A documentary exploration of immigration, identity, and belonging in Brazil's countryside Directed, filmed, produced, and written as a final project for my undergraduate degree in Journalism and Communications, this work represents both a professional milestone and a deeply personal exploration of belonging, identity, and the stories that often go untold in Brazil's interior.
In the heart of Minas Gerais, the university town of Viçosa serves as an unexpected crossroads for immigrants seeking education and new beginnings. This documentary captures the complex realities of international students navigating life in Brazil's interior, revealing how race, gender, and nationality intersect to create vastly different experiences within the same small community.
Through intimate conversations and candid moments, the film follows women from Haiti and Gabon alongside men from the Netherlands and Colombia, uncovering the subtle and overt ways their treatment differs within university circles and the broader community. What emerges is a nuanced portrait of modern Brazil—a country grappling with its own identity whilst welcoming others seeking theirs.
The documentary weaves together moments of profound vulnerability with unexpected joy and humor, creating a tapestry that honors both the struggles and resilience of its subjects. From quiet conversations in shared apartments to vibrant gatherings that bridge cultural divides, the film captures the full spectrum of the immigrant experience in contemporary Brazil.