How Actor Luca Castellani Became a U.S. Citizen

In a significant personal milestone that coincided with a powerful artistic endeavor, actor Luca Castellani recently achieved U.S. citizenship. This accomplishment, however, is tinged with a complex sentiment for the Brazilian-born star, who describes it as “bittersweet.” His reflections come shortly after wrapping production on the critically acclaimed short film “America,” directed by Aly Muritiba, where Castellani plays a pivotal role in a narrative deeply resonant with his own immigrant experience. “I look back and I don’t recognize the country I’ve been fighting for and I desired to live in,” Castellani shared during a post-screening discussion, articulating a sentiment of disillusionment alongside his personal triumph.

A Decade’s Journey Culminates in Citizenship

Luca Castellani’s journey to American citizenship spanned nearly a decade, a period marked by personal growth and a determined pursuit of his aspirations. Having immigrated from Brazil at the age of 17, his path has been one of perseverance. This lengthy process culminated just as he was deeply immersed in portraying the immigrant experience in “America.” Castellani expressed a profound sense of humility at being able to tell a story that will resonate with many and potentially help protect his community. His personal history provided a unique and authentic lens through which to approach his character, Tom, a Brazilian immigrant navigating life in the United States.

“America”: A Human Story on Immigration

The short film “America,” a Brazil–U.S. co-production, delves into themes of love, identity, and the immigrant experience. It centers on an unexpected romance between Tom (Castellani), a young Brazilian immigrant, and Josh (Cheyenne Jackson), an aspiring writer, which is dramatically disrupted by an encounter with an ICE officer. The film’s narrative is particularly timely and emotionally charged, reflecting the realities faced by millions of immigrants living in the U.S. While the film was shot over four intense days, including a scene filmed guerrilla-style during a protest against deportation, Castellani humorously remarks that it took him 10 years to make, acknowledging the profound influence of his own prolonged immigration journey on the project. The movie doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of immigration policies but aims to explore them through a deeply human lens.

Aly Muritiba’s Vision: Filmmaking with a Social Conscience

Aly Muritiba, one of Brazil’s most respected filmmakers, known for projects like the HBO series “City of God: The Fight Rages On,” directed “America” as his first English-language endeavor. Muritiba’s career is consistently marked by his commitment to social subjects, and he views storytelling as a crucial tool for social importance. He expressed a strong conviction to use his skills and voice to address vital issues, which directly led him to write the script about immigration. Muritiba’s background includes recognition at major film festivals and an Academy Award shortlist for his 2013 short film “The Factory.” This rich experience underscores his ability to craft narratives that are both artistically compelling and socially relevant.

Reflections on Democracy and Disillusionment

During discussions, both Castellani and Muritiba touched upon the political landscape, drawing parallels between the U.S. and Brazil’s recent history with fascism. Muritiba highlighted Brazil’s success in overcoming a fascist government and its justice system holding those accountable, positioning Brazil as a strong democracy in the Americas. This perspective offered a poignant contrast to Castellani’s feeling of not recognizing the country he now calls home. Muritiba also noted the sentiment among many of his friends who came to the U.S. seeking the “American dream,” only to find it morph into a “nightmare.” Despite these sobering reflections, Castellani articulated a sense of safety and pride in his new citizenship, expressing a readiness to contribute to and fight for the country.

The Enduring Message of Empathy and Love

The emotional ambivalence experienced by immigrants is a central theme that “America” endeavors to illuminate. Castellani emphasized the film’s core message: the necessity of protecting each other and setting aside differences. He articulated a universal human desire for love, often obstructed by “systems, politics and religion” that create division. Muritiba succinctly described the film as “about empathy. It’s a love story in this tough period of time.” In a landscape where narratives around immigration can often feel bleak, “America” offers a human-centric approach, aiming to explore challenging realities through a lens where empathy and love can ultimately prevail.

Conclusion

Luca Castellani’s attainment of U.S. citizenship, a deeply personal and hard-won achievement, stands as a testament to perseverance. Its bittersweet nature, as he grapples with the current identity of the nation, is powerfully mirrored in his work on “America.” Through this short film, he and director Aly Muritiba offer a poignant exploration of the immigrant experience, using a love story to highlight the profound impact of policy on individual lives. The film’s compelling narrative, infused with personal history and a call for empathy, serves as a vital commentary on contemporary society, urging viewers to look beyond divisions and embrace a shared humanity.