I Remember the Crows

Director: Gustavo Vinagre
Release Year: 2018
Original title: Lembro mais dos Corvos

Lembro mais dos Corvos (2018) is a captivating and intimate documentary directed by Gustavo Vinagre that offers an unflinching portrayal of the life and thoughts of Julia Katharine, a Japanese-Brazilian trans actress-filmmaker. Through a unique confessional format, Vinagre invites viewers into Julia's world, providing a raw and honest exploration of her experiences, desires, traumas, and reflections on identity. The film weaves together personal anecdotes and cinematic references, revealing how Julia's life has been shaped both by her own journey and the films that have profoundly influenced her. Julia Katharine's presence in the film is a powerful testament to her role as both an artist and a storyteller.

 

As an actress, director, and screenwriter, Julia has already made a name for herself in Brazilian cinema. She made her directorial debut in 2018 with the short film Tea for Two, which won the prestigious Guarani Award for Best Short Film. Alongside her work behind the camera, Julia has collaborated with Gustavo Vinagre as an actress in three films, including Lembro mais dos Corvos, in which she also co-wrote the script. Her work in this film earned her the 2018 Helena Ignez Award, recognizing her contribution to the visibility and recognition of women in Brazilian cinema. 

 

The film is not just a portrait of Julia Katharine as a trans woman; it is also an exploration of her deep connection to cinema, which has served as both a refuge and a source of inspiration throughout her life. In the film, Julia openly shares her insomnia, which often drives her to revisit her past through vivid stories about childhood, family, relationships, desires, and moments of self-doubt. These recollections give the audience an intimate glimpse into her personal world and allow us to understand how cinema has shaped her identity. Lembro mais dos Corvos offers a deeply reflective look at the intersection of Julia's identity as a trans woman and her passion for cinema. The film highlights her cinephilia, which has become an essential part of her existence. Julia discusses the influence of classic Hollywood actresses, such as Shirley MacLaine, Debra Winger, and Vivien Leigh, as well as her love for films like Tender Mercies and A Streetcar Named Desire. Her fascination with the power of cinema is evident as she recounts how movies, especially those starring strong female icons, have helped her navigate her own experiences of love, sexuality, and self-discovery. 

 

Julia's reverence for cinema extends beyond simply admiring films; it is a lens through which she processes her personal life. She describes how movies saved her from depression and how her fascination with films led her to steal videotapes from rental shops. Her obsession with film runs deep, as she often imagines herself as part of the cinematic worlds she so admires. She speaks of her love for Japanese culture, influenced by her father’s heritage, referencing the film The Tale of the Princess Kaguya and its aesthetic, which echoes the traditional art of Japanese woodblock prints. The film captures Julia's multifaceted nature, combining her personal reflections with her passion for the world of film.

 

Vinagre’s approach to filmmaking in Lembro mais dos Corvos mirrors the themes explored in the film itself. The documentary challenges the traditional methods of storytelling and cinematic language. With the camera almost always focused on Julia, Vinagre creates an intense, almost voyeuristic atmosphere. The use of close-ups and zooms highlights Julia's presence, making the audience feel as though they are sharing in her most intimate moments. The camera occasionally moves beyond her, capturing the city outside her window, which reflects her internal state - a world that continues to move while she remains lost in her reflections. The film’s aesthetic is minimalist yet powerful. It embraces an unconventional approach to documentary filmmaking, breaking the fourth wall and allowing the audience to witness the process of creation. Julia and Vinagre’s dialogue is at times playful, and at other times serious, as Julia reflects on the nature of the film they are making and the cinematic language that they are both contributing to. Her candidness and willingness to examine her life in relation to the films that have influenced her create a fascinating interplay between personal history and artistic expression.

 

At its core, Lembro mais dos Corvos is a film about transformation - not just Julia's transition, but the evolution of the cinematic form itself. The documentary explores how the power of cinema can shape one’s identity and how that same cinema can be reimagined to reflect a more diverse and inclusive world. Vinagre’s work is a bold statement against the limitations of classical filmmaking, opting instead for a raw, personal exploration of identity that speaks to the fluidity of both gender and art. The film is also a celebration of the resilience and strength of women in cinema, particularly women like Julia, who defy conventional expectations. Her journey, both as an artist and as a trans woman, is interwoven with the stories of the films she reveres. The fact that she took inspiration from her favorite actresses and films - especially those that feature complex, strong women - demonstrates how cinema can empower individuals to craft their own narratives. Lembro mais dos Corvos does not shy away from difficult subjects, including Julia's tumultuous experiences with love and her struggles with insomnia. Yet, it is also a film about joy - about the joy of discovering oneself, of finding solace in the art of film, and of embracing one's identity, no matter how complex or unconventional it may be. Julia’s confessions, which range from moments of self-doubt to passionate declarations about the films she loves, provide an incredibly intimate view of her life, filled with vulnerability and courage.

 

This documentary is not just for cinephiles or those interested in trans narratives; it speaks to anyone who has ever used art to make sense of their own identity. The film is a meditation on the power of cinema as both a personal and universal language, capable of capturing the intricacies of human experience. As Julia Katharine navigates her own story, she brings us closer to understanding the ways in which cinema and identity are inextricably linked - how films can shape us, and how we, in turn, shape the stories we tell through the lens of our own lives. In its final moments, Lembro mais dos Corvos leaves viewers with a profound sense of reflection, not just on Julia’s journey, but on the ways in which art, identity, and transformation can intertwine. The film concludes with a moment of stillness as the camera lingers on the city outside Julia’s window, capturing the world in transition just as she has transitioned. Through this poignant ending, Vinagre invites the audience to consider their own stories, their own relationships with art, and the ongoing journey of self-discovery that we all share.

 

via: youtube

 quinlan.it and portoiracemadasartes.org.br

Image credits: YouTube