In Portuguese-speaking Brazil, the film production company O2 Filmes, led by Helmer Fernando Meirelles, is set to create a biographical movie about musical legend Elza Soares. Renowned as one of the greatest samba singers in history, Elza Soares represents the fight against racial and gender discrimination in Brazil.
Patricia Andrade (“Two Sons of Francisco”) and Viviane Pistache are working on a screenplay that is set to begin filming in the latter part of 2026, according to Andrea Barata Ribeiro, partner and producer at O2 Filmes. She started the company alongside directors Fernando Meirelles and Paulo Morelli.
Acclaimed actress Thais Araujo, known for her work in films and telenovelas in Brazil, has been cast as the main character, Elza, according to Barata Ribeiro.
Soares’ life, who passed away at 91 in 2022, holds a mix of sorrow and grandeur. As a child, she endured hunger in the slums of Rio and was subjected to abuse by her first spouse at a young age. In 1953, when she was a grieving widow trying to feed her children, she entered a radio singing competition that Ary Barroso, one of the most celebrated Brazilian composers, hosted.
In a playful manner, Barroso teased Elza by asking, “Where on earth did you come from?”, to which she humorously responded, “From the planet Foodless.” However, when Elza belted out a captivating samba tune with her strong voice, Barroso excitedly declared live on air, “A new star has been born!
In the year 2019, when she was already a major star, Elza unveiled her 34th album titled “Planet Hunger” and embarked on a tour while carrying the dress she wore in a radio competition along with her. Despite her extraordinary skills, Elza faced fluctuations in her career. A segment of society and media struggled to embrace the rise of a Black woman from humble beginnings to stardom.
A challenge arose when she began dating soccer legend Garrincha during the 1960s. Instead of celebrating the union of two exceptional national talents, the media unfairly placed blame on her for the dissolution of his previous marriage and his subsequent decline as an athlete. Elza eventually relocated to Italy, but later returned to Brazil and solidified her status as one of the country’s most esteemed artists.
Elza Soares was like a phoenix rising from the ashes. Born into poverty, she rose to stardom only to face obscurity again, endured the loss of her sons, broken marriages, and a world that wasn’t always welcoming to her, yet this remarkable Black woman with unmatched talent persevered. Her life story held immense drama and resilience, much like Ella Fitzgerald if she were Brazilian.” – Barata Ribeiro.
As a film enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that the executives from O2 Filmes are set to grace panels at Rio2C this month! On May 29th, our CEO Paulo Barcellos will join a round table discussion on Artificial Intelligence and Content Creation – From Concept to Production. Additionally, Igor Kuptas, the director of sales-distribution company O2 Play, will be receiving Audiovisual and Games Startup Pitches on the same day. Lastly, Gustavo Gontijo, head of development at O2 Filmes, will be a speaker on the round table Defying Limits: The Art of Innovation Without Losing an Essence, which is scheduled for May 30th. I can’t wait to see what they have to share!
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2025-05-27 13:46