Creating a documentary with a rich and cohesive story requires a blend of curiosity during pre-production, flexibility during filming, and creativity in post-production, according to Brazilian filmmaker Celina Borges Torrealba Carpi. For her, the essence of documentary filmmaking lies in evoking deep emotions and creating an experience that resonates with viewers on multiple levels. Documentaries are not just about presenting facts; they are a form of storytelling with conflict, resolution, and narrative arcs that allow filmmakers to move, inform, and inspire their audiences.
Who is Celina Borges Torrealba Carpi?
Celina Borges Torrealba Carpi is a Brazilian filmmaker renowned for her work exploring themes of ancestry, memory, and identity formation. Over the years, she has gained recognition both in Brazil and internationally for her insightful documentaries that amplify marginalized voices and tackle crucial social issues. Celina believes that documentaries offer a unique space for ordinary people to share their personal stories and perspectives on topics that shape our society.
Her approach to filmmaking is rooted in her own life experiences. Celina’s projects often dive into the intricacies of human stories, uncovering connections between the past and present. Her work enriches Brazilian cinema while contributing to global conversations about the ways our histories shape who we are today.
6 Tips from Celina Torrealba for Finding a Documentary Story
Documentaries are a unique form of storytelling that merge art and reality, transforming everyday subjects into powerful narratives. Whether you’re focusing on a lesser-known individual or a widely recognized event, finding the right story is crucial. Here are Celina Borges Torrealba Carpi’s top tips to guide you in discovering a compelling story for your own documentary:
1. Find Your Theme
The theme and story of a documentary are crucial as they connect the audience to something beyond themselves, bringing emotional and intellectual engagement. However, it’s essential to distinguish between the theme and the story.
The theme serves as the foundation from which your narrative branches out. Celina suggests that themes can be found everywhere if you know where to look. For budding filmmakers, observing the world, drawing inspiration from other documentaries, art, or current events can spark ideas.
In her documentary “Cheiro de Vida,” Celina explored the life of her grandfather, Ernesto Torrealba. The film could have taken several directions—focusing on his career as a diplomat or his literary pursuits. Instead, Celina chose to center the narrative around his role as a father, using this personal lens to explore broader themes of identity and heritage. By focusing on the emotional core of her subject, she crafted a story that was not just informative but deeply resonant.
2. Embrace the Unpredictable
One of the unique aspects of documentary filmmaking is its unpredictability. It’s not uncommon for filmmakers to discover that their story evolves only during production or even later in the editing room. Unlike traditional scripted films, documentaries are fluid, and their form and content often take unexpected turns.
While it’s important to have a script or structure in mind, Celina highlights that flexibility can be beneficial. Sometimes, allowing the story to unfold organically during the process can lead to unexpected discoveries that enrich the film. However, this openness to change might require additional time and budget, as the story can expand beyond the initial vision.
3. Challenge Your Preconceptions
The story you’re looking for may be hidden behind your own biases. Celina advises documentary filmmakers to keep an open mind throughout the research process. Often, the complete form and content only reveals itself when you’re willing to explore perspectives that challenge your initial assumptions.
For instance, if your film covers a historical event, conducting deep research will help you shape its narrative arc. Yet, as you gather more information, you may find new angles that alter your original approach. Allowing yourself to be surprised by your findings can lead to a richer, more nuanced documentary.
4. Observe the World Around You
Keeping an eye on both global trends and local happenings can provide a wealth of inspiration for documentary topics. Events taking place in your own community or neighborhood may reveal powerful stories waiting to be told.
Celina’s latest project focuses on Squel Jorgea, the lead flag-bearer for the samba school Portela. By using the vibrant backdrop of Rio’s Carnaval, she’s exploring Afro-Brazilian heritage through Portela’s 2024 parade in the Sambadrome, which draws inspiration from Ana Maria Gonçalves’ book, “Um Defeito de Cor.” This project is a testament to how current events and cultural phenomena can be leveraged to tell stories with historical depth.
5. Question the Facts
To stand out as a documentarian, it’s essential not only to find a compelling story but also to rigorously investigate the facts surrounding it. The modern documentary landscape has shifted away from simply presenting a single perspective. Today’s documentaries embrace multiple viewpoints, enriching the narrative with open ended questions rather than definitive answers.
In her documentary “Art of Diplomacy,” co-produced with Zeca Brito and Sergio Carpi among other producer, it sheds light on a significant yet lesser-known historical episode: the donation of over 160 modernist paintings by Brazilian artists to the United Kingdom during World War II. This act of cultural diplomacy was not just about art; it was a symbolic gesture of Brazil’s stance against fascism. The film highlights how these artworks were used to foster international relationships and how art can be wielded as a form of resistance.
6. Gather Resources and Sources
Once you’ve chosen your theme, invest time in gathering resources that will enrich your story. Conducting thorough research and interviewing key figures related to your topic can reveal hidden layers that add depth to your documentary. Celina emphasizes the importance of casting a wide net in your research to uncover unique details that might transform your perspective.
For “Cheiro de Vida,” Celina looked into her family’s archives, examining letters, photographs, documents, and diaries. This extensive research allowed her to craft a story that was both intimate and universally relatable. By tapping into personal artifacts and historical records, Celina created a film that explores not just the life of her grandfather but also broader themes of memory, identity, fatherhood and the immigrant experience.
Being open to the direction your sources may take you can lead to unexpected discoveries. Allowing the material you uncover to guide the narrative might result in a more authentic and engaging film. While this approach can extend the time required for both production and post-production, it often yields a documentary that resonates more deeply with audiences.