Release calendarTop 250 moviesMost popular moviesBrowse movies by genreTop box officeShowtimes & ticketsMovie newsIndia movie spotlight
    What's on TV & streamingTop 250 TV showsMost popular TV showsBrowse TV shows by genreTV news
    What to watchLatest trailersIMDb OriginalsIMDb PicksIMDb SpotlightFamily entertainment guideIMDb Podcasts
    EmmysSuperheroes GuideSan Diego Comic-ConSummer Watch GuideBest Of 2025 So FarDisability Pride MonthSTARmeter AwardsAwards CentralFestival CentralAll events
    Born todayMost popular celebsCelebrity news
    Help centerContributor zonePolls
For industry professionals
  • Language
  • Fully supported
  • English (United States)
    Partially supported
  • Français (Canada)
  • Français (France)
  • Deutsch (Deutschland)
  • हिंदी (भारत)
  • Italiano (Italia)
  • Português (Brasil)
  • Español (España)
  • Español (México)
Watchlist
Sign in
  • Fully supported
  • English (United States)
    Partially supported
  • Français (Canada)
  • Français (France)
  • Deutsch (Deutschland)
  • हिंदी (भारत)
  • Italiano (Italia)
  • Português (Brasil)
  • Español (España)
  • Español (México)
Use app
  • Biography
  • Awards
  • Trivia
IMDbPro

David Schurmann(II)

  • Director
  • Producer
  • Writer
IMDbProStarmeterSee rank
David Schurmann 2022
Inspired by a true story; an enchanting adventure about a lost penguin rescued from an oil spill, who transforms the life of a heartbroken fisherman. They soon become unlikely friends, so bonded that even the vast ocean cannot divide them.
Play demo reel2:25
My Penguin Friend
3 Videos
24 Photos
David Schurmann is a distinguished filmmaker celebrated for his masterful storytelling across both fiction and documentary genres. Known for creating captivating narratives, Schurmann's work resonates deeply with audiences worldwide.

His directorial debut, "Little Secret," was a triumph, representing Brazil at the 2017 Oscars. Based on the true story of his adopted sister, Katherine Schurmann, the film highlighted Schurmann's ability to craft poignant tales that leave a lasting impact on viewers.

Schurmann's recent project, the heartwarming family film "My Penguin Friend," featuring acclaimed talents Jean Reno and Adriana Barraza, exemplifies his skill in capturing the enduring essence of human connections. This enchanting true story delicately portrays the bond between a fisherman and an extraordinary penguin, showcasing Schurmann's innate ability to evoke genuine emotions on screen.

In addition, Schurmann returns to the gripping drama genre with "Por Um Fio" (By a Wire), a narrative centered on renowned oncologist Dr. Drauzio Varella's struggle to save his brother. Starring Bruno Gagliasso and Rômulo Estrela, this intense storyline further underscores Schurmann's versatility as a director, adept at engaging audiences across various genres.

His body of work includes TV series for National Geographic, the 28-part "Expedition to the Orient," and the 36-part series "Magellan Global Adventure" for Globo TV.

Notably, Schurmann directed the documentary feature film "The World Twice Around," which garnered accolades including awards at the Recife Film Festival in Brazil, and Best Film honors at esteemed festivals across Buenos Aires, Milan, Rome, and New York.

Beyond his cinematic pursuits, Schurmann leads the environmental initiative "Voice of the Oceans," raising awareness about critical ocean-related issues and demonstrating his commitment to positive change.

Schurmann's cinematic journey began at the age of 13, capturing the Schurmann family's first sailing expedition around the world. His passion for filmmaking led him to film school in New Zealand and further education in the United States.

Renowned for his diverse narratives, poignant storytelling, and strong social conscience, David Schurmann consistently captivates global audiences with his visionary cinematic talent.
BornApril 13, 1974
  • More at IMDbPro
    • Contact info
    • Agent info
    • Resume
BornApril 13, 1974
IMDbProStarmeterSee rank
  • View contact info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 1 win & 4 nominations total

    Photos24

    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    + 20
    View Poster

    Known for

    Jean Reno and Duda Galvão in My Penguin Friend (2024)
    My Penguin Friend
    6.8
    • Director
    • 2024
    Little Secret (2016)
    Little Secret
    6.7
    • Director
    • 2016
    O Mundo em Duas Voltas
    O Mundo Em Duas Voltas
    7.5
    • Director
    • 2007
    U-513 Em Busca do Lobo Solitário
    U-513 Em Busca do Lobo Solitário
    • Director

      Credits

      Edit
      IMDbPro

      Director



      • Voice of the Oceans
        • Director
        • Released
        • TV Mini Series
        • 2022
      • U-513 Em Busca do Lobo Solitário
        • Director
        • Completed
      • Por Um Fio
        • Director
        • Post-production



      • Jean Reno and Duda Galvão in My Penguin Friend (2024)
        My Penguin Friend
        6.8
        • Director
        • 2024
      • Voice of the Oceans (2022)
        Voice of the Oceans
        TV Mini Series
        • Director
        • 2022
      • The Inside Guide: Exploring Kiwi Success in Brazil (2019)
        The Inside Guide: Exploring Kiwi Success in Brazil
        TV Mini Series
        • Director
        • 2019
      • Conexao Schurmann: Patagonia (2018)
        Conexao Schurmann: Patagonia
        TV Movie
        • Director
        • 2018
      • Expedição Oriente (2016)
        Expedição Oriente
        7.2
        TV Series
        • Director
        • 2016–2017
      • Little Secret (2016)
        Little Secret
        6.7
        • Director
        • 2016
      • Poliana Abritta and Maju Coutinho in Fantastic (1973)
        Fantastic
        5.7
        TV Series
        • Director
        • 1997–2016
      • Desaparecidos (2011)
        Desaparecidos
        3.0
        • Director
        • 2011
      • BRA 999 - Amanhã é só Imaginação (2009)
        BRA 999 - Amanhã é só Imaginação
        Short
        • Director
        • 2009
      • O Mundo em Duas Voltas
        O Mundo Em Duas Voltas
        7.5
        • Director
        • 2007
      • Get Real
        TV Series
        • Director (1996)
        • 1996
      • In-Focus
        TV Series
        • Director
        • 1992–1995

      Producer



      • Voice of the Oceans
        • producer
        • Released
        • TV Mini Series
        • 2022
      • U-513 Em Busca do Lobo Solitário
        • producer
        • Completed



      • Voice of the Oceans (2022)
        Voice of the Oceans
        TV Mini Series
        • producer
        • 2022
      • The Inside Guide: Exploring Kiwi Success in Brazil (2019)
        The Inside Guide: Exploring Kiwi Success in Brazil
        TV Mini Series
        • producer
        • 2019
      • Conexao Schurmann: Patagonia (2018)
        Conexao Schurmann: Patagonia
        TV Movie
        • producer
        • 2018
      • Little Secret (2016)
        Little Secret
        6.7
        • producer
        • 2016
      • Poliana Abritta and Maju Coutinho in Fantastic (1973)
        Fantastic
        5.7
        TV Series
        • producer
        • 1997–2016
      • Expedição Oriente (2016)
        Expedição Oriente
        7.2
        TV Series
        • producer
        • 2016
      • Desaparecidos (2011)
        Desaparecidos
        3.0
        • producer
        • 2011
      • BRA 999 - Amanhã é só Imaginação (2009)
        BRA 999 - Amanhã é só Imaginação
        Short
        • executive producer
        • 2009
      • O Mundo em Duas Voltas
        O Mundo Em Duas Voltas
        7.5
        • producer
        • 2007

      Writer



      • Little Secret (2016)
        Little Secret
        6.7
        • written by
        • 2016
      • Desaparecidos (2011)
        Desaparecidos
        3.0
        • Writer
        • 2011
      • Poliana Abritta and Maju Coutinho in Fantastic (1973)
        Fantastic
        5.7
        TV Series
        • writer
        • 1997–2004

      • In-development projects at IMDbPro

      Videos3

      Little Secret - Pequeno Segredo Trailer
      Demo Reel 2:41
      Little Secret - Pequeno Segredo Trailer
      My Penguin Friend
      Demo Reel 2:25
      My Penguin Friend
      My Penguin Friend
      Demo Reel 2:25
      My Penguin Friend
      O Mundo em Duas Voltas Trailer (The World Twice Around)
      Demo Reel 1:41
      O Mundo em Duas Voltas Trailer (The World Twice Around)

      Personal details

      Edit
      • Official site
        • Official Site
      • Alternative names
        • David Ribeiro Schurmann
      • Born
        • April 13, 1974
        • Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
      • Publicity listings
        • 3 Articles

      Did you know

      Edit
      • Trivia
        He is living in São Paulo, Brazil.
      • Quotes
        Trust the process.
      • Trademarks
          films that engage audiences

      Contribute to this page

      Suggest an edit or add missing content
      • Learn more about contributing
      Edit page

      More to explore

      Recently viewed

      Please enable browser cookies to use this feature. Learn more.
      Get the IMDb App
      Sign in for more accessSign in for more access
      Follow IMDb on social
      Get the IMDb App
      For Android and iOS
      Get the IMDb App
      • Help
      • Site Index
      • IMDbPro
      • Box Office Mojo
      • License IMDb Data
      • Press Room
      • Advertising
      • Jobs
      • Conditions of Use
      • Privacy Policy
      • Your Ads Privacy Choices
      IMDb, an Amazon company

      © 1990-2025 by IMDb.com, Inc.