Feature film starring Mônica Carvalho, Cat Dantas and Humberto Martins receives a standing ovation at the 30th Inffinito Brazilian Film Festival
Even before its official release in Brazil, “Deixe-me Viver” is already beginning to build an international journey. Following its appearance at the Marché du Film in Cannes in May, the feature film directed by Walther Neto arrived in Miami Beach on the evening of September 7 for its world premiere at the 30th Inffinito Brazilian Film Festival, one of the most important and longest-running festivals dedicated to Brazilian cinema abroad.
Held at O Cinema South Beach, the Panorama section screening was sold out and ended with a standing ovation from the audience. The team present witnessed the warm reception to the story of Júlia and Andrea, portrayed by Cat Dantas and Mônica Carvalho, in a night that marked the production’s first major encounter with a North American audience.
For Mônica Carvalho, who not only plays Andrea but also co-wrote the screenplay and serves as a producer on the film, the moment represents a particularly meaningful achievement in her career in cinema.
“Seeing this film arrive in Miami, cross borders and connect with such a receptive audience is an emotion that is difficult to put into words. ‘Deixe-me Viver’ was born from a story that deeply moved us and speaks about choices, love, dignity and the value of time. As an actress, screenwriter and producer, experiencing this moment so far from home and realizing that the story can also find a place in the hearts of people from other cultures is an immense joy. It is confirmation that Brazilian cinema can indeed cross borders when there is truth in what we tell,” says Mônica Carvalho.
On screen, Mônica plays Andrea, Júlia’s mother, whose 14-year-old daughter has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. After learning that she will remain hospitalized until the end of her life, Júlia asks her mother to stop the treatment and escape from the hospital with her. From that point on, mother and daughter embark on a journey that explores issues such as orthothanasia, faith, guilt, love, difficult choices and human dignity.
The screenplay was written by Michele Muniz, Mônica Carvalho and Marcelo Corrêa. The production brings together Yva Filmes, WN Produções, PRH-9 Produções and Krystal Films. Mônica serves as producer through Yva Filmes, alongside director Walther Neto and the other professionals involved in the project.
A Special Night for Brazilian Cinema in Miami
The world premiere took place as part of the Inffinito Brazilian Film Festival, which celebrates three decades of bringing Brazilian cinema to audiences around the world.
Founded in 1996 by Adriana L. Dutra, Cláudia Dutra and Viviane B. Spinelli, the festival has established itself as an important bridge between Brazilian cinema and the international market, with editions and initiatives in cities including Miami, New York, London, Vancouver, Rome, Madrid, Barcelona, Bogotá, Buenos Aires and Shanghai.
For its 30th-anniversary edition, which features more than 70 Brazilian productions and pays tribute to Glória Pires, the festival’s programming is curated exclusively by women, bringing together prominent names from Brazilian cinema and the audiovisual industry.
The curatorial team is led by Carla Camurati and Letícia Lima, alongside Camila Morgado, Renata Almeida Magalhães, Liliana Kawase, Laura Fernandes and Adriana L. Dutra.
Carla Camurati, one of the key figures of the Brazilian Cinema Renaissance known as the “Retomada,” also oversees the curation and international premiere of the documentary “Raízes do Sagrado Feminino.” Letícia Lima, an actress, comedian and director also known for her work with Porta dos Fundos, is part of the team responsible for selecting the festival’s program.
It was within this curatorial vision that “Deixe-me Viver” found its place in the Panorama section, alongside productions such as “Pequenas Criaturas,” “Muito Prazer,” directed by Jorge Furtado, and “Gonzaguinha — Da Maior Liberdade,” directed by Susanna Lira.
Cast and Crew Attend the Premiere
In addition to Mônica Carvalho and director Walther Neto, several key members of the cast and production team attended the screening: Cat Dantas, who plays Júlia; Laura Proença, as Alana; Fernanda Arraes, as Eleonora; and Swara Sampaio, as Dr. Veronezzi.
Also attending were co-producer Rodrigo Salomon of PRH-9 Produções and executive producer Carolina Brasil of Krystal Films.
The screening was followed by a conversation with the audience, extending the film experience beyond the screen. The audience’s reaction, marked by emotion and applause, brought a particularly significant evening for Brazilian cinema in Miami to a close.
Filmed in Trancoso, Campinas, Presidente Prudente and São Paulo, “Deixe-me Viver” now continues its international journey. Following Cannes and Miami, the film is preparing to meet Brazilian audiences, with its national premiere scheduled for October 31 in Trancoso, Bahia.
The film’s international journey is all the more significant because it is taking place before its release in its home country. From Cannes to Miami, “Deixe-me Viver” is beginning to connect with audiences from different backgrounds, demonstrating the ability of Brazilian cinema to carry national stories beyond the country’s borders.
The 30th Inffinito Brazilian Film Festival continues through September 12 with its in-person program, held at different venues across Miami. It will subsequently offer a free worldwide showcase on the Inffinito.Plus platform from September 13 through 30.
For Mônica Carvalho, who is following this journey in several capacities, as an actress, screenwriter and producer, the reception in Miami represents much more than an international premiere.
It is the audience’s first response to a story that was born in Brazil, traveled to Cannes and is now beginning to find its place beyond the country’s borders.
Photo credits: Creative Currency
