Brazilian-born actor Luca Castellani recently achieved US citizenship, a milestone he describes as “bittersweet” due to his evolving perception of the nation. This personal journey deeply intertwines with his role in Aly Muritiba’s short film “America,” which explores the complexities of immigration and the enduring power of empathy amidst societal challenges.
In a poignant moment that blurs the lines between art and life, actor Luca Castellani has officially become a U.S. citizen, an achievement he candidly describes as “bittersweet.” This significant personal milestone came shortly after completing his work on the impactful short film “America,” directed by acclaimed Brazilian filmmaker Aly Muritiba. Castellani’s sentiments reflect a deep ambivalence, stating, “it’s bittersweet because I look back and I don’t recognize the country I’ve been fighting for and I desired to live in.”
The actor’s heartfelt reflection was shared during a post-screening discussion for “America,” which was part of the Variety Screening Series 2025 on October 24. Moderated by Variety’s Jazz Tangcay, the discussion illuminated the powerful connection between Castellani’s personal journey and the film’s narrative, making it a particularly resonant event for attendees.
A Decade of Dreams and Disillusionment
Castellani’s path to citizenship has been a decade-long saga, beginning when he immigrated from Brazil at the age of 17. His involvement in “America” is not just another acting role; it’s a culmination of his experiences and a testament to his endurance. “I like to say that it took me 10 years to make this film,” Castellani remarked, underscoring how his personal journey as an immigrant profoundly shaped his portrayal of the character.
The film itself is a timely and emotional piece, focusing on the romance between a Brazilian immigrant, played by Castellani, and an aspiring writer, portrayed by Cheyenne Jackson. Their budding relationship is abruptly disrupted by an encounter with an ICE officer, shining a stark light on the harsh realities faced by many in immigrant communities.
Aly Muritiba: A Filmmaker’s Social Conscience
Directing “America” is Aly Muritiba, one of Brazil’s most respected filmmakers, known for his commitment to social commentary through cinema. His impressive filmography includes helming the HBO series “City of God: The Fight Rages On” and numerous features that delve into societal issues. “America” marks his first foray into English-language filmmaking, a deliberate choice driven by the urgency of its subject matter.
Muritiba explained his motivation: “In all of my career, I have made films about social subjects. I consider myself a fighter. I need to use my skills and my voice to talk about this thing that is so important for me. This is why I decided to write this script about immigration.” This consistent dedication to impactful storytelling solidifies his reputation as a filmmaker with a strong social conscience, as detailed by his comprehensive filmography on IMDb.
Lessons from Brazil: A Message of Hope and Warning
During the discussion, Muritiba drew parallels between the political landscape of Brazil and the United States, offering a compelling perspective on democracy and resilience. He recounted Brazil’s recent experience with a “fascist government” and a failed “coup d’état” attempt, noting that their justice system ultimately prevailed, leading to the imprisonment of those responsible.
“So now Brazil is the biggest democracy in the Americas, and I’m so proud of it. I think that we learned a lesson and we can teach that lesson to other countries,” Muritiba asserted. His words serve as both a hopeful message about the power of democratic institutions and a subtle warning about the fragility of such systems, urging vigilance.
The Bittersweet Reality of the American Dream
Castellani’s complex emotions—feeling “safe now” and “very proud to be in America and to fight for this country like everybody else,” yet simultaneously lamenting a changed nation—epitomize the nuanced immigrant experience. Muritiba echoed this sentiment, observing that for many of his friends, the “American dream becomes a kind of nightmare.” This duality is at the heart of “America,” showcasing the aspirations and the harsh realities.
The film’s production itself was a testament to dedication, shot over four days and even including a guerrilla-style scene filmed at a real No Kings protest, highlighting the authentic immersion into the issues it addresses. This meticulous approach to storytelling enhances its powerful message, as reported by Variety.
Empathy as the Ultimate Solution
Both Castellani and Muritiba are united in their vision for “America” to be a catalyst for understanding and compassion. Castellani insisted on the film’s core message: “What I want the movie to show everybody is that we must protect each other and put our differences aside.” He articulates a profound belief in the simple, yet often overlooked, human desire for connection.
“I think as a society, all we are trying to do is to love each other, you know? And then comes systems, comes politics and comes religion and comes all these things that gets in between people trying to love each other. That’s all we are trying to do all over the world. It seems like our system is so broken that it won’t let us do the one thing that everybody needs, which is love,” Castellani passionately explained.
Muritiba succinctly summarized the film’s essence: “This movie is about empathy. It’s a love story in this tough period of time.” In an era where political and immigration narratives often lean towards bleakness, “America” bravely confronts harsh realities, yet it strives to explore them through a human lens, suggesting that empathy and love can, and must, ultimately prevail.
