Gabe Klinger’s “Isabel” Premieres at Berlinale: A Homecoming for Brazilian Cinema

Gabe Klinger’s film “Isabel” premiered at the Berlinale, marking a significant return for the director to his home country of Brazil after a decade. This film is Klinger’s first fiction feature shot in Brazil, following his acclaimed debut with “Porto.” The narrative centers on Isabel, a 50-something sommelière portrayed by Marina Person, who aspires to leave her Michelin-starred restaurant job in São Paulo to open her own wine bar. The film, produced by Rodrigo Teixeira through RT Features, is shot on 16mm film to reflect the artisanal nature of natural wines, a key theme in the story.

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Klinger cites Éric Rohmer’s “The Green Ray” and Luis Sérgio Person’s “São Paulo, Incorporated” as major influences on “Isabel.” The latter is particularly significant as it connects Klinger to the history of São Paulo cinema, especially through his collaboration with Marina Person, the daughter of Luis Sérgio Person. Klinger describes casting Marina as a “daring proposition,” noting her unconventional background as a television presenter rather than a traditional actress. Despite this, he believes she embodies the essence of São Paulo.

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Marina Person, who also contributed to the screenplay, expressed a strong connection to the film’s themes, particularly her interest in natural wines. She appreciated Klinger’s collaborative approach, stating, “Gabe gave me complete freedom when we worked together on the story.” This partnership reflects a unique synergy, as both share a passion for the film's subject matter.

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Klinger faced a ten-year hiatus between his projects, during which he sought to understand his place in cinema. He returned to Brazil just before the 2022 presidential elections, feeling a pull towards his roots despite the country’s instability. The production of “Isabel” encountered challenges, particularly in securing public funding. Klinger praised Teixeira’s support, recalling their initial discussions about the film and how Teixeira’s trust allowed for a creative process free from interference.

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The premiere of “Isabel” at the Berlinale is not only a personal milestone for Klinger but also a significant moment for Brazilian cinema. The film represents a new chapter in Klinger’s career, showcasing his growth as a filmmaker and his commitment to exploring Brazilian narratives. The collaboration with Teixeira and the unique casting of Marina Person highlight the innovative spirit of contemporary Brazilian filmmaking.

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Klinger reflected on the importance of the Berlinale in his career, stating, “My first film was born at the Berlinale, so it’s very symbolic for me to return to Berlin over a decade later.” He emphasized the film's significance as a representation of his artistic journey and connection to his homeland.

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• “A lot of people asked me why I cast her, given that Marina isn’t a conventional actress.” — Gabe Klinger, Director

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• “Gabe gave me complete freedom when we worked together on the story,” — Marina Person, Actress/Writer

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“Isabel” is produced by Rodrigo Teixeira via RT Features and Frédéric Corvez via Urban Factory, in association with VideoFilmes, with Urban Sales managing international distribution.

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