Gabriel Coppola: Redefining Queer Narratives in Latin American Cinema

An Artist Shaped by Two Worlds

Born in São Paulo and raised partly in the United States, Gabriel Coppola’s journey has always been marked by cultural duality. At just 13, he moved abroad, where his passion for the arts deepened and eventually led him to the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles. “Being able to study acting and filmmaking at NYFA in Hollywood, where the industry is most active, was an incredible experience and knowledge to carry with me. It was the realization of a lifelong dream,” he reflects.

Early Breakthrough

Coppola made his professional debut in the HBO Max series Além do Guarda-Roupa, produced by Coração da Selva. This role opened the door to a career that has since focused on projects with strong artistic integrity. Rather than chasing only mainstream recognition, Coppola has committed himself to independent cinema, where he finds freedom to explore the depth and complexity of character.

The Vision Behind Olhos em Mim

Now fully immersed in pre-production, Coppola is preparing to bring his original screenplay Olhos em Mim (Eyes Upon Me) to life. The short film, a psychological drama with a queer narrative, is set for release on the festival circuit in 2026. Featuring an international cast, the project examines repressed desire, identity, and the silences that exist where longing collides with selfhood.

“What matters most to me is that this film finds its place among the many queer stories that deserve to exist, circulate, and move audiences,” Coppola says.

A Story of Desire and Identity

The film follows Rafael, portrayed by Coppola himself, who begins to question his certainties while in a steady relationship. The arrival of Gael, played by Argentine actor Fran Vazquez, becomes a turning point. Gael represents both the unknown and the silenced — an embodiment of overwhelming desire that forces Rafael to confront a part of himself he had long suppressed.

Moving Audiences Beyond the Screen

For Coppola, cinema is not just about entertainment but about provoking emotion and reflection. “I don’t want people to simply watch the film, I want them to feel it. To allow themselves to dive into the discomfort, the beauty, the confusion of what it means to be human,” he concludes.

With his daring vision and international perspective, Gabriel Coppola is shaping a career that stands at the intersection of art, identity, and truth — a voice to watch in the future of Latin American cinema.