SYNOPSIS:

A Vida é Melhor Contada (Life Is Better Told) is an intimate exploration of the creative bond between Eduardo Coutinho—Brazil’s most acclaimed documentary filmmaker—and his longtime cinematographer, Jacques Cheuiche, often referred to as "Coutinho’s eyes."

Through rare archival footage, revealing conversations, and visits to iconic filming locations, the documentary sheds light on how this unique collaboration helped redefine the language of Brazilian documentary cinema. Guided by Cheuiche’s personal reflections and the visual sensibility of director Walter Carvalho, the film uncovers the often-invisible dialogue between director and cinematographer—the quiet alchemy that transforms real life into unforgettable storytelling.

More than a tribute, A Vida é Melhor Contada is a sensorial journey into the heart of documentary filmmaking. It’s a film about looking, listening, and the relationships that shape how stories are told.

Production: Union, Ocean

Producers: Natasha Murphy, João Roni

Directors: Walter Carvalho e Jacques Cheuiche

Screenwriter: Victor Lopes