It is possible to establish a link between the São Paulo city of Mairiporã and the French film Amélie Poulain. Originally, until the 1940s, the locality was known as Juqueri, a name derived from a native plant. The current name, Mairiporã, was suggested by the poet Araújo Jorge and has Tupi origins, meaning 'beautiful water of Maíra,' a mythological figure.
Cinematic Hub and Productions
In the 1950s, Mairiporã became a center for cinematic production. Mario Civelli, an Italian citizen, established Multifilmes there, a studio that occupied 50 thousand square meters. Although the company quickly went bankrupt after producing about twelve films, one notable work was the first Brazilian color feature film, titled Destino em Apuros, released in 1953.
Brazilian Artists and Influences
Paulo Autran, one of the most prominent Brazilian actors, participated in the show La Vie en Rose, a famous nightclub located in São Paulo during the 1960s. Autran also worked as a poster artist for plays and events held at the club. Another artist mentioned is Juarez Machado, an award-winning artist from Joinville (SC), known for his cartoons, paintings, and for having maintained a studio in Paris since the 1980s.