Award-winning filmmaker Frederico Lapenda is an international entrepreneur who has been operating in the entertainment industry for 30 years. Lapenda is a pioneer of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and is credited with the globalization of the sport.
In addition to chairing the Grand Jury of the Beverly Hills Film Festival, Lapenda has produced numerous films, MMA events, computer games, commercials and documentaries.
One of his most recognizable films is a powerful award documentary titled Kidnaping , which was in the Oscar race in 2011.
Because of all the outstanding lifelong accomplishments Lapenda was appointed as the Tourism Ambassador of Brazil.
Lapenda is most proud of his book titled “Allies of the Amazon” which he co-created with Marvel Comics founder Stan Lee. It is a children’s novel about four super-powered articulate animals whose soul mission is to protect the Amazon rainforest at all costs.
Lapenda built a prestigious career as a TV and film producer. He was also involved with the Beverly Hills Film Festival, which supports young filmmakers in achieving their dreams. These experiences solidified Lapenda’s belief in the importance of giving back for the blessings received.
Lapenda reflected on how his life could have been different if he had the chance to be mentored by someone like his accomplished self at the age of 18. This realization sparked a newfound mission in Lapenda.
Inspired by the potential impact he could have had on his younger self, Lapenda has dedicated himself to giving back. He now delivers special talks and offers one-on-one mentoring to empower the next generation.
“Lapenda was a real pioneer in the internationalization of mixed arts. He grasped, before most, how MMA was truly universal in appeal. And he put his money where his mouth was by successfully promoting MMA shows in European and Asian markets before anyone else.”
“My friend Frederico Lapenda! This is one of the Brazilians who has been successful abroad and hasn’t forgotten Brazil. He co-wrote, with the king of comics Stan Lee and others, this wonderful book Allies of the Amazon.”
“Frederico Lapenda is one of the most important figures in MMA. He took Carlson Gracie and Vitor Belfot to the USA with no guarantees.He invests in Carlson, so Carlson could put together a team of the fighter.”