I directed and produced the documentary “Música & Drama – The History of the Municipal Theater of São João da Boa Vista”, which tells the story of this iconic theater from its founding in the 19th century to its restoration and revitalization in the 21st century. The film opens with the touching memories of an elderly spectator’s first visit, highlighting the magic and emotional power of the space.

Throughout the documentary, I explore the theater’s role as a social and cultural landmark—its golden age in the 1950s and 60s, when it also served as a cinema and a central meeting place in the city. I delve into the building’s unique architectural evolution, including its Belgian-imported metal structure and the design by an Italian architect.

The narrative also covers the theater’s ups and downs: from a vibrant cultural center to a declining cinema threatened with demolition in the 1980s. The fight for preservation—marked by a hunger strike and strong community mobilization—led to its eventual restoration, initiated by Mayor Sidney Beraldo and architect João Batista Merlim. The theater’s reopening in 2002 marked a cultural renaissance for the city.

This production highlights the theater’s significance as a cultural hub not only for São João da Boa Vista, but for the entire region, celebrating its historic and cultural importance.