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Anba dlo

Berlinale Shorts 2025
© Luiza Calagian, Rosa Caldeira
Nadia is a Haitian biologist who had to leave her culture, homeland and the people she loves most to dedicate herself to her research. She moved to Cuba, where she studies the local flora and fauna, so similar to those of her home country. Despite the similarities provided by the Caribbean context, the cultural differences between the two countries run deep, starting with language and religion. Accustomed to Haitian Creole, derived from French, and to Vodou, the Afro-Haitian religion, Nadia has had to learn Spanish to communicate in Cuba and adapt to the traditions of the Afro-Cuban religion, Santería. Her life takes an unexpected turn when a mysterious presence emerges from the depths of the waters, and the forest begins to whisper in unknown languages. This enigmatic visitor is Yvon, her former love from Haiti. It makes her homeland feel more distant than ever for Nadia.
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by Luiza Calagian (Director, Screenplay), Rosa Caldeira (Director, Screenplay)
with Berline Charles, Feguenson Hermogène, Doreen Granados, Alejandra de Jesús Garcell Cuba / Brazil / Haiti 2025 Spanish, Haitian Creole 18' Colour World premiere

With

  • Berline Charles (Nadia)
  • Feguenson Hermogène (Yvon)
  • Doreen Granados (Lab mate)
  • Alejandra de Jesús Garcell (Nadia's friend)

Crew

Directors Luiza Calagian, Rosa Caldeira
Screenplay Luiza Calagian, Rosa Caldeira
Cinematography Well Amorim
Editing Luiza Garcia
Sound Design Taíssa Monteiro
Production Design Matheus Moura
Art Director Verónica Abdo García
Producers Matheus Moura, Well Amorim
Executive Producer Matheus Moura
Co-Producers Luiza Calagian, Berline Charles, Rosa Caldeira

Produced by

Ursana Films

Maloka Films

Mata fechada Films

Kinolakay

International Film and TV School - EICTV Cuba

Photos

Luiza Calagian

© Luiza Calagian

The director and cinematographer is from São Paulo, Brazil. She has a cinematography degree from the International School of Film and TV (EICTV) in Cuba where she also took a master’s in creative documentary. Her work has screened at festivals around the world. She is the founder of the independent production company Mata Fechada Films. Luiza Calagian believes that the craft of cinema is a spell, capable of transmuting reality and enchanting the world. She is currently developing her debut feature film.

Filmography (short films)

2022 Ava Mocoi, The Twins; documentary 2025 Ether; documentary · Ceiba; documentary · Anba Dlo; co-director: Rosa Caldeira

Bio- & filmography as of Berlinale 2025

Rosa Caldeira

© Luiza Calagian

The trans filmmaker grew up in a favela in São Paulo, Brazil and first studied sociology followed by filmmaking at the International School of Cinema and TV (EICTV) in Cuba. They are a member of the Talentos Paradiso network and a co-founder of the Association of Trans Professionals in Audiovisual in Brazil, as well as of the Maloka Filmes production company. Their films have been selected for festivals around the world.

Filmography (short films)

2020 Perifericu 2025 Anba Dlo; co-direcor: Luiza Calagian · Fronteriza

Bio- & filmography as of Berlinale 2025