Film Lens
Santiago is a documentary film directed by João Moreira Salles that focuses on Santiago Badariotti Merlo, a butler who served the filmmaker's family for 30 years. The film captures Santiago's life and experiences, filmed in 1992, shortly before his death in 1994. The narrative reflects on the relationship between the filmmaker and his butler, set against the backdrop of the family's large house in Rio de Janeiro.
Initially, Salles struggled to edit the footage after Santiago's passing, leading him to set the project aside. In 2005, he revisited the material, ultimately completing the film. Santiago's life, spanning from 1912 to 1994, is presented through a personal lens, intertwining themes of memory, class, and the passage of time.
Why Watch
- •Meet Santiago Badariotti Merlo, a unique butler's story.
- •See João Moreira Salles' personal reflections on memory.
- •Find out about the life of a butler in 20th century Brazil.
Did You Know
•Santiago Badariotti Merlo worked for the filmmaker's family from 1956 to 1986.
•The film premiered at the Cinéma du Réel Film Festival in March 2007.
•Santiago was ranked number 33 on the Abraccine Top 100 Brazilian films list in the 2010s.
•The film won the Grand Prix Award for Best Documentary in 2007.
Perfect For
Brazilian cinema fansDocumentary enthusiastsStories of service