Behind the making of the Brazilian short film “America”

Concerning the production of the short film by Luca Castellani and Aly Muritiba Americaart truly imitates life. The story follows Tom, a Brazilian immigrant trying to make his way in the United States, as he meets and falls in love with a writer looking for his next big story. It began from conversations Muritiba had with Castellani, in which the actor spoke to the writer-director about his own journey to leave Brazil for the United States and attempt to obtain citizenship, and later took shape when the Trump administration’s policies began to threaten the safety of immigrants in America.

“It happened very sincerely, after Ali and I met and she asked me what kind of story I would like to tell the world,” Castellani said in a recent interview. The pioneers of THR event at Bungalows San Vicente. They began filming the project this spring, just before ICE raids exploded across the country. “Things got really crazy against immigrants and Ali had the idea for me to go to a protest and film some action scenes,” adds Castellani. “The protests in Los Angeles were a little violent and I didn’t feel entirely safe, so we had to go to Chicago.”

Castellani served as both actor and producer and used his own money to finance the film. “I started modeling [at 17] and I saved my whole life to become an actor,” he said. “That’s what I used to make this movie, and I felt like I had a seat at the table and created an opportunity for myself. This character gave me a gift, to allow me to look at the journey I have taken and to give myself credit.

Muritiba added that he wrote this film to give a voice to all immigrants. “I was trying to create a story about tolerance, about love and the importance of looking out for each other,” he said. “I wrote scenes that would show the audience that this guy is just like you, he has fears and dreams and feelings.”

Watch the full panel discussion above to learn more about America. This edition of The pioneers of THR is sponsored by Aspen Studios and Cinesthesia Factory.