More than 34 years after her death from an accidental overdose, Brazilians still can’t get enough of Elis Regina, considered by many to be the greatest Brazilian singer of all time.
The film “Elis,” recently released in Brazil, is generating great curiosity and acclaim from the public. The film tells the story of singer Elis Regina from her arrival in Rio de Janeiro at the age of 19 until her tragic and premature death. Despite all the difficulties, success came quickly, and Elis Regina’s life gained national and international recognition. She was a young woman from humble beginnings who became one of Brazil’s best singers.
The cast includes Andréia Horta as Elis. Best known for her work in telenovelas, she took singing lessons and cut her hair for the role. Also in the cast: Lucio Mauro Filho as Mié-le; Caco Ciocler as Cesar Camargo Mariano; Julio Andrade as the quirky croquette Lennie Dale; Gustavo Machado as Ronaldo Bôscoli; and Zécarlos Axe as Romeo, Elis’s father. In special appearances, Rodrigo Pandolfo as Nelson Motta; Isabel Wilker as Nara Leão; and Icaro Silva as Jair Rodrigues.
The film is directed by Hugo Prata and won three “Kikitos” at the 44th Gramado Festival – Best Film by the popular jury, Best Actress for Andréia Horta, and Best Costume for James Feliciano.
The film premiered in the U.S. at the Chicago Film Festival last October. There are no indications of when it will be released in the American commercial circuit.