By admin 
The 54th Gramado Film Festival, a cornerstone of Brazilian cinema, concluded its vibrant celebration of filmmaking on August 22nd with the prestigious Kikito award for Best Feature Film bestowed upon Grace Passó’s directorial debut, "Our Secret" (Nosso Segredo). This powerful narrative, which also garnered accolades for its exceptional cinematography by Wilssa Esser and art direction by Lucas Osório, captivated the festival jury and audiences alike. Passó, an established figure in the Brazilian theatre scene as both a playwright and actress, has now made a significant mark on the cinematic landscape with this deeply resonant story.
"Our Secret" delves into the delicate and often fraught process of healing within a Black family grappling with profound loss. As the family members attempt to navigate their grief by outwardly maintaining their routines, the youngest son harbors a secret that holds the potential to unearth the buried pain and guide them toward genuine reconciliation. The film’s sensitive exploration of familial bonds, unspoken emotions, and the cathartic power of confronting trauma has been lauded for its authenticity and emotional depth. The narrative’s ability to weave a tale of resilience and hope amidst sorrow positions it as a significant contribution to contemporary Brazilian cinema, offering a nuanced portrayal of Black family life and the universal human experience of mourning.
The theatrical release of "Our Secret" is slated for August 27th, distributed by Vitrine Filmes, a company renowned for its commitment to showcasing impactful Brazilian cinema, including Kleber Mendonça Filho’s acclaimed "Aquarius" and "Bacurau." This distribution partnership signals a strong belief in the film’s artistic merit and its potential to connect with a wider audience, further solidifying Passó’s emerging prominence as a filmmaker. The film’s success at Gramado, particularly its recognition in technical categories like cinematography and art direction, highlights its sophisticated craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, promising a visually and emotionally rich cinematic experience for viewers.
The festival also celebrated the heartwarming "Gugu’s World" (Feito Pipa), directed by Allan Deberton. This film resonated strongly with attendees, earning the coveted Audience Award, alongside the Kikito for Best Director for Deberton himself. The film’s lead, Teca Pereira, was honored with the Best Actress award, and Lázaro Ramos, a prominent figure in Brazilian film and television, received the Best Supporting Actor Kikito for his role. "Gugu’s World" is a testament to the power of personal storytelling and its ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level, as evidenced by its dual recognition from both the jury and the general public. The film’s themes, while not explicitly detailed in the provided text, likely touch upon universal human experiences that have earned it widespread appeal, demonstrating the festival’s commitment to celebrating diverse cinematic voices.
Carlos Segundo’s thought-provoking "Milk Powder" (Leite em Pó) was another significant contender, securing the Critics’ Jury Award for Best Brazilian Feature Film. The film’s intellectual rigor was further acknowledged with awards for its screenplay, penned by Segundo and Rafael Copel, and for its intricate sound design, crafted by Waldir Xavier. "Milk Powder" represents a more experimental or critically inclined facet of Brazilian filmmaking, indicating the festival’s dedication to showcasing a broad spectrum of cinematic styles and thematic explorations. The critical acclaim for its screenplay suggests a narrative that is both intellectually stimulating and expertly constructed, while the sound design award points to an immersive and meticulously crafted auditory experience.
The acting categories saw a shared Best Actor award, with José Loreto recognized for his performance in "Chorão: Só os Loucos Sabem" and Christian Malheiros for his role in "Justino: Nos Bastidores do Reino." This dual recognition underscores the high caliber of performances presented at this year’s festival. Naruna Costa took home the Best Supporting Actress Kikito for her compelling work in "Pele de Rinoceronte." The jury also extended honorable mentions to two young talents: 11-year-old Yuri Gomes for his contribution to "Gugu’s World" and Onna Silva for her performance in "Justino: Nos Bastidores do Reino," highlighting the festival’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent.
Further recognizing the technical prowess on display, André Finotti and José Eduardo Belmonte were awarded the Best Editing Kikito for their work on "Justino: Nos Bastidores do Reino." The original score for "Chorão: Só os Loucos Sabem" by Otávio de Moraes was celebrated with the Best Original Score award, demonstrating the vital role music plays in shaping cinematic narratives.
In the documentary realm, Susanna Lira’s "Gonzaguinha, da Maior Liberdade" was honored with the Best Documentary Feature Kikito, while "Empeleitada" received an honorable mention in the same category. These awards underscore the festival’s commitment to supporting non-fiction storytelling and its capacity to illuminate important social and cultural narratives. Documentaries often provide crucial insights into the human condition and societal issues, and their recognition at Gramado highlights the festival’s role in promoting diverse forms of cinematic expression.
The esteemed jury for the main competition comprised a distinguished panel of industry professionals: actress Cris Vianna, director and screenwriter Fábio Meira, actress Helena Ranaldi, researcher, film critic, and curator Kênia Freitas, and actor Marcelo Serrado. Their collective expertise ensured a thorough and insightful evaluation of the submitted films. The critics’ jury, responsible for the Critics’ Jury Award for Best Film, was equally impressive, featuring journalist and doc filmmaker Flavia Guerra, journalist and professor Pamela Eurídice, doc filmmaker and critic Rafael Valles, journalist and director Simone Zuccolotto, and researcher and critic Victor Souza. This dual jury structure reflects the festival’s dedication to both popular appeal and critical discernment, providing a comprehensive assessment of the cinematic landscape.
Beyond the competitive awards, the Gramado Film Festival also paid tribute to significant figures in Brazilian cinema. Actor Marcos Caruso was presented with the Troféu Cidade de Gramado, recognizing his extensive contributions to the industry. Producer Renata Almeida Magalhães received the Troféu Eduardo Abelin, acknowledging her impact on film production. Actors Selton Mello and Maria Fernanda Cândido were honored with the Troféu Kikito de Cristal, celebrating their stellar careers, and Andrea Beltrão accepted the Troféu Oscarito, a prestigious award for comedic performance. These honorary awards underscore the festival’s role not only as a platform for new talent and films but also as a vital institution for celebrating the rich history and enduring legacy of Brazilian cinema.
The comprehensive list of winners at the 54th Gramado Film Festival includes:
Best Film: "Our Secret," by Grace Passó
Best Documentary Feature: "Gonzaguinha, da Maior Liberdade," by Susanna Lira
Documentary Honorable Mention: "Empeleitada"
Audience Award for Best Film: "Gugu’s World," by Allan Deberton
Critics’ Jury Award for Best Film: "Milk Powder" (Leite em Pó) by Carlos Segundo
Best Director: Allan Deberton for "Gugu’s World"
Best Actress: Teca Pereira for "Gugu’s World"
Best Actor: José Loreto for "Chorão: Só os Loucos Sabem" and Christian Malheiros for "Justino: Nos Bastidores do Reino"
Honorable Mention (Actor): Yuri Gomes for "Gugu’s World"
Honorable Mention (Actress): Onna Silva for "Justino: Nos Bastidores do Reino"
Best Screenplay: Carlos Segundo and Rafael Copel for "Milk Powder"
Best Cinematography: Wilssa Esser for "Our Secret"
Best Supporting Actor: Lázaro Ramos for "Gugu’s World"
Best Supporting Actress: Naruna Costa for "Pele de Rinoceronte"
Best Sound Design: Waldir Xavier for "Milk Powder"
Best Original Score: Otávio de Moraes for "Chorão: Só os Loucos Sabem"
Best Art Direction: Lucas Osório for "Our Secret"
Best Editing: André Finotti and José Eduardo Belmonte for "Justino: Nos Bastidores do Reino"
The 54th Gramado Film Festival has once again affirmed its position as a vital showcase for Brazilian cinema, celebrating a diverse array of films that explore pressing social issues, intimate human stories, and innovative cinematic artistry. The success of "Our Secret" and the recognition of its talented cast and crew signal a promising future for Grace Passó and the ongoing evolution of Brazilian filmmaking. The festival’s continued dedication to honoring both established legends and emerging voices ensures its enduring relevance and its crucial role in shaping the cultural landscape of Brazil.
