PLACA Film Presentation: Children of Las Brisas

The Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs and the Program on Latin America and the Caribbean are proud to host Director Marianela Maldonado and Producer Luisa De La Ville, for a live screening of their film, “Children of Las Brisas.”

“Children of Las Brisas” is a story of resistance, resilience and perseverance that explores the power of discipline and classical music as tools for survival. The documentary follows three Venezuelan children from the impoverished Las Brisas neighborhood, in their quest to become professional musicians within the ranks of “El Sistema” music program.

Throughout a decade, Edixon, Dissandra and Wuilly try to achieve a better future as they face the great challenges of the country’s dire situation. The Venezuelan crisis makes it impossible for them to accomplish their dreams, and in their struggle, they represent a society taken over by an autocratic regime.

After the screening, Maldonado and De La Ville will take questions from the audience. A reception with light fare and refreshments will follow. 

About the Director and Producer:  

Marianela Maldonado
Director/Author, “Children of Las Brisas”

Upon graduating from the NFTS in the U.K., Marianela wrote and directed several short fiction films, including “The Look of Happiness” and “Breaking Out,” both premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. As a screenwriter, Marianela co-wrote “Peter and the Wolf” (Oscar Winner, 2008), “Unmade Beds” (Sundance, Berlin, Rotterdam 2009), “The Flying Machine” (Toronto & 3D Film Festival 2013) and “The Magic Piano” (New York Film Festival, 2011, and shortlisted for the 2012 Oscars). She also participated in the prestigious Cannes Writing Residency, where she wrote “The Other Girl,” currently in development. As a documentary filmmaker, she worked for BBC Mundo and co-wrote “Once upon a Time in Venezuela,” premiered at Sundance in 2020. She is currently developing several projects for film and television in her creative label Serious Ladies.

Luisa De La Ville
Producer, “Children of Las Brisas”

Luisa is a Venezuelan filmmaker based in NYC with over 35 years of experience. She worked in films such as “Taita Boves,” “El Enemigo,” “Al borde de la línea” and “Plan B.” She was also an AD in international films such as: “Arachnophobia” (Amblin/Walt Disney Productions, 1989); Tom Shadyac’s “Dragonfly” (ShadyAcres & Universal Films, 2001); “Bayley Silleck’s Lost Worlds” (IMAX Films, Primesco); and in many Venezuelan films, such as: “Azul y no tan rosa,” by Miguel Ferrari (Goya Award, 2012); “Tres bellezas” (2015); “Ellipsis” (2006); “Una vida y dos mandados,” by Alberto Arvelo (1995); and “Oriana,” by Fina Torres (Cannes Award, 1984). She’s a co-founder of Abicine (Social Welfare Association of Cinematographic Workers in Venezuela). She is currently developing a new documentary project about fisherwomen in Venezuela.