About Us
Founded in 2013, Ateles Films is a film and television production company, owned and run by Michael Sanderson and Ana Luisa Santos.
Ateles Films creates wildlife, natural history, and environmental productions for international audiences. With engineering backgrounds, Michael and Ana Luisa combine technical expertise with a strong visual storytelling approach, specialising in animal behaviour, long-lens cinematography, macro, aerial, and high-speed filming. From development and production to final delivery and distribution, they oversee every stage of the filmmaking process.
Having worked in more than 50 countries, Ateles Films brings audiences closer to wildlife through evocative imagery and intimate storytelling. Their work is driven by the belief that every species, no matter how overlooked, deserves to have its story told.
The working languages of Ateles Films include English, Dutch, Portuguese, Spanish and French.
Meet Us
Michael Sanderson, Founder
Cinematographer/Producer/Director
Ana Luisa Santos, Co-Owner
Director/Producer/Cinematographer
What is the origin of the Ateles Films' logo?
Ateles Films takes its name from the spider monkeys of the genus Ateles, found in tropical forests ranging from southern Mexico to Brazil across Central and South America. The genus includes seven known species, all of which are under threat. Known for their exceptionally long limbs and prehensile tails, spider monkeys are among the largest New World monkeys. One of their most distinctive features is the absence of a thumb.
