Belisario Franca, a renowned filmmaker, was born in the tumultuous 1960s in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during a period of intense social and political upheaval under a military dictatorship.
Growing up under the heavy hand of government control, Franca developed a strong desire to showcase the unvarnished reality of life as experienced by the people, untainted by the influence of power or ideology. He aimed to create a platform for real people to share their stories, often tales of struggle and resilience, and the fight to transform their circumstances.
Since 1980, Franca has produced numerous feature documentaries and documentary series, earning widespread recognition and accolades. One of his most notable works, "Beyond the Sea", won the "Best Documentary Series" award from the International Documentary Association in 1999. This powerful film explores the lasting impact of Portuguese colonization on over 11 countries worldwide.
In "Xavante Strategy", Franca tells the poignant story of eight Native American Brazilians from the Xavantes tribe who were sent to urban centers to learn European culture and return to their tribe to preserve their ancient traditions. This thought-provoking film delves into the human struggle to maintain cultural identity in the face of adversity.
"Eternal Amazon", released in 2012, is the most extensive documentary ever created about sustainable economy in the Amazon Region. This epic film ventures into the most remote areas of the world's largest tropical forest to highlight the tireless efforts of individuals fighting to maintain the delicate balance between humanity and the environment. "Eternal Amazon" was screened at over 27 film festivals globally, including The Green Screens Film Society of Lincoln Center, Brooklyn Film Festival, and the Environmental International Film Festival in Paris.
Franca's most recent film, "Boy 23 - The Forgotten Boys of Brazil", is a powerful exposé that follows an historian's investigation into the discovery of bricks bearing the Nazi swastika in a small Brazilian town. This gripping documentary uncovers the heart-wrenching story of 50 adopted Black boys who were victims of a Nazi-sympathizing Brazilian elite's eugenics project. Two living survivors share their harrowing tales, shedding light on the far-reaching consequences of this dark chapter in Brazil's history, with implications extending into the present and future. "Boy 23 - The Forgotten Boys of Brazil" enjoyed a 23-week theatrical run in Brazil.
