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Acclaimed Brazilian TV actor stars in Joaçaba film

Scheduled to be shot in November, the film is a co-production of VMS, Biruta Arte e Filmes and Pupilo TV 

Scheduled to start shooting in November, the short film entitled “A César o que é de César” (Render Unto Caesar) promises to offer an authentic portrait of peasant culture in the Midwest region of Santa Catarina. The plot, set in the world of family farming, explores the challenges faced by César and Maria as they confront social, political, economic and technological transformations.

The cast of this production is a true constellation of talent and experience. Jorge Zamoner, a Joaçaba cultural producer and carnival designer, known for his contributions to Grupo TEJO – Teatro de Joaçaba, which celebrates 50 years, and for his participation in productions such as “PSW: Uma Crônica Subversiva” from 1987, is one of the highlights. Berna Sant’anna, a Santa Catarina actress with almost half a century of theater experience and film forays since the 2000s, will play the role of Maria. Conrado Augusto Momoli plays Zico, the farm worker who helps Augusto and César with rural tasks; he holds a Law degree from URI and has experience as an announcer at Rádio Rural and 96 FM in Maximiliano de Almeida/RS. And in the leading role, we will have none other than Marcos Oliveira, the iconic Beiçola from the series “A Grande Família”, celebrating a career spanning more than five decades.

Marcos Oliveira takes on the role of César, a 60-year-old farmer who decides to retire and pursue the fulfillment of his desires, facing prejudice from colleagues and challenges in his marriage. The story addresses the balance between the search for authenticity and social expectations.

This production represents a collaboration between VMS Produções, active in the region’s audiovisual market for 36 years, and Pupilo TV and Biruta Arte Filmes. Direction is by Marcos Oliveira, of Biruta Arte e Filmes, with experience in journalism, advertising and cinema since 2008. The screenplay is by Felipe Ferreira de Jesus, a psychologist and screenwriter who has taken part in BRLab, an annual market, audiovisual training and laboratory event for films in development.

The success of a film production is often the result of the hard work and dedication of a talented and committed technical crew. In the case of this short film, it is no different. In addition to the renowned cast, the production counts on the valuable contribution of talented local artists who play crucial roles behind the scenes. Leticia Oliveira, with her expertise in production design, is responsible for creating the visual environment that will bring the story to life. Carlos Eduardo Carvalho contributes with the film’s cinematography and camera. Production is coordinated by Rudolfo Auffinger and Vilmar Sartori, dedicated professionals who ensure that all logistical and technical aspects are in perfect harmony. Elisabeth Auffinger also plays a fundamental role, ensuring that details are meticulously taken care of, resulting in a high-quality production. These local artists, with their commitment and talent, further enrich the crew and promise to make this short film a work of distinction and relevance.

Shooting will take place in November in the cities of Joaçaba and Herval d’Oeste, with the film expected to premiere in 2024 and tour national and international art film festivals. The production is funded by the 2022 Santa Catarina Film Award, through the Santa Catarina Cultural Foundation (FCC) and the Government of the State of Santa Catarina.

To follow the film’s development, the making of and more details, visit the project’s official page on Instagram.