Support our Doc: Brazilian Cowboys Against Erasure

Hello! My name is Leila Sobral. I’m a first-time director working to complete my debut short film that captures the endangered culture of Brazilian cowboys in São Francisco Xavier. Set in the breathtaking Serra Mantiqueira mountains of Brazil, our film explores how gentrification threatens the town's rich heritage and the struggle to preserve the Brazilian cowboy legacy (Tropeirismo).

Troperismo embodies the traditional lifestyle of the Tropeiros, historical cowboys and cattle drivers whose unique customs, music, and way of life are deeply embedded in Brazil's history. This cultural heritage, characterized by distinctive practices and attire, faces the risk of being lost due to modern pressures.

Our story follows Fernando, a young indigenous tropeiro, who passionately strives to preserve troperismo and reconnect with the town’s roots and his family heritage. His journey is one of resilience, tradition, and identity amid modern encroachment.

We are raising $7,000 to fund the final stages of post-production, including editing, sound design, color correction, scoring, adding subtitles to ensure the film reaches a wider audience, and festival submission fees. With your donations we will compensate Fernando for his invaluable time and make a donation to the Tropeiro organization of Sao Francisco Xavier.

Your support will help us complete the film and underscore the urgent need to protect troperismo. By contributing, you’ll be aiding not only the finishing touches of this project but also the preservation of a unique cultural tradition at risk of vanishing.

Join us in sharing Fernando’s inspiring story and safeguarding the heritage of Tropeiros São Francisco Xavier. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us closer to completing this vital film. Thank you for your generosity and support!

If you'd like to see some stills from the project please find them on my instagram.

With love and gratitude,

Leila