Brazil's Desvia Filmes Enters New Era With Doubled Focus on Indie and Rachel Daisy Ellis' San Sebastián Co-Pro Forum's Buzzy 'The Last Cruise'

Artistic Evolution and New Chapter

As we stand at the crossroads of cinematic history, Brazil's Desvia Filmes is embarking on a new journey. Founded in 2010 by Gabriel Mascaro and British producer Rachel Daisy Ellis, the company has become a household name in independent filmmaking. With every one of its 16 features premiering at esteemed festivals such as Berlin, Cannes, and Locarno, Desvia has carved out a unique niche in the global film landscape.

"Very few production companies can boast about landing major international festival premieres for every project in their slate. Brazil's Desvia Filmes is one of them," writes Rafa Sales Ross for Variety.

The recent transition marks a pivotal moment in the company's trajectory. Gabriel Mascaro, who co-founded Desvia with Ellis, has chosen to leave the company to launch Trema alongside veteran producer Paula Cosenza. This move opens up new avenues for both companies, as they aim to expand their creative horizons.

Partnership and Creative Collaboration

Ellis, a seasoned producer based in Recife, shares her vision with us: "It's one big portfolio of projects now split between two production companies, and amplified in this sense." This shift is not merely administrative but represents a strategic evolution that allows both entities to pursue their distinct visions. For Desvia, this means focusing on films that back auteurs and filmmakers pushing the boundaries of form and genre.

With Mascaro's departure, Camille Reis has stepped up as a key collaborator, now leading several projects. Given Reis's limited capacity, Ellis brought in renowned Argentinian producer Gema Juárez Allen to co-produce 'The Last Cruise', a film that blends documentary and fiction elements.

From Documentary to Fiction: The Making of 'The Last Cruise'

Rachel Daisy Ellis' directorial debut, 'The Last Cruise', is more than just a film; it's a deeply personal exploration of love, companionship, and the human condition. Inspired by a statistic from the British Council in Recife, Ellis discovered that many elderly Brits died on cruise ships, with their bodies stored beneath the deck.

"I was in touch with someone from the British Council in Recife, who told me a crazy statistic: one of his main jobs was repatriation, and a lot of elderly Brits died on cruise ships... So the option was a major around-the-world cruise," she shares. This revelation sparked her interest in documenting this phenomenon.

Ellis' film follows an elderly couple who choose to spend their final years on a cruise rather than settling into a care home, highlighting the modern trend of retirees preferring one last big trip over traditional retirement arrangements.

Intimate Storytelling Through First-Person Perspective

The narrative unfolds through a first-person point of view, offering an intimate look into the lives of those aboard. "This first-person point of view is very much part of the way I work as a director," Ellis explains. "It's a way of having access to a layer of intimacy I otherwise wouldn't be able to capture."

This creative approach allows viewers to experience the emotional journey alongside the subjects, making 'The Last Cruise' not only a visual feast but also an emotionally resonant experience.

Global Connections and Collaborative Efforts

The film's production is set in Brazil, with financing secured—a crucial step given its ambitious scope. Beyond Brazil, Ellis has also sought collaboration with Argentina to co-produce the film, further emphasizing Desvia's commitment to international storytelling.

"I worked with Gema before; we worked on 'Pornomelancholia' together, and when I invited her to produce the project, she loved the idea," says Ellis. The partnership brings together their shared vision and creative strengths, ensuring that the film meets the highest standards of quality and artistry.

Looking Ahead: Desvia's Future Vision

As we look toward the future, Desvia remains laser-focused on cinema. "We haven't had the drive to branch into TV or other formats," Ellis notes. "When I look back at all the projects I've worked on with Gabriel, and all the co-productions we've worked on, they are all very daring films, with a latent desire to provoke. This is something that attracts me both as a producer and director, and we want to continue to bring Desvia towards that pathway."

With upcoming projects such as Clarisa Navas's 'They Burn the Same Way' and Filipa Reis' 'Lontra', Desvia continues to uphold its reputation for producing thought-provoking, genre-defying films. These works reflect the company's unwavering dedication to showcasing diverse voices and innovative storytelling techniques.

Preserving the Spirit of Indie Cinema

Desvia Filmes' journey is not just about numbers or festival wins; it's about preserving the soul of indie cinema. Through its commitment to supporting auteurs and fostering creative collaboration, Desvia continues to serve as a vital force in the global film community.

In an era where commercialization often overshadows artistic expression, companies like Desvia remind us why independent filmmaking remains so crucial. It is through these stories, told with heart and integrity, that we find ourselves reflected in the screen, connected across cultures and generations.