Elisa Herrmann is a filmmaker from Brazil, with a degree in Art Education from Federal University of Parana, a specialization in Audiovisual Communication from Pontifical Catholic University of Parana, and a Master of Fine Arts in Mass Communication and Media Arts from Southern Illinois University. Elisa is currently pursuing an EdD in Higher Education Leadership at Sam Houston State University.
In the past years, Elisa produced and directed several short films, which were screened in festivals worldwide. Elisa’s awarded short documentary “Rodrigo Herrmann – Life and Works” premiered in Curitiba, Brazil, during the prestigious 34th Music Festival of Curitiba, and screened at several international film festivals, including the 2016 Cannes Film Festival – Short Film Corner. Elisa is also an awarded screenwriter with her short screenplay “Death Expectancy” and feature screenplay “The Great Adventure of the Bentley Girls”. Elisa’s first feature documentary about the Brazilian religion Umbanda premiered at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston as part of the Afro-Atlantic Histories exhibition.
Elisa is an Associate Professor of Mass Communication and the Coordinator of the BA in Film at Sam Houston State University, where she teaches film production, advises students, promotes the program, and continues to produce her own films.
Filmography
Director (5 Credits)
Blame It on Smiley
Documentary, Short, Student
The Snowstorm of 19752021
Documentary, Short
Undocumented: A Dream of Education2021
Documentary, Short
Umbanda: Offerings of Faith - The feature2020
Documentary, Feature
Rodrigo Herrmann - Life and Works2016
Documentary, Short
Producer (3 Credits)
Undocumented: A Dream of Education2021
Documentary, Short
Umbanda: Offerings of Faith - The feature2020
Documentary, Feature
Rodrigo Herrmann - Life and Works2016
Documentary, Short
Writer (1 Credit)
The Great Adventure of the Bentley Girls
Screenplay
10 Awards & Selections
Audience Award for Best Short Film Undocumented: A Dream of Education
Fort Worth Indie Film Showcase Fort Worth
2023
Opening Night Film Undocumented: A Dream of Education
Heatwave Media and Film Festival Huntsville. TX
2023
Best Female Director & Best Inspirational Film Undocumented: A Dream of Education
Bettiah International Film Festival Bettiah
2022
Top Film Award - First Place Undocumented: A Dream of Education
National Communications Association Convention New Orleans, LA
2022
Best Director Undocumented: A Dream of Education
All That Moves Film Festival São Paulo, SP
2022
Best Film Undocumented: A Dream of Education
Tampa Bay International Film Festival Saint Petersburg, FL
2022
Best Feature Documentary Umbanda: Offerings of Faith - The feature
All That Moves Film Festival São Paulo, SP
2022
Bronze Remi Award in Short Documentary Production Rodrigo Herrmann - Life and Works
50th Annual WorldFest Houston Houston
2017
Audience Choice Awards - 1st Runner Up Rodrigo Herrmann - Life and Works
Great Lakes International Film Festival Eerie, PA
2016
Finalist Undocumented: A Dream of Education
WorldFest Houston International Film Festival Houston