In addition to the boldness, or "guerrilla" as they like to say, of having made the documentary "Dzi Croquetes", the film's directors, Tatiana Issa and Raphael Alvarez, take another step and launch a campaign to take the film to the Oscars.
However, this task is arduous and depends on the help of people and admirers of the film, which tells the story of the theater group "Dzi Croquettes", which subverted Brazilian culture during the dictatorship. Issa and Alvarez intend to raise funds so that the film can be shown for a week in New York and another week in Los Angeles, a mandatory criterion for anyone who wants to submit a film/documentary to the Oscars.
The campaign works online and directors need a total of $23. However, if the total is not achieved, the donated amount will not be debited from the person's account. We work with a donation intention that is registered on the website. To help with the campaign, click here
The documentary "Dzi Croquettes" began being shown in 2009 during festivals. At this time, it won the award for "Best Documentary at the Rio Festival" by the event's Popular and Official Jury. Since then, the film has won more than ten awards around the world.
The film is emotional as it tells the story of the tetra/musical group Dzi Croquettes. The group was made up of 13 men who, covered in pure androgyny, created their own language and theatrical style, which still influences today.
Liza Mineli, Beth Faria, Miguel Falabela, Pedro Cardoso and members of the group still give tear-jerking testimonies. The documentary is great not only for rescuing a part of Brazil's history that had been half forgotten, but for showing that, in times of fascist laws, such as the creation of Heterosexual Pride Day, we live in times that seem to be more obscurantist than the experienced by the group. Even with censorship and freedom vilified, they dared, transgressed and marked an era.
From New York, Tatiana Issa and Raphael Alvarez spoke to the The Cape. In the exclusive interview below, they explain how the campaign works and their desire to become the first documentary to reach the Oscars via social media.
How much do you need to show the film for a week in New York?
Tatiana Issa: For the documentary to be eligible to compete for an Oscar, it needs to be shown for a week in New York and a week in Los Angeles. This is customary. The total comes to 23 thousand dollars.
Rafael Alvarez: This is the money to show, then we have to carry out the second part, which is to campaign together with the Oscar members and also get people to comment on the film. Lobbying is necessary. Sometimes they have documentaries with big companies behind them. But timing can also help.
What about the donation?
Tatiana: We're hoping everyone can help. And we want to make it very clear that 10, 20, money for a snack will help us.
Raphel: I think it's cool to say that the website link is an intention to donate, the amount donated is recorded.
Tatiana: We have until August 24th, let's suppose we get 22 thousand, that money won't come to us. It will only be debited if we reach the stipulated amount.
Assuming the film wins the nomination, do you believe in its victory?
Tatiana: Look, logically, no. But I believe that anything is possible.
Raphel: Three years ago I would have said no, but today I think there is a possibility. There has already been an independent documentary that won.
Tatiana: We believe in the possibility. I say this because of the reaction that the film caused in different cultures and different countries. At Moma (New York's Museum of Modern Art), people were moved and applauded the film. And they are all North Americans. So that's a good thermometer. Other examples: the film was successful in Spain, Italy and even in countries outside the West.
And why does the film move so much?
Tatiana: Despite telling the story of 13 men who made art, the topics covered are universal, which is why it touches different cultures. Other than that, we have to play our cards and try.
A nomination would already be a big victory, wouldn’t it?
Tatiana and Raphael: Wow, how would it be!
If Liza Minelli enters the field it will help a lot, right?
Tatiana: Absolutely, as it can attract other people. In the documentary she was very emotional. Now we are organizing a session for her and we believe she can help us with the campaign.
How much have you achieved so far?
Tatiana: 4 thousand. (at the end of this report, the value was already at $7 thousand).
Do you want to leave a message?
Tatiana: I want to say again that any help for us is very welcome.
Raphel: If we succeed, we will be the first documentary to compete for the Oscar based on a collective campaign on social media. This is fantastic.
Tatiana: I also want to thank the people who have left messages for their kindness. However, there are many people thinking that we are already nominated and we are not. We need everyone's help so that we can create more of this trail in Brazilian cinema. It's been two years of joy and awards with this documentary, which was made with a lot of willpower and without a lot of money.
