André Hayato Saito is a Japanese-Brazilian writer and director whose work explores identity, grief, memory and belonging through intimate storytelling and subtle observation. His short film “Amarela”, part of a trilogy exploring his Japanese-Brazilian heritage, premiered in the Official Competition at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, was shortlisted for the 98th Academy Awards, screened at more than 100 festivals across 35 countries, and won the Grande Otelo for Best Fiction Short Film. His films are shaped by a sensory approach, in which emotions emerge through presence, silence and what lies in between. He is currently in the final stages of financing his first feature film, “Yellow Chrysanthemum”.