Debora Falabella attends pre-screening of Aruanas in London
19-06-2019
Series premiers on July 2 in more than 150 countries
‘Aruanas’ made its world premiere at the traditional Electric Cinema in Notting Hill, London, this Tuesday afternoon, June 18. More than 100 audience members attended the pre-launch event, among journalists, digital influencers, activists and supporters of important international NGOs. The special screening was followed by a discussion panel made up by representatives of Greenpeace, Amnesty International and UN Environment. The series, which sheds light on the importance of the work of environmental activists in the fight for a more equitable and sustainable world, has a cast of Brazilian household names like Taís Araújo (‘Shades of Sin’), Leandra Leal (‘Empire’), Camila Pitanga (‘Side by Side’), Thainá Duarte (‘If I close my eyes now’) and Debora Falabella (‘Brazil Avenue’).
“As an actress I feel much more fulfilled after shooting this series. We have been dramatically transformed by being a part of this beautiful and powerful project. It is an extraordinary opportunity to engage audiences in environmental issues through the stories of these women, the Aruana activists,” said actress Debora Falabella, who attended the premier in London.
In Brazil, the series will be made available on Globo’s streaming platform, Globoplay, on July 2, exclusively to its subscribers. Internationally, ‘Aruanas’ will be launched in more than 150 countries, with subtitles in eleven different languages, on the Aruanas.tv platform, in an unprecedented global distribution strategy by Globo and Maria Farinha, co-producers of the project.
“Environmental issues have been discussed for a long time all over the world. One of the great assets of the series is to be able to connect people from around the world to better address such important concerns. We want to touch people’s hearts with quality entertainment,” says Sergio Valente, Director of Communications at Globo.
Estela Renner, who wrote the series in collaboration with Marcos Nisti and also directed the environmental thriller, agrees that the theme, capable of stirring emotions and tugging at heartstrings, has the potential to reach audiences around the globe. “The lead characters of ‘Aruanas’ are at the same time brave and competent activists, but also women with complex and universal problems, which many people will be able to identify themselves with, irrespective of where they are,” believes the director.
‘Aruanas’ has the support of approximately 28 international NGOs and also relied on the invaluable partnership with Greenpeace during the production of the series. “I am very grateful for the possibility of a fruitful dialogue between Greenpeace and Maria Farinha during the whole process. I have been working with Amazonian rainforest issues for twenty years and I would say that what stokes and motivates activist the most is righteous indignation. The series makes us reflect about the role we play in this scenario and what our share of responsibility in the perpetuation of this reality is,” says Nilo D’Avila of Greenpeace Brazil.
Invited to the event, filmmaker Bruce Parry, who has already produced a documentary about the Amazonian rainforest, became emotional during the screening. “I was deeply moved with what I saw because it raises profound awareness of what is truly going on down there. Fiction has a mighty power to go straight to the point.”
‘Aruanas’ goes beyond the realm of suspense and action by bringing to the plot reflections on the work of activists, who leave the house every day with the nagging uncertainty of whether they will come back home at all.
“We receive at least one plea for help every week, from different parts of the world. The series portrays aspects of the work carried out by activists, such as the monitoring of environmental legislation and journalistic coverage of related subjects, which has been dwindling recently due to the safety of journalists,” says Niamh Brannigan, of UN Environment.
“Activists are not superheroes. They are ordinary people like you and me. What is most interesting in this project is the possibility of taking the theme of such an important discussion to a broader audience,” believes Guadalupe Marengo of Amnesty International.
Under the artistic direction of Carlos Manga Jr. and general direction of Estela Renner, 'Aruanas' is written by Marcos Nisti and Estela Renner, with Pedro Barros.
About Globo
Being one of the world’s leading communications company requires great creativity, professionalism and investment in quality and innovation. Globo produces close to 3,000 annual hours of drama and entertainment, as well as over 3,000 hours of journalism. Programs, series and interviews with a high standard of quality that have received over 90 nominations in the International Emmy Awards and won 17 awards. The company has also had its works screened in renowned international festivals such as the Berlinale (Germany), Series Maria (France) and TIFF (Canada). Currently, the network covers 98.6% of Brazilian territory, reaching 99.5% of the population 122 affiliated broadcasting stations throughout the country. More than 90% of the network's programming is produced in-house, making Globo the country's largest job provider for artists, writers, journalists and producers. For more information: ttps://screening.globo.com/about.
About Maria Farinha Films
In its 10-years of existence, Maria Farinha Films has created series and films, such as “The Beginning of Life,” that advance social-environmental agendas. It is the first B Corp film production company in Latin America. mff.com.br