Biographies, cont.
Marta Cintra Leite is the visual effects director at the Academy. At the left in the photo she is opening a tropical seed pod to show fascinated guests the red seeds that Amazon Indians use for dye and face paint.

Marta is an amateur botanist and knows where in the nearby Atlantic forest to collect the flowers, vines, branches and leaves she uses to decorate the table at the dinner demonstrations, weddings, receptions and conference events. To this knowledge she adds some history to explain the contrasting traditions in different regions of Brazil.

Before bringing these talents to the Academy she used them in an event planning partnership, working with clients in Sao Paulo and Paraty.

Marta has lived in Paraty for 25 years, She also lived in London for four years and she is fluent in English.