Alfredo Silva
Actor
About Alfredo Silva
Alfredo Silva was a Brazilian actor who appeared during the early sound era of Brazilian cinema, most notably in the 1936 historical epic 'O Descobrimento do Brasil' (The Discovery of Brazil). This film, directed by Humberto Mauro, was one of the most ambitious Brazilian productions of its time, depicting the arrival of Portuguese explorers to Brazilian shores. Silva's participation in this landmark production places him among the pioneering actors of Brazil's developing film industry during the 1930s. The film was part of a broader cultural movement in Brazil during the Getúlio Vargas era that sought to establish a national cinema identity. Unfortunately, detailed records about Silva's broader career or other film appearances are scarce, suggesting his acting career may have been limited to this period or that many records from early Brazilian cinema have been lost to time.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in 'O Descobrimento do Brasil' (1936), one of Brazil's most important early sound films
- Participated in a major historical epic during the formative years of Brazilian cinema
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Alfredo Silva's contribution to Brazilian cinema, while seemingly limited to his appearance in 'O Descobrimento do Brasil,' places him within the important context of Brazil's early sound film era. The film itself was a significant cultural production that helped establish Brazilian cinema's identity and technical capabilities during the 1930s. Actors like Silva were part of the foundation upon which Brazil's robust film industry would later be built, even if their individual contributions were not extensively documented.
Lasting Legacy
As an actor in one of Brazil's seminal early films, Alfredo Silva represents the many anonymous contributors to the development of national cinema in Brazil. His legacy is tied to the preservation and recognition of 'O Descobrimento do Brasil' as a milestone in Brazilian film history, and by extension, to all the performers who participated in this important cultural project.
Who They Inspired
Due to the limited documentation of his career, Silva's direct influence on subsequent generations of Brazilian actors cannot be definitively traced. However, his participation in early Brazilian cinema contributes to the broader historical understanding of the country's film industry development.
Off Screen
Very limited information is available about Alfredo Silva's personal life, which was common for many supporting actors in early Brazilian cinema whose records were not extensively documented.
Did You Know?
- 'O Descobrimento do Brasil' (1936) was one of the most expensive Brazilian films of its time
- The film was commissioned by the Brazilian government as part of a cultural initiative
- Director Humberto Mauro was considered one of Brazil's most important early filmmakers
- The film depicted historical events from 1500 when Portuguese explorers first arrived in Brazil
- Many records from early Brazilian cinema were lost due to poor preservation conditions
- The 1930s marked the transition from silent to sound films in Brazil
- Brazilian cinema of this era often focused on historical and nationalist themes
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Alfredo Silva?
Alfredo Silva was a Brazilian actor who appeared in the 1936 film 'O Descobrimento do Brasil' (The Discovery of Brazil), one of the most significant early sound films in Brazilian cinema history.
What films is Alfredo Silva best known for?
Alfredo Silva is primarily known for his role in 'O Descobrimento do Brasil' (1936), a historical epic directed by Humberto Mauro that depicted the Portuguese arrival in Brazil.
When was Alfredo Silva active in cinema?
Based on available records, Alfredo Silva was active in 1936, with his only documented film appearance being in 'O Descobrimento do Brasil'.
What was 'O Descobrimento do Brasil' about?
The film was a historical epic depicting the arrival of Portuguese explorers to Brazil in 1500, commissioned by the Brazilian government as part of a cultural initiative to promote national identity.
Why is information about Alfredo Silva limited?
Detailed records about many early Brazilian cinema actors are scarce due to poor documentation and preservation practices during the 1930s, particularly for supporting cast members.
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Films
1 film
