Flavio Frederico and Mariana Pamplona’s book “Clandestine – The Life of Iara Iavelberg,” Beto Oliveira’s film “Flora,” and Lucas Peligrineti’s production “Pupupu/Bibibi” are included in the Industry Pitching events at Rio2C, one of the main creative forums happening in Rio de Janeiro, starting on Tuesday.
The program consists of 24 different selections organized across four categories: Fiction, Animation, Documentary/Fact-based, and Reality TV. Notably, these selections reflect the experiences and challenges faced by Brazilian creators, with a focus on topics such as race, gender, and climate change.
In the Animation genre filled with comedic fantasy journeys, the heroes of “Formiga” inhabit a vibrant kite realm and hail from one of Brazil’s struggling urban outskirts. Conversely, the comical escapades of a spirited beetle and inquisitive ladybug unfold in “Pupupu Bibibi,” where insects reminiscent of science fiction creatures reside, drawn from the Amazon rainforest.
In the realm of animated comedic fantasies, the characters of “Formiga” hail from one of Brazil’s impoverished city outskirts and inhabit a captivating kite world. On the other hand, the adventures of a lively beetle and curious ladybug unfold in “Pupupu Bibibi,” which features insects that resemble science fiction creatures found within the Amazon rainforest.
Primarily, several works aim to recollect partially or completely forgotten individuals. “Flora” explores the thoughts and emotions of Flora Maria Blumer de Toledo, a Black woman who was the first member of Brazil’s Methodist Church. Similarly, “Rogério Duprat: the Maestro (Beyond) Tropicalia” and “Tomorrow, Under the Sun” bring to light the extraordinary artistic personas of composer Rogério Duprat and photographer Alair Gomes who were tragically taken from us.
The captivating fictional miniseries “Clandestine” recounts the unforgettable milestones from the life of Brazilian guerrilla fighter Iara Iavelberg, who was tragically killed by Brazil’s military government in 1971.
Director Beto Oliveira remarks that among the various instances of violence portrayed in “Flora,” the most profound is the system designed to erase the memory of Brazil’s Black community and the accountability for the actions perpetrated.
In essence, Frederico described ‘Clandestine’ as not just a biographical film, but a powerful political and creative act of reconciliation – an homage to a woman who is largely unknown in Brazil, yet deserves greater recognition.
The Industry Pitching titles:
“Flora,” (Frame 7 Cinema)
In my perspective as a supporter, I’m eagerly anticipating the release of a movie titled “Flora Maria Blumer de Toledo” scheduled for November. This film is directed by Beto Oliveira and delves into the life of Flora Maria, who was freed from slavery in 1881 by Martha Watts, a U.S. Protestant missionary.
The story, as portrayed by Oliveira, explores whether emancipation truly granted Flora the freedom she desired. This production is an initiative of Frame 7 Cinema, aiming to combat the omission of Brazil’s Black population from historical narratives and serves as a sequel to Oliveira’s documentary “Forgetting Flora.
“blackhumor.com” (Universo HUP)
A comedic web series unfolds amidst the rising power of a fascist regime in Brazil, where Black college students create a platform for comedy as resistance. The content features skits, stand-up routines, and a humorous competition called a “joke duel.” Originally established in 2023, this channel hails from the University of Santa Catarina, which was ranked highly last year.
“Their Story,” (“A História Delas”)
Collaboratively working on a film project, Darlene – who’s wealthy yet aimless – along with her writing team, is inspired to focus on empowering female characters and self-reflection. This thought-provoking comedy is currently in the works at Fagundes Produções.
“100% Trans Fat” (“100% Gordura Trans,” 502 Digital)
Supported by 502 Digital, a Rio de Janeiro-based company, and funding from RioFilme 2023, an upcoming eight-part comedy series is being developed. The story revolves around Helô, a young, Black, plus-size trans woman who uncovers her knack for making people laugh. As she navigates Rio’s underground comedy scene, she learns that humor can be a potent weapon against prejudice. This heartwarming TV comedy series is the brainchild of Henrique Freitas, executive at 502 Digital and a writer on the kids’ picture “Luccas e Gi em: Dinossauros,” as well as a writer-director of the short film “Ecco Home,” which has recently made its way onto the festival circuit.
“Clandestine, the Life of Iara Iavelberg,” (“Clandestina, a Vida de Ira Iavelberg,” Kinoscópio)
One notable production in the Pitchings, crafted by esteemed action movie/documentary writers-directors Flavio Frederico and Mariana Pamplona (of “São Paulo Heist”), is a TV series titled “Kinoscope,” which delves into the life and tragic death of Iara Iavelberg. A psychology graduate from São Paulo, she hailed from a wealthy family, was in love with Marco Lamarca, and became an icon of armed resistance against the military regime.
“The Missed Voice,” (“A Voz Que Ninguém Escutou,” Sarasvati)
As a movie critic, I eagerly anticipate the forthcoming film based on Renan Silva’s groundbreaking novel, winner of the 2024 Kindle Prize for Literature. The narrative unfolds from the perspective of Black journalist Vánia, who uncovers her mother’s harrowing diary, detailing the torment she endured under Brazil’s military dictatorship. This powerful piece aims to redefine Brazil’s historical narrative by centering the experiences of poor, Black people from the Northeast and women – a bold and long-overdue step in our nation’s cinematic landscape. The film is currently in development, promising a moving and enlightening journey for audiences worldwide.
Animation
“Becoming an Elf,” (“Como Virar um Elfo,” Ateliê Suburbano)
In my view, I’m thrilled to share the news about an enchanting journey of self-discovery, “The Magical Coming of Age Tale of Joaquim,” a captivating fantasy comedy series. This masterpiece, marked by its infectious soundtrack, has secured a generous grant of $400,000 from the Paulo Gustavo Law Fund. As crafted under the creative direction of Rômulo Viera at Ateliê, it’s designed with young hearts aged 7-11 in mind and is currently being brought to life in production.
“Botija Hunters,” (“Caçadores de Botija,” Mold Studio)
Hailing from João Pessoa, the capital of Paraiba, Mold Studio creates this 2D cut out and frame-by-frame animated series. The story follows Fearful Lina, who searches her village for clay pots brimming with treasures yet imprisoning ghosts. This humorous supernatural series is steeped in the folklore of Brazil’s northeast region, a brainchild of creator-director Denis Sabino, who was inspired by the tales his grandmother shared with him during his childhood.
“The Evil Son,” (“O Filho Man, Dogzilla Studio)
Based on Carol Sakura’s graphic novel, the narrative unfolds in Brazil’s interior, revolving around a family seemingly afflicted by a legacy of violence. This is a 2D adult animation project intended for viewers aged 16 and above, described as a tale of psychological and social terror by Sakura herself. Currently in development, it is being produced at Tortuga Studios, whose work “Our Crazy Love” was showcased at Annecy’s Contrechamp last year, and Dogzilla, a Curitiba-based studio that handled the art direction for Netflix’s animation series “The Nutty Boy.
“Formiga,” (Mono Animation)
The animation series “Pipas,” produced by Mono studio and house in São Paulo, has been chosen for Annecy and Disney’s screenings. This anime fantasy adventure is set in Kitekami, a world where kites take on life, and follows Naoki and Formiga, two friends from the outskirts, as they navigate the challenges of dealing with loss and saying goodbye.
“Pupupu Bibibi,” (Lucas Peligrineti)
In the enchanting Amazonian forest, Pupupu, a spirited beetle, and Bibibi, an inquisitive ladybug, find themselves in a whimsical world filled with unusual creatures such as ravenous spiders, double-headed worms, and vibrant insects. This captivating tale, described as “entertaining, cheerful, full of joy,” by Peligrineti, a screenwriter, storyboarder, and storyboard supervisor on “Jorel’s Brother” and “Wake Up, Carlo!” in 2019 and 2024, is an International Emmy nominee.
“Spoonful of Stars,” (“Cozinha das Estrellas,” Flamma)
By blending 2D animation and CGI, a captivating story for children aged 3-5 is being developed about three small shooting stars: Ori, Bella, and Zeta. They journey through the cosmos gathering magical items to grant wishes of kids on Earth. This project is currently in progress, led by Reynaldo Marchesini, founder of Flamma, organizer of Rio2C Kids Pitching, and art supervisor for “Sítio do Picapau Amarelo,” Globo’s first collaborative animated production with Mixer.
Documentaries
“Atafona: Submerged City” (Kailash Cine)
I’m captivated by a captivating documentary under production, meticulously detailing the lives of the residents in the coastal town of Atafona, situated just north of Rio de Janeiro. This small town is heartbreakingly being engulfed by the encroaching sea. The visionary Kailash Cine (“Botafogo e Seus Herois Improvaveis”) is behind its production.
“Joelma, the Towering Inferno,” (“Joelma, the Towering Inferno,” Confeiteria de Cinema)
1974 saw a devastating fire erupt in São Paulo’s Joelma Building, claiming the lives of 187 individuals. The screenwriter and director of this series, Rubens Rewald (who incidentally has a family connection to the building’s design as his father was responsible for its plumbing and electrical infrastructure, and was later implicated in the fire investigation), delves into the personal narratives and probe the symbolism of a Brazil that he contends represents an era characterized by greed, immunity, and precariousness.
“Naná, a Griot Around the World,” (“Naná, Um Griot Pelo Mundo,” Muk)
An article focusing on the career of Naná Vasconcelos, a renowned percussionist born in Pernambuco who is one of the nine-time Grammy Award winners and bridged the sound of Afro-Brazilian roots to international music. This production is being created by Patricia Palumbo and Alessandra Dorgan, the same team behind “Luiz Melodia – Heart of Brazil.
Rogerio Duprat: The Conductor (Beyond) Tropicalia,” (Rogerio Duprat, The Maestro (Ahead of) Tropicália, Bravia Productions)
or
“Rogério Duprat: The Mastermind Behind Tropicalia,” (Rogério Duprat, O Mestre por Trás da Tropicália, Bravia Produções)
or
“Rogerio Duprat: Tropicália’s Maestro,” (Rogerio Duprat, O Maestro da Tropicália, Bravia Productions)
A portrayal showcasing the influential figure, Duprat, whose sonic landscapes played a crucial role in fostering the Tropicália movement; this is affirmed by testimonies from Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, and David Byrne, emphasizing his enduring impact.
“Tomorrow, Under the Sun,” (“Amanha, No Sol,” Coopas)
As a film critic, let me share my thoughts on this captivating documentary that delves into the life and art of Alair Gomes, a trailblazing figure in Brazil’s queer art scene who passed away in 1992. The film, titled “Symphony of Erotic Icons: A Journey with Alair Gomes,” explores his iconic work that showcased the beauty of young male nude bodies, subtly varied in each piece.
The documentary takes us on a journey through the vibrant landscapes of Rio de Janeiro, visiting the bustling Carnaval and the picturesque beaches of Ipanema. It seeks to uncover the story behind one of Gomes’ models while providing an intimate look at his artistic methods, evolution, and the darker chapters of his life, including his untimely death.
Produced by Coopas, the team behind the Internation Emmy Award-nominated “De Volta,” this film promises to be a compelling exploration of Gomes’ life, art, and the societal context that shaped him as an artist.
Reality TV Shows
“Animals in Disaster,” (“Animais em Desastre, Frontera Filmes)
A thrilling series centered around a team of volunteers from GRAD – the Animal Rescue Group in Emergency Situations – who risk their lives to rescue animals, wildlife, and humans in perilous conditions such as floods, wildfires, and collapses.
“Are You Joking?” (Que Palhaçada É Essa”?, bigBonsai)
To escape the monotony and overly connected lifestyle for his family, circus-loving father André Carvalho chooses to embark on an exciting voyage through the captivating realm of the circus world. This series is a spin-off from the hit show “Que Palhaçada é Essa?”, which aired for two seasons in collaboration with HBO. The production is overseen by Deborah Osborn and Camila Machado’s bigBonsai (“The Book of Delights”), and it is marketed as a comical adventure docuseries.
“The Crime Game,” (“Crime em jogo,”Thais Costa Comunicaçao)
In a competition-style reality show, seven novice detectives are pitted against the clock as they work to unravel reenacted real-life murder mysteries, using only restricted resources. They question actors portraying family members, suspects, and witnesses, examine physical evidence, and scrutinize forensic findings. The producers find this format has great potential for franchising internationally by adapting historical crimes and unique cultural aspects.
“The Hustle Factor,” (“Um Leão Por Dia,” Baleial)
In this reality show, spanning ten episodes, eight entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities will vie for financial assistance to advance their own ventures, receiving guidance from mentors along the way. The confirmed mentors include Diogo Roberte, founder of PicPay – a major player in Brazil’s fintech industry. This innovative program is brought to you by Felipe Berlinck, a former writer for Cartoon Network and creative director at O2 Filmes.
More to come….
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2025-05-27 13:49