Brazilian Environmentalist Chico Mendes Getting Biopic, Documentary and Honorary Green Shooting Guide (EXCLUSIVE)

As a dedicated cinephile with a soft spot for environmental stories, I am thrilled to hear about the “Chico Vive” project by Estudio Escarlate. Having lived in Brazil and having had the privilege of visiting the Amazon Rainforest, I can’t help but feel a deep connection to this endeavor. The story of Chico Mendes is one that resonates globally, and it’s heartening to see his legacy being honored through film and documentaries.


Estudio Escarlate, a production company based in São Paulo, plans to unveil the “Chico Vive” (or “Chico Lives”) project at this year’s Expocine. This venture encompasses the making of both a documentary and a biopic about the renowned Brazilian environmental leader Chico Mendes, as well as creating a guidebook for environmentally-friendly film and TV production methods. Joana Henning, CEO of Escarlate, shared this information with EbMaster.

As a movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled about the upcoming documentaries I’ll be working on, led by Sergio Carvalho and Sergio Machado. These films will mark a groundbreaking milestone as the first fully sustainable productions in Brazil. The premier of these eco-friendly masterpieces is set to take place during the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in November 2025, right here in Belem, a city nestled within the heart of the Amazon Rainforest.

The biographical film, featuring Jorge Paz portraying Mendes, is set to be filmed in 2026 and launched both domestically and internationally in 2027. A guide detailing the production experiences of the two main films will be written, with plans for its release in 2027 as well, according to Henning’s statement.

Chico Mendes, tragically killed by a rancher in 1988, is globally recognized as a beacon of hope for the fight to preserve the Amazon Rainforest. Serving as the head of the rubber tappers’ union, he orchestrated a peaceful movement known as “empates,” where workers physically obstructed machinery from entering the forest with their own bodies.

As a passionate moviegoer, I’d rephrase it like this: “I see Chico Mendes as the Amazon Rainforest’s equivalent of Mahatma Gandhi – a true hero who dedicated his final years to enlighten the community about the significance of forest preservation.

In Expocine, Escarlate is expected to enter into an agreement with Embratur, the Brazilian government agency tasked with promoting the country as a travel destination. Specifically, Embratur – which is establishing a federal film commission – will assist Escarlate by helping locate suitable shooting spots, hiring local workforce, and facilitating filming within the Amazon Rainforest, as per Henning’s statement.

Additionally, Escarlate has secured contracts for the Chico Vive initiative with Brazil’s Ministry of the Environment and Ministry of Racial Equality. The role of artistic direction for the Chico Vive project falls under Rafael Dragaud.

Scarlet collaborated on the project with Pachamama Investments, a local firm that focuses on investments in environmentally friendly assets to protect nature and promote ESG principles. Notably, Bruno Gagliasso, a popular actor known for his work in TV and film, is among the company’s shareholders. He will star in the biopic, and alongside Jorge Paz, they will serve as associate producers.

Pachamama collaborates with Greener Tokens, a Swiss firm, which leverages blockchain tech to create tokens aimed at fostering environmental sustainability.

Pachamama (Mother Earth) will calculate the carbon footprint of both films, starting from scriptwriting and continuing through post-production, encompassing energy consumption on set, as well as land and air transportation of equipment and personnel. Escarlate will purchase carbon offsetting tokens from Greener for this emissions total, and those funds will be channeled towards various eco-friendly initiatives within the Amazon Rainforest.

Pachamama and Escarlate plan to leverage the experience gained during the making of these projects to create a handbook offering advice on environmentally friendly film and television production in Brazil, as shared by Gagliasso with EbMaster.

He mentioned that the guidebook will provide both theoretical needs and practical guidance on eco-friendly practices within film and television production. It will cover topics such as energy conservation, water resource management, waste disposal and recycling, reducing carbon footprint, and suggestions for employing local residents during productions.

Gagliasso stated that he thinks this manual will significantly benefit the local film and television sector,” or alternatively, “According to Gagliasso, this manual is expected to make a substantial impact on the local film and television industry.

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2024-10-04 12:17