Takashi Sugimoto (1975, Japan) has lived in Western countries for over 30 years. Takashi is not a pragmatist, but he understands that openness to dialogue is far more important than any dogma, specific cultural tradition, or personal belief.

He studied photography in Italy at the Istituto Europeo di Design in Turin, interned at the Magnum photo agency in Paris, and holds a postgraduate degree in dramaturgy and directing from the Lisbon Theatre and Film School.

Takashi was selected for the “100 young Italian artists - FURLA per l’arte” in 2000. He premiered his short film “Live Tropical Fish” at IndieLisboa 2016. He is a member of the Portuguese Association of Film Directors and was part of the jury for the Revelation Award section of DocLisboa 2021.

“Black Gold” is his first feature documentary.