Conversations with Bia Oliveira

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bia Oliveira.

Hi Bia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My company is in Brasil but, I also do a volunteer cultural exchange in L.A., directing, creating and developing film and theater projects.

It all starts on my childhood when I studied theater at school. When I was a teenager, I started performing on my neighborhood theaters. I also had a lot of influence from my uncle. I’m the Brazilian filmmaker and playwright Domingos Oliveira’s niece. I saw that magical world that my uncle used to film and I was fascinated. I have an academic background as a teacher, which made me join Art and Education in college. Today, as a screenwriter, director, cultural producer, casting coach with 35 years of experience in the artistic market, I have directed 18 theater shows and five short films. I’ve published two books and discovered some Brazilian talents emerging on the artistic world. I was also my uncle’s assistant director on the feature “Infancia”, in English, “Childhood” a film awarded four times, in Brazil. In L.A, I was honored to receive the Best Short Film Award at BWIE (Brazilian Women in Entertainment) and at LABRFF 2020 (Los Angeles Brazilian Film Festival) with “Windows to the World – AM to PM”. Currently, I’m writing news scripts and preparing to direct a feature film.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The artist path is never easy, especially been a screenwriter woman. The journey is hard. But, I believe we have to keep going, with all our soul and a lot of professionalism to reach our goals. I’m an educator, very optimistic and every stone I find, I collect to build a solid foundation for my artistic work.

Over the years, I developed a process for the creative actor, using words as an instrument to build a bridge for all the characters and artistic paths that transit between theater and cinema.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I believe in the actor as a creator. I’m a director who sees the artist’s strength and I know the commitment they have to contribute to a more dignified society with their art. I believe it’s important that people know that art is one of the most effective treatments for difficult days, especially in times of pandemic, loneliness and lockdown. We know that art saves, frees and transforms and as an artist, I am part of this historical moment. So, let’s be creative to recreate Art.

I am a screenwriter a director, I teach online classes. I am also a poetry books writer, and I’m currently finishing my Master in Science Education. I’m recognized for discovering new talents. I love working with actors and all their creative power.

My greatest pride is to be able to keep searching and learning with each new project that comes up on my journey. And to have my son, João Oliveira, also an actor, following his career that fills me so much with joy.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
We don’t do anything alone, we always need the collective, the other to follow the path. We need to truly love what we do and consequently, work hard to make our dreams come true.

In Art, everything can be done, but not only anything”.

We are artists.

We are like that, humans who drink with our hearts and feed our souls with the look and gesture of the other.

The body is in charge of the other, of others.

We are whole and halves do not complete us.

We are artists.

Everything I learned from Domingos Oliveira, my uncle, master, director, writer. He will be forever present on my journey. “Art saves and without Art there’s no salvation”. Thank you Mingão!

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @biaoliveiraareal / @coletivobiarte
• Facebook: Bia Oliveira
• Twitter: @biarteventos
• Youtube: Canal Biarte
• Other: IMDB – Bia Oliveira

Image Credits:
Biarte Credit Disclosure