Documentary about Elis Regina and Tom Jobim will be shown in the United States

Elis & Tom, Just Gotta Be With You (2022) was purchased by Outsider Pictures and is set for a September 15 release in Los Angeles. The California city was the scene of the recording of the iconic Elis & Tom (1974)which is the subject of the documentary that brings together footage from the time.

The director Roberto de Oliveira spoke about the material he gathered to make the film in an interview with Variety: “I was the agent of Elis years ago and recorded rehearsals, conversations and this atmosphere that reigns behind the scenes”. Five hours of footage were found.

“All this material was kept, but all these years and time that passed was healthy for this story. Today we know the complete professional journey of these two exceptional artists and the successful career of this album”, he reflected Roberto.

Elis Reginadied at age 36 in 1982. She would have left an incomplete record made with Wayne Shorter. “Elis she was a perfect singer. She was making a record with Wayne Shorter that he left unfinished and intended to launch his international career. She would probably succeed, just like Jobim” said the director.

Despite having generated a renowned album by bringing together the talents, Elis It is Tone were totally different, he noted Roberto: “He was minimalist, used few notes and was known for his extraordinary and beautiful harmonies. Elis she was an exuberant singer. After meeting him, she became more restrained, valuing words and interpretation. She discovered that it’s not just the voice that sings.”

They were two incredible artists who didn’t understand each other personally, but art unites talents. When these geniuses finally recognized themselves, a masterpiece emerged. In the end, the two became giants and learned from each other.

Roberto de Oliveira hopes that a younger audience will be impacted by the film. He also hopes that the documentary will bring Brazilian music to more people.

The filmmaker also defended that the case of Eliscould have happened anywhere else in the world: “Elis Regina was a regional hit, but the film’s theme is universal, as is the music. This story could have happened anywhere in the world.”

Talking about what it’s like to make a film about music, Oliveira revealed that “the secret is to preserve the emotion it carries. You can’t let anything interfere with the performance of the relationship with the audience”.

In Brazil, the film has already been shown in the 15th edition of IN-EDIT BRAZIL and hits theaters on September 21. Production company O2 Filmes is negotiating with Japan and Australia.