Celina Borges Torrealba Carpi Discusses Her New Documentary “Petrópolis, Our own way”

Nestled in the lush mountains of Rio de Janeiro, Petrópolis—fondly known as the Imperial City—has long been a retreat cherished for its tranquil landscapes, historical richness, and cultural charm. This beloved city is now the focus of a new documentary, which orginal title is “Petrópolis de Cada Um” (“Petrópolis, Our own way”), directed by renowned Brazilian filmmaker Celina Borges Torrealba Carpi. Through this project, Celina aims to capture the diverse perspectives of residents and visitors, creating a tribute to the city’s unique spirit and challenges.

A Documentary Rooted in Community Perspectives

“Petropolis, Our Own Way” was crafted as an inclusive journey into what makes Petrópolis meaningful to its residents—both those born in the city and those who moved there later in life. The documentary seeks to capture and preserve the city’s collective memories, contributing to its historical archive. Funded by the Paulo Gustavo Law, a federal initiative supporting cultural projects, this production has the backing of the City of Petrópolis, the Municipal Institute of Culture and the local Film Commission. A partnership with C.E. Dom Pedro II’s Integrated High School in Audio and Video Production has made this a truly community-centered endeavor, amplifying the voices of local residents.

At the heart of the project is a call for stories: Celina and her team invited residents to share their experiences through a survey. Questions such as “What is your favorite place in Petrópolis?” and “What makes Petrópolis unique, something you won’t find anywhere else?” encouraged participants to reflect on the city’s distinct identity. The survey’s final question, asking what they would change about Petrópolis if given the chance, opened a space for residents to voice concerns and envision improvements for their community. These responses will help shape the documentary’s narrative, and some participants may be invited for in-depth, in-person interviews to further explore their stories.

Celina highlights the documentary’s vision of a city that “belongs to each of us,” emphasizing the diversity of perspectives that make up Petrópolis’s character. Through this inclusive approach, the documentary aims to reveal how residents from all walks of life connect with and experience the unique allure of Petrópolis preserving a heritage city

The documentary also celebrates Petrópolis’ importance as a potential UNESCO World Heritage Site. This designation would recognize the city for both its cultural landmarks—like the Imperial Museum, the Quitandinha Palace, and the Historic Center—and its natural treasures, such as the Serra dos Órgãos National Park and Petrópolis Municipal Natural Park. By highlighting these aspects, Celina aims to underscore the city’s profound historical and environmental significance.

“Petrópolis de Cada Um” is designed not only to showcase these iconic locations but also to foster an appreciation for the city’s heritage among viewers. With its community-driven stories, the film will celebrate the intertwined histories of people and place, contributing to Petrópolis’ legacy.

Celina Torrealba’s Vision: Storytelling with Heart

As the founder of Donna Features, Celina Borges Torrealba Carpi has dedicated her career to crafting films that explore cultural memory and social identity. Her background spans a diverse set of fields, including Civil Engineering, Law, and Sustainable Development from Harvard University. Celina also earned her formal training in cinema from Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne. With each new project, she brings a rich array of personal experience and academic insight to her storytelling.

Celina has described her love of documentary filmmaking as a natural extension of her life story, adding, “Petrópolis de Cada Um” gives her a unique opportunity to reflect the people of Petrópolis as they see themselves. This vision of cinema as a powerful tool for community reflection and connection is evident throughout her work.

Her portfolio includes acclaimed projects like “Art of Diplomacy,” which examines Brazil’s cultural diplomacy during World War II, and “The Rainy Season,” an upcoming film that tells the story of American poet Elizabeth Bishop and Brazilian architect Lota de Macedo Soares in Petrópolis. These films highlight her commitment to exploring themes of identity, heritage, and social change.

Exploring the Heart of Petrópolis Through Film

In “Petrópolis de Cada Um,” Celina’s goal is to create an authentic portrayal of the city by inviting people to share how they relate to its history and landscapes. By focusing on individual experiences and memories, the documentary seeks to capture not just the well-known landmarks, but also the intimate moments and personal reflections that make Petrópolis a unique place for each person who experiences it.

Through these crowd-sourced perspectives, the documentary will offer a fresh look at Petrópolis as seen through the eyes of those who live in or visit it. By doing so, Celina and her team hope to foster a renewed appreciation for the city’s shared heritage and inspire the recognition it deserves.

Donna Features: Documenting Cultural Narratives

Celina’s production company, Donna Features, has consistently produced works that highlight the intersection of personal history and cultural identity. With “Petrópolis de Cada Um,” Donna Features continues this mission, blending community engagement with high-quality storytelling to create films that resonate deeply with viewers.

In addition to “Petrópolis de Cada Um,” Celina’s ongoing projects include “The Rainy Season,” a film that delves into the influence of women in the arts, and “Cheiro de Vida,” a deeply personal exploration of her own family’s legacy. Each of her works reflects her commitment to capturing stories that might otherwise go untold, enriching Brazilian cinema and contributing to global discussions on heritage and identity.

A Legacy of Storytelling and Connection

As Celina Borges Torrealba Carpi continues to explore new stories, her dedication to capturing the essence of human experience remains at the heart of her work. “Petrópolis de Cada Um” is more than a documentary—it’s a tribute to the collective voices that shape Petrópolis and a testament to her belief that documentaries can preserve the past while inspiring future generations.

Through each project, Celina deepens her exploration of how the past informs the present, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own histories and the ways they are connected to the world around them. As she continues to document the untold stories of Brazil, her work stands as a bridge between communities, cultures, and generations.