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Gigóia – Navigating a Legacy

Located in Rio de Janeiro, Ilha da Gigóia holds a legacy built by the boatmen of the Carioca Venice. Once settled by fishermen seeking access to abundant marine life, the island became home to a tradition that continues to this day: the crossing to the mainland.

The boatmen, the protagonists of this story, share their journeys, challenges, and dreams passed down through generations—from the first wooden canoes to modern chalanas and motorboats. However, rapid urbanization and poor sanitation threaten the local biodiversity, endangering the survival of this cultural heritage.

With resilience, the boatmen keep this tradition alive, fostering social, cultural, and tourism initiatives in the region. Yet the question remains: how long can this legacy endure?

  • Pedro Patricio
    Director
  • Fábio Scalon
    Producer
  • Pedro Patricio
    Producer
  • Pedro Patricio
    Writer
  • Gabriel Chiarastelli
    Director of Photography
    Metanoia
  • Daniel Ventre
    Original Score Production
  • Pedro Magno
    Original Score Production
  • Rafael Lemos
    Original Score Production
  • Fernanda Patricio
    Line Producer
  • David Lucas
    1st Camera Assistants
  • Gabriel Chiarastelli
    Drone Operators
  • Lucas Massari
    Drone Operators
  • Lucas Vacare
    Gaffer
  • Bruno Ribeiro
    Sound Recordist
  • Felipe Araújo
    Graphic Design
  • Pedro Patricio
    Editing
  • Pedro Patricio
    Color Grading
  • Daniel Ventre
    Mixing and Mastering
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Gigóia - Desbravando um Legado
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    25 minutes 33 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 10, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    110,000 BRL
  • Country of Origin:
    Brazil
  • Country of Filming:
    Brazil
  • Language:
    Portuguese
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, Sony
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:35
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Pedro Patricio

Pedro Patrício is a filmmaker and director recognized for his expertise in editing and his innovative visual language, perfectly aligned with contemporary advertising trends. His artistic eye transforms the everyday into cinematic narratives, uncovering stories hidden in overlooked details. Pedro has collaborated with global brands such as Coca-Cola, Audi, and Volvo, and has experience in producing fashion films, including projects for Dior. He is currently completing his first documentary, Gigóia – Navigating a Legacy, scheduled for release in 2025.

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Director Statement

"The boat serves as a reflection, in the moment you leave and in the moment you arrive." These words, spoken by Neville d'Almeida, encapsulate the essence of "Gigóia - Navigating a Legacy". This documentary was born out of the desire to give a voice to the boatmen of Ilha da Gigóia—individuals essential to the life of this community, yet often invisible in the rush of everyday life.
My storytelling approach focuses on amplifying the voices of those who are often overlooked, revealing the beauty and depth of their journeys. The boatmen, with their canoes and chalanas, are not just ferrymen between shores; they carry memories, struggles, and a legacy that has endured for generations.
With an observational and poetic approach, I sought to capture the contrast between the island's lush nature and the threats posed by unchecked urban development. This film is both a portrait of resilience and an invitation to reflect: how do we preserve the balance between the past, the present, and the future?
Through a careful gaze and the sound of the waters surrounding Gigóia, I invite the audience to see the invisible and appreciate those who quietly sustain the identity of a place.