Looking at the Stars
Looking at the Stars is an intimate glimpse into the lives of the extraordinary ballerinas at the world’s only ballet school for the blind—the Fernanda Bianchini Ballet Association for the Blind.
The stories of these dancers go beyond the challenge of learning to dance without a visual reference. Like many of us, these women want to be good professionals, partners, friends. They want to be relevant and self-sufficient. They work fiercely to become the best versions of themselves.
Geyza is the school’s prima ballerina. She is an example of grace, strength and determination. She started studying ballet with Fernanda Bianchini after losing her sight, at the age of nine. During our film, Geyza arrives at a crossroads: like many women, she feels pulled in two directions, between her family and her career. About to get married, Geyza believes that in order to be a good wife she must dedicate herself to her family. But, she is also determined not to let married life be the end of her aspirations as a ballet dancer and instructor.
One of Geyza’s students is Thalia, a shy teenager with big dreams for her future. Thalia attends a traditional middle school, where she has to deal with rejection from her peers and with her teachers’ inability to accommodate her visual impairment. Thalia’s journey is one of self-discovery and expanding horizons. Besides being a student at the Fernanda Bianchini Association, Thalia takes Braille and independent walking classes. At home, Thalia also writes novels and interacts with friends over the internet. Her greatest companion is her mother, Sandra.
Both Geyza and Thalia found a way to express themselves through ballet. And the Fernanda Bianchini Ballet Association for the Blind is a place where blind and visually impaired youth like them can find comfort and encouragement to exceed even their own expectations.
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Alexandre PeraltaDirector
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Alexandre PeraltaProducer
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Alejandro Ernesto MartinezProducer
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Thais PeraltaProducer
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Melissa Rebelo KerezsiProducer
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Corina MaritescuProducer
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Alexandre PeraltaEditor
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Alexis MarshOriginal Music
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Samuel JonesOriginal Music
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Camilla BelleExecutive Producers
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SabrinaExecutive Producers
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Project Title (Original Language):Olhando pras Estrelas
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Project Type:Documentary, Feature
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Runtime:1 hour 30 minutes
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Completion Date:June 1, 2016
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Country of Origin:Brazil
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Country of Filming:Brazil
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Language:Portuguese
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Shooting Format:Digital HD
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Aspect Ratio:16:9
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:Yes
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Student Project:No
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LA Film FestivalLos Angeles
United States
June 4, 2016
World Premiere -
São Paulo International Film FestivalSão Paulo
United States
October 22, 2016
Domestic Premiere -
45 Dance on CameraNew York City
United States
February 3, 2017 -
Bentonville Film FestivalBentonville
United States
Highest Diversity Award -
ReelAbilities TorontoToronto
Canada
Opening Film
Distribution Information
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Cinema SlateCountry: United StatesRights: All Rights
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Elo CompanyCountry: WorldwideRights: All Rights
Alexandre Peralta is a Student Academy Award-winning filmmaker.
He grew up in São Paulo, Brazil, at the epicenter of millions of inspiring, untold stories. He began exploring some of these stories in college, where he studied Advertising and Marketing at ESPM, but deepened his commitment to artistic expression during his time in the M.F.A. program at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. He has directed and edited short films, including editing the documentary “Canto de Familia,” about a Mexican-American mariachi family, recently recognized by KCET as part of its Fine Cut Showcase. He sound designed and mixed the ABFF and NBC Shorts award winning film, “A Different Tree.” Alexandre is proud and excited to direct “Looking at the Stars” as his first feature documentary.