimpse into the daily challenges faced by these agents of law enforcement, tasked with maintaining order in an environment marked by tension and unpredictability. Through intimate interviews and unprecedented access, "Encarcerados" delves into the personal stories of these individuals, exploring the psychological toll and the moral dilemmas that accompany their crucial yet often overlooked roles. It presents a narrative that questions the societal and systemic structures in place, advocating for a deeper understanding and appreciation of those who navigate this complex and harrowing world.
"Encarcerados" emerges as a significant work in Fernando Grostein Andrade's filmography, highlighting his dedication to exploring social issues with depth and empathy. The documentary's basis on Drauzio Varella's insightful observations about the Brazilian penal systemlends it a profound authenticity and credibility. Andrade's directorial approach, characterized by its respectful and humanizing portrayal of the prison officers, fosters a critical conversation about the realities of incarceration and justice. The production's commitment to showcasing the untold stories of these carcereiros, against the backdrop of one of the world's most challenging penal environments, sets a precedent for documentary filmmaking that seeks to illuminate the human condition within the confines of societal boundaries.
“This is a Test” NASA short film
Created and directed by Fernando Grostein Andrade and Fernando Siqueira, founders of the production company Cosmic Dog, this short film was specially developed at NASA's request to be part of an optical communication experiment in the Psyche mission. The film explores human connection through a narrative that transcends borders, featuring visually stunning images of Earth and powerful scenes that celebrate the potential of connectivity and the bonds between people. With delicate footage from Bahia, the film presents a series of scenes that highlight the power of connectivity and how it brings us closer, creating a profound visual and emotional experience. Featuring appearances by conductor Jaques Morelenbaum and dancer Moara Sacchi, the production merges cinema and science in a landmark of innovation, underscoring Cosmic Dog's commitment to pushing narrative boundaries.
In collaboration with NASA/JPL and the Garibay Institute, Cosmic Dog created a short film that was transmitted from Mars' orbit to Earth, traveling 290 million miles via optical communication technology from the Psyche mission. With voiceover by Fernando Siqueira, the soundtrack—composed by Fernando Grostein Andrade, Fernando Siqueira, Fernando Garibay (renowned music producer behind Lady Gaga’s Born This Way), and Daniel Moors—enhances the emotional connection to the narrative.
Necklace
Necklace is a multifaceted project that addresses mental health through a hybrid film, a double album, and live performances. The film combines documentary, fiction, and experimental music to explore how trauma impacts our psyche and how art can aid the healing process. Filmed in landscapes across the U.S. and Brazil, Necklace reflects on identity, resilience, and human connections.
Directed by Fernando Grostein Andrade and Fernando Siqueira, Necklace is an innovative project that merges cinema, music, and live performances to tackle urgent issues surrounding mental health and the impact of trauma. The film—a fusion of documentary, fiction, and experimental musical styles—takes the audience on a journey through striking landscapes in Brazil and the United States, exploring how trauma shapes our lives and how art can become a pathway to healing. Shot in Utah, Los Angeles, Bahia, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro, the project adopts a global perspective, aiming to expand dialogue about mental health by connecting diverse cultures and experiences.
In addition to the film, Necklace includes a double album with 22 original tracks and live shows that complement and expand the messages presented on screen. Independently financed, the project reflects the directors' commitment to highlighting this important topic. Necklace offers a human and sensitive perspective on an often invisible subject, promoting reflection and connection through the power of cinema and music.
Necklace premiered at the Rio de Janeiro Film Festival 2024 and the São Paulo International Film Festival 2024. Produced by Cosmic Dog, it remains unreleased, awaiting its official launch.
Sabores
Salty, sweet, bitter, and sour. Food reveals more than we often perceive. A few years ago, we traveled to Palestine and Israel to explore foods that, although from the same region, represent a wide range of identities. Our external perspective, curiosity, and passion for the subject offer a different approach to groups often perceived through generalizations that fail to reflect their diverse realities. Can food be a tool of resistance? A political instrument? What is the role of comfort food in conflict zones? Can food spark a new understanding of someone? The richness of individual flavors reveals multifaceted societies, humanizes differences, fosters reflections, and expands contextual understanding.
Directed by Claudia Calabi and Fernando Grostein Andrade, Sabores is a unique documentary that takes the audience on a journey through Palestine and Israel, where gastronomy unveils layers of identity and resistance. With a sensitive and detailed approach, the film captures encounters with restaurant owners, farmers, settlers, NGO leaders, and ordinary people living on the frontlines of a politically and culturally complex region.
Shot with cinematography by Alexandre Ramos, the documentary provides a nuanced portrait of a context often oversimplified, showing how food, with its diversity of flavors and meanings, can become a tool of resistance and a political instrument. By exploring the culinary impacts on daily life and the subtleties of conflicts, Sabores promotes a new understanding of human relationships through what nourishes and unites us.
Sabores premiered at the Rio de Janeiro Film Festival. The film is a co-production between Cosmic Dog and Gullane and remains unreleased, awaiting its official launch.
ep fernandos
The EP FernandoS marks the debut of the duo formed by Fernando Siqueira and Fernando Grostein Andrade. Featuring four original tracks, the work serves as an introduction to the universe of the Necklace project, which expands the themes explored in the EP into a hybrid film, a double album, and live performances. The songs address topics such as mental health, self-discovery, resilience, and the complexity of human relationships. Highlights include “Coisa Rara”, a reflection on the passage of time, and “10 Years From Now”, which blends Portuguese and English in an intimate and universal narrative. The EP presents the essence of FernandoS as a duo committed to using music and art to address profound and relevant issues. It marks the first step of a larger journey.
The EP features a special appearance by maestro Jaques Morelenbaum, who contributed with cello arrangements and performances, adding depth and sophistication to the compositions. Additionally, DJ and producer Marina Diniz collaborated on the remix of the track “Califórnia”, bringing a fresh sonic perspective to the work. Distributed by Virgin Music, the EP is part of a larger project that combines music, cinema, and live performances. It has already been presented in shows in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Los Angeles, earning recognition from both audiences and critics. With the EP FernandoS, the duo begins a narrative that connects art, music, and mental health, paving the way for the release of the Necklace project.
Variety
World economic forum
O Globo
