Allan Deberton and Lázaro Ramos Talk Berlin Drama 'Gugu's World'

Variety

by Rafa Sales Ross

February 14, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Allan Deberton’s film *Gugu's World*, which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival, tells the touching story of Gugu, a young boy navigating childhood challenges in rural Brazil. The film follows Gugu as he struggles to fit in while dealing with the emotional complexities of his family, particularly his grandmother Dilma, who is grappling with dementia. Starring newcomer Yuri Gomes as Gugu and Lázaro Ramos as his father, the movie captures the tenderness and vulnerability of its characters through a sensitive lens. Directed by Deberton and co-written with André Araújo, *Gugu's World* draws from their shared childhood experiences in Russas, Ceará, and explores themes of identity and belonging. The casting process for Gugu was crucial to the film’s success, with over 600 children auditioning. Yuri Gomes stood out for his ability to convey both fragility and strength, bringing emotional depth to his role. Teca Pereira delivers a standout performance as Dilma, portraying her character’s sharp wit and fading memories with nuance. Lázaro Ramos, a Brazilian icon, joined the project after being impressed by Deberton’s debut film *Pacarrete*. His role as Gugu’s father was tailored to his unique style, allowing him to depict a complex, multifaceted character shaped by fear and societal pressure. Deberton highlights how the film’s emotional resonance stems from its blend of personal memories and universal themes. The collaboration between Deberton and Araújo grew out of their shared experiences as “out-of-place” children raised by their grandmothers. This intimate connection to the material allowed them to craft a story that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. Ramos praised Gomes’ talent, calling him “extraordinarily gifted,” and noted how his presence brought life to the film’s silences. The project also marks Deberton and Ramos’ first collaboration, further cementing *Gugu's World* as a significant addition to Brazilian

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Originally published on Variety on 2/14/2026