Gilda de Abreu
Biography
Gilda de Abreu (23 September 1904 – 4 June 1979) was a Brazilian actress, singer, writer and film director. Born to a wealthy family, Gilda de Abreu began her career as a singer, performing in stage musicals and operettas. She first started appearing in theater productions in 1936, when she starred in the romantic comedy Bonequinha de Seda, produced by Adhemar Gonzaga. The film acted as a break-out role for Abreu, allowing for a transition from her previous stage-based career to one in the Brazilian film industry. She was one of the first women to direct films in Brazil, coming to renown for her directorial debut, O Ébrio (The Drunkard) in 1946. The film, in addition to being the first sound film directed by a woman, was a commercial and critical success, with approximately 4 million viewings between 1946 and 1950. It is still regarded as "one of the great successes of Brazilian Cinema", according to film historian João Luiz Vieira. After O Ébrio, Abreu directed Pinguinho de gente (Tiny Tot) in 1949 and Coração materno (Mother's Heart) in 1951. Neither achieved the same critical or commercial success as O Ébrio. These were her final films as director until 1977, when she directed the short film Canção de Amor (Love Song).
Known For & Full Filmography7 Titles
Movie - 1951, 2h 15m • Main Cast Role
As a baby, Carlos was abandoned in the church at the feet of Holy Mary, raised by the priest, and consecrated to her. As a child, he falls in love with the daughter of the Commander, the local landowner, who is already promised to the son of a ruined count.
Movie - 1997, 2h 15m • as Self
"Portraits and excerpts from Brazilian films from all times. Actors, directors and images that affirm cinema."
Movie - 1936, 2h 15m • as Marilda
A poor woman passes herself as singer that just arrives from Frances and becames a sensation on Rio de Janeiro's high society.
Movie - 2008, 2h 15m • as Self
A documentary that chronologically traces the presence of women in Brazilian cinema.
Movie - 1978, 2h 15m • as Self
Documentary on famous Brazilian actresses, female directors and the role of women in Brazilian film history.
Movie - 2020, 2h 15m • as Self
Passionate about the magic of cinema and historically imposed on a place of invisibility, prejudices and stereotypes, how can women challenge, break with oppression, look after precious archives, play remarkable characters, produce and direct successful films? The documentary illuminates the trajectories of dreams, challenges and victories of talented Brazilian women in our audiovisual sector.
Movie - 1978, 2h 15m • Main Cast Role
An outstanding performance featuring brilliant storytelling, high stakes drama, and unforgettable character arcs.