Ivan Barbosa is a Dutch film director with Cape Verdean roots, trained at the Netherlands Film Academy. His work explores themes such as identity, inequality, and everyday life in urban settings, often told from perspectives that are underrepresented in mainstream film and television.

Known for his realist style, Barbosa uses natural light, handheld camerawork, and a documentary-like sensibility to create films that feel intimate and authentic. He blends fiction and non-fiction to tell grounded, emotionally resonant stories.

He gained recognition with ‘Drijfvermogen’, and the acclaimed series ‘Santos’, which won the Gouden Kalf for Best Drama Series at the Dutch Film Festival. Critics praise his understated, honest storytelling and his ability to approach complex social themes with empathy and nuance. Ivan is currently working on the biggest HipHop documentary series ever made in The Netherlands.