NHAÍ!

Directed by: Rae Cofsky Starring: Mariana Aroxa Mason Heidger Executive Producers: Daniel Figueredo Tony Viegas Mason Heidger 1st AD/ Producer: Lidiya Korotko Director of Photography: Remy Neymarc AC: Lina Li Key Grip: Kurt Hall Grip: Kyle Sloan Sound Engineer: David Dadon Sound Assistant: Nickolas Koros Sound Editing: Tony Viegas Music by: Gerson Lopes Set Design: Savannah Yergeau Color: Marcelo Aprile Wardrobe: Karol Mesquita Hair: Rachael Angell MUA: Kristin Moody Still Photography: Gerson Lopes Catering: Vera Ludmila Location: Robert Coshland Valentina Elise Production Assistants: Saba Khan Diamond Desiree Blake Weaver Thalma de Freitas

Outlaw Artist Management Love Talent (LA) MDT Agency (SF) McCarty Talent Agency (UT) www.marianaaroxa.com

💎 ELENA 💎 A womxn severely bound to her class and strict religious upbringing — invisible to the world and to herself. Her father, Francisco, was a Brazilian immigrant who landed in Southern California in the late 19th century to start a new life. He lucked out in the Gold Rush and his swift wealth expanded the shadows already within him… the same shadows he shared amongst his two children. His older son, Jacob, is his pride and joy… Elena, on the other hand, is a burden Francisco must carry. His wife died giving Elena birth and her father has not once let her forget it. Elena’s arranged marriage seemed like the first dream coming true in her life. Her husband, Frederick Williamson, was the most handsome young oil baron in Southern California… until he showed his true colors on their wedding night and up until his swift death. He left her with wealth beyond measure and an empty vessel with no identity nor inner worth. She is at an existential crossroads, and for the first time, she can make a choice for herself… but it is too late? Come check out “O” at Regal Cinemas Live at @lashortsfest to find out. Tickets in Bio 🎟️ Photography: @gersonlopes_photographer (We wish we could also have Gerson’s composition here… but you’ll get to delight yourself to it at the film. His piano soul chant is… medicine for Elena, and for us all). #lashortsfest #periodpiece #proofofconcept #brazilian #storytellers #actorlife #oscarqualifying #thankyouteam

I taped this for a showcase and it remains of my favorite self-tapes. Monologue originally performed by the epic William Dafoe.