Recently, the New York Film Academy South Beach hosted a number of filmmaking workshops as part of the 20th Brazilian Film Festival of Miami. The 20th BRAFF kicked off on Sept. 17 with the US premiere of “Enchanted” (2014) — Tizuka Yamasaki’s love story centered in the mythical world of the Caruanas — at New World Symphony – SoundScape Park.
The festival continued from Sept. 17 to the 20 at Miami Beach Cinematheque with two programs: Special Documentaries and the Brazilian Female Film Directors’ Screenings, the latter with a focus on women’s achievements in the audiovisual generating debates on women equality in contemporary society.
The Competitive screenings were hosted by the art deco-style Colony Theatre from Sept. 21 to 24. Films in competition represented a diverse panorama of the latest Brazilian productions.
The two day BRAFF MarketPlace event, which took place Sept. 19 and Sept. 22 at NYFA South Beach, included the following workshops:
Welcome Remarks
- Sandy Lighterman, – Film Commissioner – Miami-Dade Office of Film & Entertainment
- Adriana Dutra – Founder & Director – Inffinito Festival Circuit & Brazilian Film Festival of Miami
RioFilme, Rio’s Audiovisual Content Promotion and Investment Agency
By Claudia Pedrozo – President – RioFilme
An overview of the mission, objectives and operations of RioFilme’s investment lines, co-production and co-distribution operations and training programs.
RioFilme & Film Commission Int’l Film Project Partnership Platform
By Steve Solot – President – Rio Film Commission
Solot introduced the International Film Project Partnership Platform, where filmmakers are able to get involved with a co-production with Rio Film, which is located in Brazil.
This new and unique initiative aims to generate visibility and provide a contact interface between producers of the city and state of Rio de Janeiro and international actors to perform feature film projects, whether co-production, investment, marketing, agency sales or any other form of international partnership.
“I loved the opportunity to get involved with the industry, said NYFA SB BFA Acting for Film student, Manuel Zota. “I was able to talk about my family production company, and hopefully we will be able to do something.”
Music and Cinema: The Sound as language
By Mo. Rodrigo Toffolo – Orchestra Ouro Preto
Toffolo characterized the sound as acoustic phenomenon, understanding the transformation of its comprehension as a form of art until it gets to the movie theaters. An approach to sound as language.
Book Launch & Cocktail reception
“The Expanding Brazilian Film, Television and Digital Industry”
By Steve Solot – President – Rio Film Commission
Filmmaker Walter Carvalho – Screening & Debate
The event began with a screening of legendary cinematographer and director Walter Carvalho’s latest film followed by a casual filmmaking debate. After showing his work, “Keep the ridgeline, not the fainting plains,” Carvalho opened to a Q&A that transformed into a masterclass where students were able to get some insight from the legendary filmmaker.
“I really liked the talk with Walter,” said BFA Filmmaking student, Ester Meyer Nunes. “He was able to show me so much in so little time.”
“Filmmaker Success Strategies: How to Increase Visibility and Financial Success for your Next Film”
By Joanne Butcher – Independent Producer
Students were given the opportunity to learn insider secrets of the film business — how to translate your creative filmmaking skills to rock your marketing and overcome internal blocks to financial and critical success.
Butcher provided tips on how to improve your chances of success as a filmmaker, discussing a lot about the financial aspect of it. Students were also offered the chance to network with the indie-producer as well.