Soccer is life. However, soccer is not accessible to everyone in Brazil.

With dividing lines between the wealthy and the poor in Brazil, many children living in poor neighborhoods dream of watching a soccer game in a full stadium of fans. In the short film Nando, a Brazilian child growing up in a neighborhood within visible distance of a soccer stadium. Director Alec Cutter and producer Igal Albala brought the Nando’s story to life in a poetic way.

Although the stadium is within walking distance of his home, the price of a game ticket is out of reach for many fans of these neighborhoods as they can only dream of attending one of these games.

The story is told through a poem designed around the metamorphosis of a caterpillar, in parallel with Nando’s journey. The poetic narrative represents a visual tribute/metaphor to the beauty and dreams of a child who is surrounded by a harsh reality (the cocoon).

ALSO CHECK OUT: Marq Evans on the Life and Ambition of Will Vinton in Claydream | Tribeca 2021 [Exclusive Interview]

The story is narrated by Brazilian artist/actor Seu Jorge (City of God, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou), and executive produced by Dani Alves, current captain of the Brazilian Football National Team.

LRM Online’s Gig Patta spoke with director Alec Cutter and producer Igal Albala about the boy named Nando, the favela community, the love for soccer, and the difficulty of film production in a high crime neighborhood of Brazil. Not to mention, we talked about fulfilling the boy’s dream of watching soccer in the end.

For both director Alec Cutter and producer Igal Albala, Nando marks their debut film. Alec Cutter splits time between New York and Brazil.

Nando made its premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival 2021.

Watch the exclusive interview with Alec Cutter and Igal Albala below. Let us know what you think.

Source: LRM Online Exclusive