Max Gleiser is a Director of Photography and Writer-Director whose journey into filmmaking began in the vibrant streets of Rio de Janeiro. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in film and television, Max’s passion for storytelling was ignited at an early age. His formative years, spent navigating between the bustling city and the serene island of Itacuruça, cultivated a creativity that would eventually lead him to pursue his cinematic dreams.

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Max’s academic path began with a B.A. in Film and TV Production, Communications, from the prestigious Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro. From there, his pursuit of visual storytelling took him across oceans to Los Angeles, where he earned a Master of Fine Arts in Film & Television Production, specializing in Cinematography and Producing, from Loyola Marymount University. During this time, Max honed his expertise in camera movement, lighting techniques, and visual storytelling, winning the coveted Ian Conner Cinematography Award.
 

As a Director of Photography and Writer-Director, Max’s work is defined by a unique balance of structured narrative and abstract ideas. His storytelling is grounded in concrete structure, yet he embraces the abstractions of life, using them to enrich his narratives and captivate audiences. Max believes that life is filled with abstractions, and through his intuitive approach to filmmaking, he navigates these complexities to create stories that are both visually stunning and thought-provoking.

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Prior to his time in Los Angeles, Max worked as an Assistant Director for 5 years on projects such as Rio I Love You, Por Isso Sou Vingativa, Summer Stories, and other productions with renowned directors like Stephen Elliot, Izabel Jaguaribe, and Hsu Chien. This experience deepened his understanding of storytelling, production, and directing.

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Max’s directorial debut, Husband Approved, exemplifies his distinctive style. The short film, which earned over 50 awards in film festivals across the globe, showcases his ability to craft compelling stories that resonate with diverse audiences. His work is known for blending abstract concepts with concrete narrative, allowing viewers the space to interpret and engage with the story in their own way.

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His work has garnered numerous awards and earned him active memberships in esteemed organizations such as the Society of Camera Operators (SOC), the Canadian Society of Cinematographers (CSC), and the Brazilian Association of Cinematographers (ABC). These affiliations reflect his standing within the global filmmaking community and his commitment to excellence in his craft.

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Currently based in Toronto, Max continues to shape projects across the Canadian, American, and Brazilian film industries. As both a Director of Photography and Writer-Director, he brings a fresh, dynamic perspective to every project, infusing them with a blend of technical expertise and creative vision. Max is driven by the belief that every story holds a deeper meaning, and through his work, he strives to uncover and amplify that meaning for audiences worldwide.​