Erick Pessôa is not your typical IB Film teacher—he’s a storyteller, cinephile, and educator with a background as unique as the films he loves to dissect. His deep connection to the IB community as an examiner and workshop leader brings real-world expertise into every classroom and project he undertakes.
Originally trained in International Relations, Erick eventually traded diplomacy for drama (the cinematic kind) and never looked back. His journey into the world of film began with certifications in industry-standard editing software, including Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, and, more recently, DaVinci Resolve.
Erick’s relationship with the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) has been a cornerstone of his career. Since 2011, he has served as a DP Film examiner, bringing his expertise to the evaluation of students worldwide. From 2018, he took on the role of Principal Examiner for the Collaborative Film Project assessment and became an IBO Workshop Leader, guiding educators through the complexities of teaching film. Recently, Erick led a face-to-face workshop in Sydney, Australia, sharing his deep knowledge with educators across the globe. Additionally, he was part of the core team that reviewed and updated the latest IB Film Guide (2019), ensuring it remains relevant and robust for future generations of students. This professional experience has helped Erick develop better content for this portal, aimed at supporting film teachers and students with practical, real-world insights.
In 2004, Erick attended the summer course at USC, where he deepened his understanding of filmmaking, and from there, he committed himself to mastering the craft. Over the years, he honed his skills in various production roles through intensive courses at the London Film School and other institutions. Erick has also been pursuing a Master’s in Screenwriting at MetFilm School—though technically, he still needs to turn in his full feature script to seal the deal. (Let’s just call it a work in progress… Charlie Kaufman didn’t rush Being John Malkovich either, right?)
In 2014, Erick’s cinematic dreams almost led him to Hollywood when he was accepted into the prestigious American Film Institute (AFI) Conservatory as an editor. Fun fact: had he taken the leap, he would have been colleagues with none other than John David Washington. Ultimately choosing to pursue a teaching career over moving to Los Angeles, Erick brought that same energy and ambition to the classroom, inspiring IB Film students to explore every frame, cut, and line of dialogue with intensity.
Currently based in Paris, Erick teaches IB Film at the American School of Paris, where he’s known for blending theory with hands-on filmmaking experiences. His signature event, Clash of the Titans, challenges students to create a short film in 48 hours, racing through the streets of Paris to bring their visions to life. With a quirky sense of humor and an encyclopaedic knowledge of cinema (ask him about his love for Amélie (2001) and Star Wars (1977) in the same breath), Erick makes film education as exciting as a Christopher Nolan plot twist.
When he’s not in the classroom, Erick can be found indulging his creative side. He writes, edits, and directs short films like Isabeau, which has been featured at several international film festivals. He also loves exploring new cinematic techniques and catching the latest arthouse release in one of Paris’s historic cinemas. He believes every student has a story worth telling, and he’s dedicated to helping them find the tools to tell it.