Short film ‘Verdade ou Desafio’ selected for major Brazilian festivals

The short film ‘Verdade ou Desafio’, directed by Breno Ferreira and produced by Dom 21 Filmes, has been selected for two major Brazilian children's film festivals: the 23rd Festival Internacional de Cinema Infantil (FICI) and the 25th Mostra de Cinema Infantil de Florianópolis.

Filmed on the streets and in classrooms of São Luís, Maranhão, the production highlights local culture and the Maranhense accent. The story follows a young girl named Manu, played by 13-year-old Marcella Maria, who faces a dilemma between telling the truth or keeping a secret regarding her desire for a birthday party and a technological toy.

Ferreira noted that the project was inspired by his personal interactions with his daughter, Manoela Valentina. During production, the director utilized an open methodology, allowing the child cast to influence scenes and incorporate their own games and behaviors into the film.