All That You Could Be
Tudo o que Você Podia Ser
A radiant work of trans friendship and joy unfolds over the course of a day as Aisha bids farewell to her friends in Belo Horizonte. Queer and trans actors play versions of themselves, expressing their individual and collective coming-of-age through the intimacy and wonder of everyday encounters. All That You Could Be is an affectionate portrait of chosen family and of the many forms of love that nurture new beginnings.
Programmer’s Note
As a beautiful work of docufiction, a love letter to friendship, and a film of fond farewells, Ricardo Alves Jr.’s All That You Could Be is a fitting closing film for BFMAF 2024. Before leaving for São Paulo to study, Aisha idles away the day with her besties Bramma, Igui and Will, sorting through old clothes, enjoying a sunbathing session, a shared meal, and a final night of revelry before the sun rises. Shot with intimate and unobtrusive camera work, and using dialogue created collaboratively, the charismatic leads are given space to shine. With its thoughtful portrayal of the care and tenderness the four friends show for one another, the film envelops you like a loving embrace. (Alice Miller)
Director Biography
Ricardo Alves Jr (b. 1982 in Belo Horizonte) is a Brazilian director, producer and screenwriter who studied cinema directing in Buenos Aires. In 2016, he released his first feature film, Elon Doesn’t Believe in Death, followed by his first television film, the special O Natal de Rita in 2017. As producer, he released The Dead and the Others (2018) and The Buriti Flower (2023). Ricardo’s films have been screened widely at film festivals including Cannes, Berlinale, Rotterdam, Locarno, Oberhausen, IndieLisboa, Festival de Brasília. He has also exhibited in museums including Centre Pompidou, Paris, and the Reina Sofia, Madrid. In 2013, a retrospective dedicated to his short film work was curated at the Cinémathèque Française, Paris.
Director Filmography
Tudo o Que Você Podia Ser (2023), Quem tem Medo? (2022), Aragem (2021), Vitória (2020), Vaga Carne (2019), Russa (2018), Elon não Acredita na Morte (2016), Tremor (2013), Permanências (2010), Convite para Jantar com o Camarada Stalin (2007), 2006 – Material Bruto (2006)
