Walter Salles (Rio de Janeiro, 1956) is an influential Brazilian director, screenwriter, and producer. He gained international recognition for *Central do Brasil* (1998), a Golden Bear winner at Berlin and an Academy Award nominee, a film that established him globally.

His filmography includes acclaimed works such as *Abril Despedaçado* (2001), *Diarios de Motocicleta* (2004), a BAFTA winner for Best Film Not in the English Language, and *On the Road* (2012), an adaptation of Kerouac's novel.

Salles is known for his contemplative and lyrical style, often exploring themes of travel, identity, human resilience, and social justice. His characters are frequently on a journey, both physical and emotional, reflecting the complexity of human relationships and socio-cultural contexts.