About
Arthur Lopes
Arthur Lopes is a film director and editor with a BA in Advertising and Marketing and a BA in Film & TV Production. He is currently pursuing a Master’s in Documentary Practice.
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In 2025, Arthur directed and edited his first feature-length documentary, "Freya – Beyond the Mat", which follows an 11-year-old Irish jiu-jitsu athlete competing across four continents in a story of resilience, family, and identity.
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In addition to his work in film, Arthur is also a Creative Director and Graphic Designer, with professional experience across Brazil, Canada, and the United States.
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His debut documentary as writer and director, "Libre: A Celebration of the Queer Body"(2021), was officially selected for the Virgin Media Dublin Film Festival, the Cannes Indie Shorts Awards, and festivals across the UK, Germany, Czech Republic, India, Canada, Brazil, USA and Mexico.
The film went on to win six international awards for Best Documentary, including honours at the Prague International Indie Film Festival, the LGBTQ+ Toronto Film Festival, and the Berlin Independent Film Festival.
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Alongside his filmmaking career, Arthur lectures in Video Journalism and Documentary and Video Editing at Griffith College Dublin, where he mentors the next generation of filmmakers and shares his expertise in storytelling and visual craft.
Photo Jady Martins
Selected Filmography
2025 - Director/Editor - "Freya - Beyond The Mat"
Documentary following Freya’s journey, a 10-year-old jiu-jitsu athlete, over the course of one year of relentless training, challenges, and triumphs. It was filmed across five countries and four continents and is currently screening in festivals.​
2024 - Director/Co-Writer/Editor - "Little Dream Boy"
Short film about a little boy who, driven by his imagination, dreams of seeing the ocean for the first time.
It celebrates the power of childhood imagination and the agency of children, showing that their dreams are valid and transformative. Through Oliver’s journey, the film explores discovery, curiosity, and the courage to venture beyond familiar horizons, reminding us of the boundless potential within every child.
2024 - Director/Editor - "Totality: Chasing the Great North American Eclipse"
A documentary following Irish photographer Fred Kelly on his journey to America, in pursuit of the perfect shot of the fleeting totality eclipse. A Jungle House Production in association with Raw Dublin.
2022 - Production Manager - "TG4: Bagatelle: Ómos do Liam Reilly"
Commissioned by TG4, this programme pays tribute to the late Liam Reilly, lead singer of Bagatelle. It features powerful performances of the band’s music by Camille O’Sullivan, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Lucia Evans, Tommy Fleming, The High Kings, Ryan McMullan, Brian Kennedy, and Greenshine. Broadcasted at RTÉ on new years eve 2022, nominated Best Factual Entertainment at the Royal Television Society.
2022 - Floor Manager - "RTÉ Storyland: Mustard"
Commissioned by RTÉ, the story follows the protagonist, Eilis, who develops a harmful addiction to mustard during a period of heartbreak. Using food and obsession as metaphor, the drama portrays deeper struggles with mental health and self-harm. Broadcasted at RTÉ and available at RTÉ Player. Won Best Comedy at the Prague Film Festival.
2021 - Director/Writer - "Libre: A Celebration of the Queer Body"
A short documentary that follows a photoshoot with four queer individuals, exploring their personal journeys and celebrating their bodies, while highlighting the struggles and triumphs of body image within the queer community. The film was showcased at the Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival in 2022.
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It won Best Documentary Short at the Prague International Indie Film Festival 2021, Best Film at the LGBTQ+ Toronto Film Festival 2021, and Best LGBTQ Documentary at Venice Shorts 2021, among other selections.
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For a deeper understanding of the film's impact, you can read the article "Bodies In Motion" in GCN Magazine, which discusses the emotional journey of creating 'Libre'.
2021 - 1st Assistant Director/Editor - "Undertide"
Short film about a young teenager, Jordan, who decides to leave home after having a conflict with his mum. Being out wandering with too much time on his hands, he encountered an old man, Bernard, in a failed mugging. Jordan begins to rethink all the decisions that led him to where he is now.
Nominated Best Short Film in the SMEDIAS 2022.
2021 - 1st Assistant Director/Editor - "I Exist Because You're Here"
Short film about Thomas who, on a walk to the grocery store, rediscovers his late wife’s telescope in an antique shop window, turning it into his sole companion and life’s quiet focus. The film won Gold for Best Drama Short, Best First Time Director, and Silver for Best Actor at the Independent Shorts Awards.
2019 - Producer/1st Assistant Director/Editor - "Wild Bird"
This short film tells the story of a widowed woman clinging to her husband’s memory in her countryside cottage. It was showcased at the Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival, Student Frame, 2022.