Born again
Rebirth artistic director Gustavo Fernandez breaks down his role on this Brazilian telenovela, his approach to remaking a hugely successful series from the 1990s, and how its themes have been updated for modern audiences. Brazilian telenovela Renascer (Rebirth) first debuted on Globo in 1993, written by Benedito Rui Barbosa and directed by Luiz Fernando Carvalho. Now, more than 30 years later, a remake of the series has aired on the same network, telling the story of José Inocêncio, who becomes a mythical figure thanks to a pact he makes with a jequitibá tree that leads him to become the most successful cocoa farmer in the region. He falls in love with and marries Maria Santa, and they have four children together. But when their youngest son João Pedro is born, Maria dies in childbirth, fuelling a lifetime of resentment against him. Years later, the arrival of the mysterious Mariana puts José and João Pedro’s relationship further to the test when father and son fall for the same woman. Adapted by Bruno Luperi and artistic director Gustavo Fernandez, the series debuted in January 2024 and ran until September with a cast that includes Marcos Palmeira, Humberto Carrão, Juan Paiva, Theresa Fonseca, Sophie Charlotte, Vladimir Brichta, Guilia Buscacio and Duda Santos. The 197-part series is produced and distributed by Globo. Ahead of the Rose d’Or Latinos Awards in Miami as part of Content Americas tomorrow, Fernandez speaks to DQ about his role on the show, his concerns about remaking a popular series … Continue reading Born again
