In 2021, the show was adapted by MWG Productions LLC as an independent feature film and earned 23 Official Selections and 16 Awards from esteemed film festivals across the globe.
RIO UPHILL won numerous awards for Best Score, composed by Matthew Gurren and Nanny Assis.
The independent film came as a result of the COVID pandemic. Inspired by Spike Lee’s “PASS OVER” and Lars von Trier’s “DOGVILLE”, RIO UPHILL was shot on a single stage using minimalist production design and cinematic techniques, striving to push the boundaries on how theater and film can be seen by worldwide audiences.
The story focuses on Brazil’s racial and class barriers, while still celebrating Brazilian culture and musical styles.
The film was originated in NYC by a diverse international creative team of Brazilians (Actors, Director, Writer, Composer, Music Director and Choreographer), Americans (Writer, Composer and Choreographer), Venezuelan (Director of Photography), Italian (Cinematographer), Bolivian (Film Editor), among others.
