Brazilian-born producer and director Orlando Mendes, now based in Boston, has emerged as one of the most compelling creative voices in contemporary animation. With a career spanning more than two decades, Mendes continues to push artistic and technological boundaries through his latest project, Monster Island, and its award-winning short film The Sound of Blue.
From Brazilian Television to International Animation
Orlando Mendes’ journey in the audiovisual world began in 1996 as a TV host and editor on the influential Brazilian program Planeta Virtual, broadcast on TV Educativa. Driven by a passion for animation, he pursued formal training at Academia de Animação in São Paulo under the mentorship of Marcelo de Moura, later expanding his expertise through Executive Production studies at AIC – Academia Internacional de Cinema.
This foundation led him to establish his own production company, where he built a reputation creating promotional films, TV spots, and advanced 2D/3D animation projects. His work quickly attracted major corporate clients and positioned him at the forefront of creative innovation.
In 2013, Mendes created the children’s animated series 1,2,3 Era Uma Vez! (“1,2,3, Once Upon a Time”), a 13-episode production that achieved international distribution through Europa Films and Encripta. Two years later, he launched an American streaming platform designed to connect Brazilian and U.S. audiences—introducing Brazilian television content, including channels from the Silvio Santos Group (SBT), to the American market.
Monster Island and The Sound of Blue
Mendes’ current creative universe, Monster Island, represents the culmination of his experience in storytelling, animation, and emerging technologies such as AI-driven production.
Within this universe, the short film The Sound of Blue stands out as a powerful and imaginative work.
The Sound of Blue – Overview
Genre: Animated Adventure / Comedy
Duration: 7 minutes
Universe: Monster Island
Synopsis:
They say every color has a story… but what if a color had a sound?
In a quiet corner of Monster Island, Nick, Fran, and their mischievous companion Flock take a rare break from chaos. While Nick and Fran discuss the legendary racer Mr. Kaos, Flock’s playful curiosity leads them into unexpected danger. Blending suspense, humor, and emotional depth, The Sound of Blue reminds audiences that even in the presence of monsters, laughter can be the loudest sound of all—and silence can be explosive.
The film’s originality, emotional resonance, and innovative use of animation and AI have propelled it onto the global festival circuit with remarkable success.
15 Awards and 49 International Nominations
The Sound of Blue has achieved 15 major awards and 49 nominations worldwide, underscoring Orlando Mendes’ growing international impact. Key honors include:
Crown Point International Film Festival – Award: Animation (2025)
New Shorts Competition – Award of Excellence: Animation (2025)
Paladino d’Oro Sport Film Festival – Winner: Special Award (2025)
New York International Film Awards – Winner: Grand Jury Award, Animation (2024)
World Film Festival in Cannes – Winner: Best AI Animation (2024)
Oniros Film Awards – Winner: Best Short Animation (AI) (2024)
Best Directors & Actors Awards – New York Festival – Winner: Best Director
Indo Dubai International Film Festival – Honorable Mention: Best Short Family (2024)
New Media Festival Film Awards – Winner: Best Short Family (2024)
Chroma Art Film Festival – Honorable Mention: Best Short (2024)
Los Angeles Animation Festival / Action–Adventure Film Festival – Best Animation (2025)
Chicago AI Film Festival – Best Poster (2024)
Geek Fest Universe – Worldwide Audience Award (2025)
Lift-Off Sessions – Volume 2 – Audience Choice Winner (2025)
In addition, the project was highlighted by Best Shorts in its “Winners 2025 – Animation” selection, further cementing its status as one of the most celebrated animated shorts of its generation.
A Brazilian Voice with Global Reach
Orlando Mendes’ work reflects a rare blend of Brazilian creativity, global storytelling, and technological experimentation. Through Monster Island and The Sound of Blue, he has created not just a film, but a scalable creative universe—one that resonates with audiences of all ages and cultures.
As international recognition continues to grow, Mendes stands as a powerful example of how Brazilian talent is shaping the future of global animation—where imagination, innovation, and emotion meet on a truly international stage.
