Walter Moreira Salles Júnior (; Brazilian Portuguese: [ˈvawteʁ ˈsalis]; born 12 April 1956) is a Brazilian filmmaker. A major figure of the Resumption Cinema in Brazil, Salles is widely regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers in Brazilian cinema. His accolades include an Academy Award accepted for Best International Film, three Cannes Film Festival prizes, three Venice Film Festival prizes, two British Academy Film Awards, a Golden Bear and a Golden Globe.
When we were making 'Central Station,' I tried to look at films like 'Bicycle Thieves,' 'Pather Panchali,' films that deal with childhood, with the perspective of the child, and also the incredible resilience that children have.