about the film
"Regenerar" is a documentary born from a deep exploration of the psychological and existential aspects of the climate crisis, intertwined with the enduring legacy of coloniality. Directed by Maria Clara Parente, the film seeks to move beyond information overload to address the emotional weight of our planetary crisis—grief, doubt, and the collective struggle to find meaning and agency.
The project traces its roots back to 2018, when the director studied at Schumacher College and co-created "This is not the Truth," a research-driven storytelling initiative questioning dominant societal narratives. This later evolved into the documentary series "What is Emerging?," planting the seeds for "Regenerar." The film is an invitation to gather, to acknowledge grief, and to cultivate a sense of belonging that neither romanticizes nor catastrophizes the future but instead embraces the complexity of the present.
the meaning behind "regenerar"
The title "Regenerar" emerged from early discussions with Executive Producer Ana Clara Cenamo, before the pandemic. It plays with expectations—many assume the documentary is about ecological restoration, yet the film begins with Nigerian philosopher Dr. Bayo Akomolafe, who challenges conventional notions of progress and development.
The concept of regeneration in the film is multilayered. It acknowledges that there is no single solution to the crises we face. Instead, "Regenerar" explores our collective fragility, highlighting the potential for partial recuperation, as philosopher Donna Haraway suggests in "Staying with the Trouble." It is an exploration of how we might shift and transform together in the face of uncertainty.
themes explored in the film
The documentary is structured around three central themes: Death, Dreams, and Life.
Death: From the first interview with Bayo Akomolafe, the theme of death resonated deeply. The film examines the death of natural systems, the political structures that perpetuate violence, and the ways of being that must die for decolonial futures to emerge.
Dreams: Indigenous leader and poet Marcia Kambeba reminds us that "everything comes down to dreams." Neuroscientist Sidarta Ribeiro, featured in the film, highlights how humans, unlike other mammals, share dreams and create culture through them. The film delves into how dreaming can be a tool for collective transformation.
Life: The final section shifts toward life, particularly through the perspectives of women embracing new ways of living and relating to the world. The film also incorporates archival footage, inviting us to reconsider the past as a mirror for the present and future.
Resolution: A Call for Solidarity
If "Regenerar" offers a resolution, it is in the form of solidarity. At a time of widespread destruction and systemic violence, the film asks: How can we create space for less violent ways of being? How can we hold ourselves accountable without losing our sense of humor or humanity? The final act emphasizes life, following the sequence of death and dreams, to explore how we might engage with the world differently—with humans, non-humans, and the ecosystems that sustain us.
Neuroscientist Sidarta Ribeiro offers a poignant reflection in the film: he embraces an apocalyptic optimism—an acknowledgment of the gravity of our situation, yet a belief in the possibility of transformation.
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Ficha Técnica
Director: Maria Clara Parente
Executive Producer: Ana Clara Cenamo
Writers: Maria Clara Parente and Tiago Herz
Editors: Guilherme Schwartz and Tales Gabriel
Research: Maria Clara Parente and Tiago Herz, in collaboration with Anna Denardin
Art Director and Designer: Anna Denardin
Arts and Animations: Otávio Marques
Production Coordinators: Amanda Letícia and Victor Zequi
Post-Production Coordinators: Victor Zequi
Distribution Producer: Mark Benjamin
Production Assistants: Beatriz Amaral and Sâmia Bianchi
Finances: Nátaly Carpi
Production: Spanda Produtora
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Interview with Bayo Akomolafe
Director of Photography: Daniel Pinheiro
Camera operators: Tales Gabriel and Matheus Cardoso
Additional Narration Recording: Léo Israel
Sound Mixing: Léo Israel and Thiago Sobral
Subtitles and Translations: Sâmia Bianchi
Original Trailer Music: Cris Romagna
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Testimonials by:
Alessandra Araújo
Aline Matulja
Andreza Jorge
Aza Njeri
Bayo Akomolafe
Dani d’Emilia
Fabiane Borges
Marcia Kambeba
Sidarta Ribeiro
Tainá de Paula