'Sergio' Star Wagner Moura on His Ambition to Produce Films About Latins (Video)

“Sergio” actor/producer Wagner Moura and the filmmakers behind the film dropped by TheWrap Studio at Sundance to discuss the film’s subject — Brazilian United Nations diplomat Sergio Vieira de Mello. Moura, who hails from Brazil like Vieira de Mello, opened up about his ambition to produce films about Latins.

“I have this ambition, this dream, of producing films about Latin people that don’t bring forth stereotypes,” Moura told TheWrap’s Steve Pond. “This film is kind of based on a book about Sergio and for me that was the best way to start that kind of dream.”

“Sergio is a Brazilian, and I’m Brazilian, and it’s very important, especially considering the moment of Brazil is going through now to have him as an example of a man who had empathy which is something that I feel many world leaders nowadays would benefit a lot from,” added Moura. “The great thing was to to make people aware, especially of who this guy was.”

Also Read: 'Shirley' Director Says Elisabeth Moss Was Always the 'Top Choice' to Play Author Shirley Jackson (Video)

Brazilian United Nations diplomat Sergio Vieira de Mello has an extensive resume: assistant high commissioner for refugees, special representative of the secretary-general in Kosovo, transitional administrator in East Timor. It’s 2003 and his latest role as high commissioner for human rights sees him traveling to Iraq to lead peace efforts under President George W. Bush. As he tries to balance heightening tensions on the ground with his desire to spend more time with his partner, Carolina Larriera, the unexpected and tragic happens, forcing Sergio to reflect on his 34 years of service to the UN and, more importantly, on the woman he loves.

Festival veteran Greg Barker transforms his documentary of the same name (2009 Sundance Film Festival, Documentary Editing Award) into a gripping work of fiction that honors Sergio’s legacy by portraying him in his fullness.

Sundance Portraits From A to Z: Andy Samberg to Zazie Beetz (Exclusive Photos)

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Mila Kunis, "Four Good Days"

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Writer-director Rodrigo Garcia, "Four Good Days"

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Diego Luna, "Wander Darkly"

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Yuh-Jung Youn, "Minari"

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Yeri Han, "Minari"

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Ashley Blaine Featherson, "Bad Hair"

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Yaani King Mondschein, "Bad Hair"

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Elle Lorraine, "Bad Hair"

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Director Justin Simien, "Bad Hair"

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Director Bryan Fogel, "The Dissident"

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Cristin Milioti, "Palm Springs"

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Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti, "Palm Springs"

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Writer Andy Siara, "Palm Springs"

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John DeLuca, "Spree"

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Actress Sophia Lillis, "Uncle Frank"

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Actor Peter Macdissi, "Uncle Frank"

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Diane Guerrero, "Blast Beat"

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ACLU lawyer Brigitte Amiri, "The Fight"

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Benedict Wong, "Nine Days"

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Arianna Ortiz, "Nine Days"

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David Rysdahl, "Nine Days"

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