Victor Cesar Bota

Victor Cesar Bota (born November 7, 1972), a Brazilian film director, producer and screenwriter, began his artistic life as a painter and photographer.

Early life

Grandson of the painter Zaira O’Farill Cesar, son of the architect Cidalia Cesar and corporate executive Nilton Morreira Bota, Bota grew up in the 1970s in Brazil’s socially vibrant and politically charged culture during the end of the steel-fist dictatorship.

In 1985, Bota moved to Rio de Janeiro with his family, where he befriended Renzo Gracie, who later became the subject and co-producer of his first documentary film.

In 1990, Bota moved to New York City, but it wasn't until 2002, when he first picked up a video camera, that he discovered filmmaking.

Career

Bota's short film “Freeman” was in a selection of several film festivals including the Brussels Film Festival, Palm Springs International Film Festival, Montreal Film Festival, Festival de Brasília, Belo Horizonte Film Festival, São Paulo International Film Festival and Festival do Rio.

His music video "Call My Name" was nominated in 2003 for the MTV Video Music Brazil and this led to more work directing with Sony | BMG.

Bota wrote, produced and directed the documentary The Gracies and the Birth of Vale Tudo about the legendary family and the remarkable creation and expansion of Ultimate Fighting Championship around the world. The Gracies and the Birth of Vale Tudo was in a selection of the São Paulo International Film Festival and Festival do Rio.

Filmography