
Set against the streets, churches, and memories of Ouro Preto, Beyond Appearances, Our Persistence examines Brazil’s history through stories of slavery, faith, spirituality, and cultural resilience. The documentary looks beyond official monuments and familiar narratives to recognize people whose contributions have often been overlooked or silenced.
Beyond Appearances, Our Persistence is a Brazilian documentary-drama centered on memory, cultural identity, and the histories carried through Ouro Preto. Its focus is not only on the city’s visible landmarks, but also on the people and traditions that give those places meaning.
The film connects Brazil’s past with its continuing presence in art, culture, and everyday traditions. Through reflection and historical discovery, it considers how overlooked voices remain part of the country’s identity.
Beyond Appearances, Our Persistence movie details
| Title | Beyond Appearances, Our Persistence |
|---|---|
| Original title | Além da Aparência, Nossa Persistência. |
| Release date | |
| Runtime | 1h 40m |
| Genres | Drama, Documentary |
| Director | João Pedro Ramos Pereira |
| Writer | João Pedro Ramos Pereira |
| Country | Brazil |
| Languages | Portuguese, Spanish |
| Status | Released |
Story without spoilers
The documentary travels through the streets and churches of Ouro Preto while examining the roots of Brazil’s history. Its subject matter includes slavery, faith, spirituality, and the resilience of people whose contributions have not always been recognized in established accounts of the past.
Rather than treating monuments as complete explanations of history, the film looks toward the memories and voices surrounding them. It suggests that understanding Brazil’s origins also requires acknowledging those who faced attempts at erasure and whose influence continues through Brazilian culture, art, and traditions.

What to expect
Viewers can expect a history-focused documentary with dramatic elements and a strong connection to place. Ouro Preto serves as the setting for an exploration of memory, religious and spiritual experience, slavery, and cultural persistence.
The film’s approach is reflective rather than plot-driven, using discovery and remembrance to question narratives that leave certain people out. Its central concern is how the past remains visible in the present, particularly through traditions and cultural expressions.
Cast and creative team
João Pedro Ramos Pereira directs and writes Beyond Appearances, Our Persistence. The credited cast includes Ana Clara Martins Freitas as Ana, Isabelly Letícia Araújo da Silva as Isabelly, Leandro Teixeira as Leandro, Miguel Belfort Barboza as Miguel, Lorena Yasmin as Lorena, Lívia Lima de Souza as Lívia, Manuella Ferreira da Silva Guedes as Manuella, Julia Lacerda de Menezes as Julia, Thauany Shaer Piffer as Thauany, and Heitor Antonelli Batista as Heitor.
- Ana Clara Martins Freitas as Ana
- Isabelly Letícia Araújo da Silva as Isabelly
- Leandro Teixeira as Leandro
- Miguel Belfort Barboza as Miguel
- Lorena Yasmin as Lorena
- Lívia Lima de Souza as Lívia
- Manuella Ferreira da Silva Guedes as Manuella
- Julia Lacerda de Menezes as Julia
- Thauany Shaer Piffer as Thauany
- Heitor Antonelli Batista as Heitor
Release and production context
Beyond Appearances, Our Persistence is a 2026 production from Brazil with a listed release date of October 24, 2026. It runs for 1 hour and 40 minutes and is spoken in Portuguese and Spanish. The film is associated with the genres Drama and Documentary, and its production company is Colégio Zelinda Piffer Banhe. Its listed status is Released.
Production companies: Colégio Zelinda Piffer Banhe
Reported production figures:
Budget $1,588
Movies Dock view
Beyond Appearances, Our Persistence presents Ouro Preto as a place where architecture, memory, spirituality, and cultural history meet. By turning attention toward stories that have been overlooked, the film offers a considered portrait of how Brazil’s past continues to shape its present.
Frequently asked questions
What is Beyond Appearances, Our Persistence about?
It is a documentary-drama about Brazil’s history, focusing on Ouro Preto, slavery, faith, spirituality, cultural resilience, and voices that have often been excluded from established narratives.
Who directed and wrote Beyond Appearances, Our Persistence?
João Pedro Ramos Pereira directed and wrote the film.
When was Beyond Appearances, Our Persistence released?
The listed release date is October 24, 2026.
How long is the film?
The runtime is 1 hour and 40 minutes.
What languages are spoken in the film?
The listed spoken languages are Portuguese and Spanish.
Film data:
TMDB















