Elena
Documented: Families • 1h 22m
"a mesmerizing, artful and emotional piece of filmmaking that consistently surprises and awes in its sensitivity." The Playlist
SXSW Film Festival
Hot Docs International Film Festival
Thessaloniki Documentary Festival
Dreamlike, lyrical and haunting, Petra Costa’s deeply personal film documents the life of her sister, Elena, who committed suicide while following her dream of becoming a movie actress. Elena travelled to New York from Brazil, leaving behind a childhood spent in hiding during the years of the military dictatorship. She also left Petra, her seven year old sister. Two decades later, following in her sister's footsteps, Petra also becomes an actress and goes to New York. Utilising home movies, audio recordings and photographs, Costa creates a cinematic collage which finds her seeking to understand who her sister was, and what may have led to her suicide.
Brazil, USA - 2012 - 1h 22m
Directed By: Petra Costa
Written By: Petra Costa, Carolina Ziskind
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