Adriano Medeiros

This short documentary presents the singular movie theater of the historic city of Ouro Preto, in Brazil, the Cine Vila Rica. Throug the looks of five characters that represents different ages and different reasons for the existence of the movie room, the directors put on screen a sentimentalist view of cinema itself and of seeing yourself as a part of one special theater.

Supported by the Paulo Gustavo Law (LPG) for the promotion of art and culture, this documentary film explores the question of how the residents of Ouro Preto, beyond its Historic Center, connect with the city’s cultural and historical legacy. In this sense, the work amplifies the voices and perceptions of individuals and everyday lives that transcend the tourist axis, helping to unveil the subtle dynamics that shape identity and a sense of belonging in vibrant, yet not always visible, territories.

The story portrays a fragment of the life of the seventy-year-old Nicolau (Wilton Araújo). Living in an isolated highland rural area, he maintains a close and respectful relationship with nature. Despite having been abandoned by his son, who left in search of a different lifestyle in the city, Nicolau chooses to remain there. In contrast to that quiet landscape, his grandson Jonathan (Luan Ramos) comes to spend a few days with him, setting new movements and conflicts in motion. His presence brings to light the dichotomies between rural life and the urban world. As Jonathan reconnects with his childhood memories and his bond with nature, he gradually grows closer to his grandfather—until he finally reveals an important secret kept hidden for years.

The story portrays a fragment of the life of the seventy-year-old Nicolau (Wilton Araújo). Living in an isolated highland rural area, he maintains a close and respectful relationship with nature. Despite having been abandoned by his son, who left in search of a different lifestyle in the city, Nicolau chooses to remain there. In contrast to that quiet landscape, his grandson Jonathan (Luan Ramos) comes to spend a few days with him, setting new movements and conflicts in motion. His presence brings to light the dichotomies between rural life and the urban world. As Jonathan reconnects with his childhood memories and his bond with nature, he gradually grows closer to his grandfather—until he finally reveals an important secret kept hidden for years.