Campinas celebrates 252nd birthday Maestro Carlos Gomes, considered one of the greatest cultural symbols of Campinas (SP) and one of the greatest artists in the country, has origins that have been erased over time. This story inspired the film "Indomitable Force", directed by filmmaker and researcher Ariane Porto. According to the director, the composer, born in 1836, was the son of a black man and an indigenous woman. At the time, Campinas and Brazil were experiencing social tensions due to the end of slavery. Due to these conflicts, information about the maestro's parents was omitted for many years. The cinematographic work seeks to give new meaning to the story of Carlos Gomes, addressing the prejudice faced by the composer and the attempt to erase his roots in order to belong to a society that carried many taboos. "All the difficulties he had to overcome: straightening his hair to be accepted, trying to straighten his mustache. He tried to erase his identity to be accepted in a society that didn't accept people like him", explained Ariane. The film, which is still being produced and does not have a release date, also seeks to connect the maestro's history with that of Campinas, which turns 252 years old this Tuesday (14). "Based on the story of Carlos Gomes, we are going to change this past, we are going to give new meaning to who this first national hero was", commented the director. Inspiration Monument-Tomb of Carlos Gomes, located at Praça Bento Quirino in Campinas (SP) Reproduction/EPTV Today, more than a century after the death of the maestro, known as "Nhô Tonico", he continues to inspire new artists, such as the young tenor Jean William, who will play the composer in the film. "Telling the story of a city through art is certainly the kindest and most honest way of saying how important the community is in shaping a society", highlighted the singer. The production has the musical consultancy of the pianist from Campinas and Grammy winner, Sônia Rubinsky, who sees Campinas as a powerhouse in the world of arts. "I danced at the Municipal Theater, I played at the Municipal Theater. It was a jewel. When we really understand the importance of our legacy, people outside will understand too," he stated. Legacy Born on July 11, 1836, in Campinas, Carlos Gomes was the first Latin American composer to achieve success in Europe, standing out with the opera "O Guarani". In 1945, he was named immortal patron of the Brazilian Academy of Music. The proportion achieved by the works and presentations made the maestro one of the most important figures in the history of Campinas, being honored in several ways: Praça Bento Quirino, in the central region, has a granite tomb-monument that carries the maestro's life-size bronze statue; The Chamber has an honor granted to people who stand out in artistic activities called the "Carlos Gomes Cultural Merit Medal"; Praça Carlos Gomes, in the center of Campinas, was named after the composer in 1880; The Guarani Futebol Clube football team, Brazilian champion in 1978, was named after the composer's famous opera. Furthermore, projects bring back the works of Carlos Gomes, including new versions. VIDEOS: everything about Campinas and the region See more news about the region on g1 Campinas