Malibu native Kaya Verruno’s first film, titled “Shadows of the Green Line,” premieres Saturday. The film tells the story of Rocky, a Brazilian teen searching for a way to stay connected with his roots, despite a rise in tourism and consequent lessening of certain traditions in his hometown. The film, which took three years to make, features nearly all first-time actors.
Verruno, whose parents are from Brazil and Argentina, became interested in film and photography at 13 while attending Malibu High School. During a high school photography class, he began documenting the Afro-Brazilian culture of Praia do Forte, a fishing village he visited each summer. Verruno then received a degree in film production from California State University Northridge before moving to Praia do Forte to work on film and photography projects.
The film premieres April 30 at the Brazilian Film Festival, at the Landmark, 10850 W. Pico Blvd., Suite 520, at the Westside Pavilion, in Los Angeles, 6 p.m. More information on the film can be obtained online at www.verproductions.com.