Is now available on YouTube.
"Estação da Cultura" is an experimental short film about time travel. The story follows a train passenger who is transported to the Estação da Cultura, a cultural heritage site in Arcoverde, located in the Moxotó region of Pernambuco’s hinterlands. She journeys through memories and historical moments, from its inauguration as an old railway station to the present day. As she moves through the space, the passenger experiences meetings and farewells, connecting deeply with the heart of the countryside. The narrative unfolds through her body as she embarks on a dance in search of new destinations, closing the cycle where it all began.
The soundtrack of "Estação da Cultura" plays a pivotal role in portraying the passage of time while deeply connecting to the cultural roots of coco arcoverdense. Its intricate details capture ambient sounds, evoking a nostalgic atmosphere and a sense of identity. Each instrument was carefully chosen to reflect the protagonist's movements as she navigates the temporal cycles in her dance. Additionally, the soundtrack takes on a discursive dimension, engaging with the visual construction and artistic process, paying tribute to the groups that have contributed to Estação da Cultura.
Elle Moon on Estação da Cultura:
"From the very first moment you encounter Estação da Cultura, it’s impossible not to feel as if you’re traveling through time."
About Elle
Elle Moon is an actress, writer, and director. Recognized for her work in theater and writing, she has contributed to projects such as Haunted Recife, Lisbela and the Prisoner, and The Addams Family - The Musical. In 2021, she ventured into the audiovisual field, and in 2024, she directed Estação da Cultura, her first short film produced under her independent production company, Aceite o Mistério.
History
The Arcoverde station was inaugurated in 1912 under the name Barão do Rio Branco, in the village of Vila Olho D'Água dos Bredos. In 1943, the station and the municipality, which had been formed in 1928, were renamed Arcoverde in honor of Cardinal Arcoverde. The station was decommissioned in the early 1980s.
The Associação Estação da Cultura emerged from the occupation of Arcoverde's artists in Pernambuco’s hinterlands, with the goal of supporting, encouraging, and promoting actions that integrate art, education, and communication to foster artistic and cultural development within the community. In 2004, Estação da Cultura became the first Ponto de Cultura in Brazil, marking a historic milestone for the city. Since its founding on November 17, 2001, Estação has aimed to strengthen the democratic dialogue that guides us toward implementing a public policy for culture. - Text by Ney Mendes, one of the artists who occupy and manage the space.
Message
Our goal is to contribute to the preservation of this place, so vital to the history of its people and region. We intend for this itinerant film not only to reach the many nearby cities where the old trains once passed but also to expand to new destinations. This work is the product of a personal experience that grew and aspired to share the story of Estação da Cultura with others. Above all, we wish you all a pleasant journey!
Team
Elle Moon – Writer and Director
Tulio Pyrrho – Director of Photography
Cecília Gonçalves – Production Director
Gley Paes and Bah Correia – Producers
Tulio Pyrrho and Elle Moon – Editors
Hanna Herrera – Costume Designer
Manu Silveira – Makeup Artist
Alana Martiniano – Soundtrack and Sound Design
Elle Moon – Time Traveler
Cecília Gonçalves – Illustrator and Translator
Special Participation
Tropa do Balacobaco and Grupo Muzenza
Support
Estação da Cultura
Tropa do Balacobaco
Grupo Muzenza
Akasha Produções
Cobogó das Artes
Portela Produções
Duetindica
Acknowledgments
Susi and Mota
Ivaldo, Cristina, and João Felipe
Adriano Portela
Seu José
Nico, Vivi, Elis, and Tristão (our cats)
Meg and Eva (our dogs)
Credits
Estações Ferroviárias do Estado de Pernambuco
Adamastor Fotografia
Edson Xavier e Rodrigo Henrique
Projeto Memória Ferroviária de Pernambuco
Mapa Cultural Estação da Cultura
Sponsorship and Incentive
Lei Paulo Gustavo
Prefeitura de Arcoverde
Ministério e Secretaria da Cultura
Governo Federal de Pernambuco
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