Beyond Appearances, Our Persistence 2026

The stories forgotten by time must be unearthed so they can continue to exist.

Directed by João Pedro Ramos Pereira

Through the streets, churches, and memories of Ouro Preto, Brazil, this documentary explores the roots that shape the country's history and the voices that have resisted being erased. It revisits a past marked by slavery, faith, spirituality, and the resilience of people whose contributions have too often gone unrecognized. Through discovery and reflection, the film explores a history that lives on in Brazilian culture, art, and traditions, inviting us to look beyond monuments and established narratives. To understand our roots is also to recognize those who, despite attempts to silence them, remain present in who we are.