“Boi de Conchas (The Shell Covered Ox)” & “The Rainbow Bridge” World Premieres at Sundance US Shorts. Magical Cinema from Maverick Filmmakers

Director and Writer: Daniel Barosa
Producers: Nikolas Vilarouca Maciel,  Bruno Alfano, and Daniel Barosa
Editor:  Aron Matschulat Aguiar
Starring: Bebé Salvego, Daniela Dams,  Walter Balthazar, Bianca Melo, Giulia Sposito
Run Time: 14 minutes 55 seconds
Country: Shot in Bertioga, Brazil, the film is a USA & Brazil production
Language: A Portuguese Language Film (with English Subtitles)
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Coming-of-age

Sundance US Narrative Short Film

"Boi de Conchas (The Shell Covered Ox)"

While mourning her missing sister, Rayane balances helping her fisherman father and practicing for the school's music festival – provided she doesn't become an ox first, a misfortune assailing several teenagers in the area.

About the Filmmaker: Prolific critically acclaimed, award winning filmmaker and Slamdance alumni, Daniel Barosa is no stranger to the world stage with films released in both Argentina & Brazil. Embracing the history, culture and traditions of Bertioga, Brazil, the film's location, Barosa explores the societal evolution of Brazil inspired by the powerful folklore tale with its metaphors – talking about grief and depression through the eyes of a younger generation. A cinematic sibling to “The Happening,” Barosa shows audiences and Hollywood that he is a filmmaker to watch.

About The Film and it’s Folklore Origins: Boi de Conchas borrows its title from a folkloric manifestation born in Ubatuba, Brazil, about an Ox named Ratambufe. The animal longed to see the ocean, but its owner consistently failed to fulfill his promise. Ratambufe eventually flees into the sea to escape its actual fate: the slaughterhouse. Brazil is the country of the future that never arrives and is one of the largest cattle producers in the world. Thus, this tale acquires a curious note, not to say sad.

Fast-forward a couple of years. Intense crises in Brazil permeate the social, political, and economic spheres. Emotional distance has become the norm, depression among young people is a way of life, and extreme principles govern adults. However, nothing explains the mysterious cases of teenagers who disappear and, as gossip has it, turn into oxen.

Despite this austere world, Rayane remains determined to honor her missing sister's memory. This story is about grief, using a fantasy premise to draw attention to issues such as depression, broken homes, and the challenges Brazil faces in the post-pandemic world. The film conjectures, with a small dose of humor, what might come to be – internet data becomes currency, prescription medication becomes candy, and teenagers become so resigned to their fate that they resemble silent oxen grazing in the fields.

Musical Influences for the Film & Soundtrack: Most of the music we hear in the film is from the Brazilian death metal band Krisiun. The band was formed in the 90's and since then gathered a cult following, touring Europe, the U.S. and releasing 9 studio albums. Signed with Century Media, they were incredibly generous to let us use some of their songs in the short. Their music potentializes the protagonist's state of mind: despite the calm exterior, a raging storm roars inside.

iThe additional original score was beautifully performed by Thiago Klein, a talented musician who's played in the bands Quarto Negro and Yatho. He was one of the main characters in the musical documentary GRU-PDX, which is also directed by Daniel Barosa. That film takes a deep dive into the eclectic music scene in Portland, Oregon, while the band Quarto Negro records their first studio album in the city. The film has interviews with bands and musicians from The Dandy Warhols, Portugal. The Man, Menomena, and Lumineers.