“O que é de César” holds free premiere in Joaçaba on May 21
Co-produced by VMS Produções, Biruta Arte e Filmes and Pupilo TV, the short filmed in Joaçaba and Herval d’Oeste in November 2023 gets a free premiere on May 21, 2025 at Teatro Alfredo Sigwalt, with director Marcos José and actress Berna Sant’Anna present
Filmed entirely in the mid-west of Santa Catarina during November 2023, the short film “O que é de César” reaches the public in a single free screening on May 21, 2025, at 7:30 p.m., at Teatro Alfredo Sigwalt in Joaçaba. Directed by Marcos José, the film follows César, a sixty-year-old farmer played by Marcos Oliveira, who decides to retire and live his identity as a cross-dresser. The plot explores the conflicts that arise when he and his wife Maria — played by the experienced Berna Sant’Anna — confront social expectations and the changes sweeping across the Santa Catarina countryside. The story springs from a screenplay by Felipe Ferreira de Jesus, a screenwriter selected at BRLab, and portrays identity, affection and freedom in a rural context in transformation.
The cast also includes Jorge Zamoner, cultural producer and historic name of Grupo TEJO, as Augusto, and Conrado Augusto Momoli, radio host and actor, as the dedicated rural worker Zico. Together, the four performers bring authenticity to a story that celebrates the region’s peasant culture.
The production is the result of three Santa Catarina forces joining together: VMS Produções, with 36 years in regional audiovisual; Biruta Arte e Filmes, which since 2008 has produced cinema, advertising and television; and Pupilo TV, an educational streaming platform based in Joaçaba. Art direction is signed by Leticia Oliveira, while Carlos Eduardo Carvalho handles cinematography. Executive production is coordinated by Rudolfo Auffinger and Vilmar Sartori, with Elisabeth Auffinger handling the administrative details that ensure a smooth filming process. The project was funded by the 2022 Prêmio Catarinense de Cinema, granted by the Santa Catarina Culture Foundation and the State Government of Santa Catarina.
After the premiere, “O que é de César” heads to a circuit of national and international festivals throughout 2025 and 2026, bringing the power of Santa Catarina’s audiovisual to new audiences. The opening screening will feature an in-person discussion moderated by director Marcos José and actress Berna Sant’Anna, creating a moment of direct dialogue with viewers about inclusion, diversity and the challenges of filming in the countryside. To follow news, behind-the-scenes and set curiosities, just follow the profile @cesarofilme on Instagram.
- Event: Premiere of the film O que é de César
- Date: May 21, 2025 (Wednesday)
- Time: 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.)
- Venue: Teatro Alfredo Sigwalt – Av. XV de Novembro, 200, Joaçaba/SC
- Tickets: free – get them on Sympla https://www.sympla.com.br/evento/estreia-filme-o-que-e-de-cesar-em-joacaba/2903147
- Rating: 10 years
