Filinto Elísio was born in Praia, Cabo Verde. A poet, novelist, and essayist, he has eight books to his name. With Márcia Souto, he founded Rosa de Porcelana publishing house and the Festival Literatura-Mundo do Sal, an international literary festival taking place each year in Cabo Verde. He has served as advisor to the prime minister of Cabo Verde and also as advisor to the minister of culture. He has also taught mathematics at schools in Boston and Somerville in the United States.