Rafael is a filmmaker, writer, actor, and executive producer behind internationally awarded films, TV series, and campaigns. At 42, he brings nearly four decades of experience in entertainment and advertising.

His first feature documentary, the original HBO film 'Herchcovitch; Exposto', was nominated for the 2025 International Emmy® Awards (Arts Programming). He was recognized as an Outstanding Director at the Promax Global Excellence and Promax Latin America Awards in 2022. Rafael has also directed the documentary 'All That Drag' (NBCUniversal), the upcoming feature movie 'O Invisível' (The Invisible), and several TV series.

He is the creator of some acclaimed Brazilian TV shows, including 'Perícia Lab' (AXN), 'Cinelab Aprendiz' (Universal/Syfy), 'Missão AXN' (AXN), 'Na Corrida' (History Channel), 'Realidade ou Ficção' (AXN), and served as executive producer of four celebrated NBCUniversal documentaries on women's empowerment.

Rafael began his career at the age of two in a TV commercial and, by nine, was starring alongside Paulo Autran, Brazil's most acclaimed stage actor, in 'O Céu Tem Que Esperar'. His theater performances have reached over 100,000 viewers, and he also hosted the iconic Brazilian children's show 'X-Tudo' on TV Cultura.

He is the author of the book 'Manual do Jovem Cineasta' (Ciranda Cultural), an engaging guide introducing young readers to the world of filmmaking.

Since 2014, Rafael has been a partner and Chief Creative Officer at Mood Hunter, a prestigious creative studio with offices in the United States, Brazil and Colombia.

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Rafael Barioni

Director

Writer

Actor

Producer