Solar Meninos de Luz

During December 2016 and January 2017, the Greek director Panos Deigiannis, together with his team, filmed the documentary Príncipes Felizes (Happy Princes) at Solar Meninos de Luz, in Pavão-Pavãozinho and Cantagalo communities and in Rio de Janeiro city.

The documentary is about the life and work of Greek director Sotiris Karamesinis, who together with Musa Theater Company, has been volunteering at Solar since 2015, with theater classes for children aged 8 to 10.

The documentary idea came two years after a director’s visit to Solar. Seeing Sotiris’ work with Solar’s children and following his career for more than 10 years, Panos was impressed with the methodology used in his classes, his knowledge and dedication with the students and, consequently, with his dream. So, he decided to make a movie about his trajectory in Rio de Janeiro.

The film theme was chosen by both directors: O Príncipe Feliz (The Happy Prince), an Oscar Wilde’s famous tale. The subject was also worked on Solar’s theater classes and presented at the end of the year show.

The film script was worked in parallel to classes and the tale story narration. All this was only possible as a reflection of the achievements, difficulties and constant struggle of Sotiris and his group, the children teachers and actresses in the film, Rosana Barros, Flavia Bittencourt and Maria Montera, together with Solar children.

Happy Prince tale tells the story of a city that had, on top of a mountain, a dazzling statue filled with gold, sapphire and rubies, erected in honor of the young prince who had been very happy in life. His story is mixed with a dreamy swallow story, who, moved by the prince tears, gives in to his requests: distribute, for the most needy, everything he had of value to cover his body, until leaving him in ruins.

In Sotiris adaptation made for the theater students’ show and for the film, Cristo Redentor, in Rio de Janeiro, can be the Happy Prince of the city. It overlooks an equally large city. A haven for some, but hard and inhuman for many, rich for a few, and for millions of others, poverty and violence.

Besides the production and actors team, Solar theater students are also part of the film, together with their families.

Movie making was only possible thanks to sponsorship of the Greek Culture Ministry, the Greek Cinematographic Center and the Greek Public TV. The production is carried out by Greek Oxymoron, of the award-winning director-producer Argyris Papadimitropoulos and brasilian executive production is from Carioca Thomas Stavros.

Documentary will have international distribution in festivals and cinemas and is scheduled to debut in Brazil in October 2017.