Hi, I'm Ana Catarina Calheiros, a photographer and documentary filmmaker based in Santa Cruz, Portugal. I co-founded Existential Films, where I work as a visual storyteller and Director of Photography, guiding lighting, framing and composition to bring stories to life. I direct and film long-form interviews and have produced 50+ visual projects, including branded films, interviews and documentaries. In parallel, I freelance as a photographer and documentary filmmaker, covering events and creating portraits for entrepreneurs and creatives, while crafting documentary storytelling that captures authentic moments.

Ana Catarina Calheiros

Hi, I'm Ana Catarina Calheiros, a photographer and documentary filmmaker based in Santa Cruz, Portugal. I co-founded Existential Films, where I work as a visual storyteller and Director of Photography, guiding lighting, framing and composition to bring stories to life. I direct and film long-form interviews and have produced 50+ visual projects, including branded films, interviews and documentaries. In parallel, I freelance as a photographer and documentary filmmaker, covering events and creating portraits for entrepreneurs and creatives, while crafting documentary storytelling that captures authentic moments.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Ana Catarina Calheiros, a photographer and documentary filmmaker based in Santa Cruz, Portugal. I co-founded Existential Films, where I work as a visual storyteller and Director of Photography, guiding lighting, framing and composition to bring stories to life. I direct and film long-form interviews and have produced 50+ visual projects, including branded films, interviews and documentaries.

In parallel, I freelance as a photographer and documentary filmmaker, covering events and creating portraits for entrepreneurs and creatives, while crafting documentary storytelling that captures authentic moments.

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Language

Portuguese
Fluent
English
Advanced
Spanish; Castilian
Fluent
French
Intermediate

Work Experience

Co-founder & Visual Storyteller at Existentia Films
January 1, 2023 - Present
Co-founded Existenta Films and produced visual stories on mental health and personal transformation.
Freelance Photographer & Videographer at Freelance
January 1, 2022 - Present
Event photography and visual coverage; portrait photography for entrepreneurs and creatives; documentary photography and storytelling.
Project Manager & Operations Manager at Uphill / Pleez
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2023
Managed large-scale digital content production projects and operational workflows for startups.
Senior Advisor & Auditor at INEY
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2019
Advised financial institutions on risk, compliance, and audit processes.
Freelance Photographer & Documentary Filmmaker
January 1, 2022 - Present
Event photography and visual coverage; Portrait photography of entrepreneurs and creatives; Documentary photography and storytelling.
Senior Advisor & Auditor (Financial Services) at Independent / Consulting
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2019
Advised financial institutions on risk, compliance, and audit processes.

Education

Bachelor in Finance & MSc in Business Administration at ISCTE Business School
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2015
Bachelor in Finance; MSc in Business Administration at ISCTE Business School
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2015
Bachelor in Finance & MSc in Business Administration at ISCTE Business School
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2015

Qualifications

Complete Photography Course
January 1, 2023 - April 8, 2026
Portrait Photography - IFP
January 1, 2022 - April 8, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Education, Financial Services