Meet Isadora Martins Alves da Nobrega | Filmaker Director Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Isadora Martins Alves da Nobrega and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Isadora, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am from São Paulo, Brazil, a vibrant and sprawling city in Latin America. My formative years were spent in an international, English-speaking school, where I had the privilege of interacting with individuals from diverse cultures and nationalities. This early exposure instilled in me a global perspective, revealing the richness and complexity of the world beyond my homeland. It also underscored the importance of engaging and collaborating with people from different backgrounds, shaping my understanding of the necessity of becoming a global citizen.

Latin American culture is a tapestry of richness, diversity, and joy, but Brazilian culture, in particular, holds a unique place due to its distinct language and colonial history. While many other Latin American countries share a collective Spanish-speaking identity alongside their individual cultures, Brazil stands apart by integrating elements from Hispanic culture and various other dynamics. Growing up, I grappled with identifying the essence of Brazilian culture on a global scale. This struggle, particularly in the realm of entertainment, where there are few international films and TV shows tailored for the Brazilian audience, served as a catalyst for my involvement in the film industry. I yearned to create projects that would reflect my cultural identity and address the void in the entertainment market.

Every facet of my being has been sculpted by my upbringing in São Paulo. I view my creative projects and collaborations as an extension of this identity, a means to share with the world the vibrant tapestry of experiences and perspectives that have shaped me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Film, to me, is a collaborative art form, and I’ve always approached it as a multidisciplinary endeavor. My journey has been about learning and honing various skills within the world of filmmaking, which has allowed me to approach my work from a cohesive perspective. While I have a passion for both writing and directing, these roles enable me to fulfill my artistic vision in a deeply personal and individual way.

I’ve consistently been drawn to projects that emphasize minority and especially female narratives. It’s crucial for individuals from these groups to be at the forefront of telling their own stories. Hence, I’m unwavering in my commitment to representation within my filmmaking and the production process. In an industry still predominantly male-dominated, particularly at the directorial level, I feel it’s essential to use my position to provide opportunities to fellow minorities when I’m in charge of my own projects.

I’m particularly excited about my upcoming film, ‘Epitáfio,’ my thesis project for the NYU film school program. This narrative follows a Brazilian family and is written and performed in Brazilian Portuguese. The experience of creating a film in my native language, working with actors and crew who share the same background, has been incredibly inspiring. ‘Epitáfio’ is currently in post-production and is set to participate in the Fall 2024 festival circuit.

Maintaining a constant art practice and continuously honing my skills have played a vital role in reaching where I am today. I approach film and creativity as a daily practice, even when I’m not actively engaged in a major project. The collaborators I choose to surround myself with have also been instrumental in my journey. Filmmaking demands trust and belief from the team, which is crucial for project completion.

Two significant lessons I’ve learned along the way are the necessity of embracing failure and the importance of working on projects one is truly passionate about. As a perfectionist, I used to obsess over ensuring everything went according to plan, but I’ve realized that it’s through failures and mishaps that we learn and adapt. On a film set, problem-solving is key, and the ability to adapt turns failures into even greater successes. Additionally, working on projects that inspire and need to be told helps maintain energy and focus, especially for long-term commitments.

Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to a more humane form of filmmaking. It’s easy to get caught up in box office numbers and business aspects, but I believe film is an expressive art form shaped by the people who work on each project. I’m passionate about fostering a more inclusive and diverse entertainment industry, and I strive to incorporate these values into every project I undertake.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Los Angeles is such a diverse and unique city, so I would tailor the experience to whoever is visiting. To kick off the trip, I’d take them to Santa Monica Beach and Pier, allowing us to enjoy a leisurely stroll and take in the beautiful views. We could grab some local cuisine from the area to start our adventure.

For a day steeped in traditional Hollywood landmarks, we’d explore the Hollywood Walk of Fame, gaze at the iconic Hollywood sign, and maybe even visit the Griffith Observatory for its breathtaking vistas of the city.

Another day, we might head to the State Historic Park in Chinatown, where we can enjoy a picnic with an incredible skyline view as our backdrop.

Exploring local neighborhoods is a must, so we’d venture to Larchmont Village for a charming walk, admiring historic buildings and indulging in some shopping. Little Tokyo in the Arts District would also be on the list for some revolving sushi and further exploration. We might cap it off with a visit to Los Feliz for thrift shopping and a leisurely stroll.

To conclude our trip on a high note, we’d embark on a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) to Malibu. Along the way, we’d soak in the breathtaking coastal views and, upon reaching Malibu, savor a delicious meal at one of its picturesque restaurants.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family has played an integral and enduring role in shaping my life’s narrative. As I embarked on a career in the artistic field, I quickly realized the inherent challenges that come with such a path. However, throughout this journey, my family has stood as an unwavering pillar of support. Their encouragement and belief in my abilities have been instrumental in propelling me forward.

In many ways, my family’s support has been the foundation upon which I’ve built my aspirations. They’ve consistently urged me to pursue my dreams, emphasizing the importance of hard work and perseverance. Their words served as a constant reminder that with dedication and tenacity, virtually anything can be achieved. It’s this unwavering faith in my potential that provided me with the courage and conviction to seize the opportunity to move to the United States and pursue a film education here.

Leaving one’s home country and venturing into the unknown is a formidable undertaking. Yet, with my family’s belief in me echoing in my ears, I embarked on this transformative journey. Their support transcended mere words; it became the bedrock upon which I built my new life, instilling in me the confidence to pursue my passions in the film industry.

Instagram: isadora.nobrega

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isadora-alves-da-nobrega

Image Credits
Chandler Crump, Roomaline Chemaly, Megan Taylor