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The Real Machado

2019·Universidade Zumbi dos Palmares·Grey BrasilCannes Bronze

Role — Motion Design

The Brief

For over a century, the most reproduced portrait of Machado de Assis — Brazil's greatest writer — quietly lightened his skin.

The Idea

AI and archival research restored Machado's true Black features in his most circulated portrait, then animated the reveal across his own words.

The Result

Cannes Lions 2019 Bronze in Design, and a correction that became a national conversation about racism, memory and representation in Brazilian literature.

Credits
  • Creative LeadershipAdriano Matos, Rodrigo Jatene, Bruno Brux
  • Creative DirectionMarcelo Bruzzesi, Rafael Gonzaga
  • CreativeGustavo Zordan, Julia Mota
  • Motion GraphicsEdu Menezes
  • ProductionLemonade / Diego Biazzon
  • Post / SoundPixelLove / Satelite Audio

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