Pólo Audiovisual da Zona da Mata

The Polo Audiovisual da Zona da Mata is a regional development movement focused on the creative economy, with audiovisual and digital technologies as structuring segments. Created in 2002, it operates based on three main pillars: Governance, Training, and Market, mobilizing partnerships between civil society, third-sector foundations, universities, companies, and governments. Its goal is to foster new opportunities for professional qualification, work, and income, mobilizing resources and promoting significant impact on the local economy of the region.

Based in Cataguases, Minas Gerais, the Polo has as a landmark the inauguration of the Centro Cultural Humberto Mauro and is inspired by the legacy of the pioneer of national cinema, Humberto Mauro, and by Modernism in the arts, architecture, and literature of the region. Starting in 2007, audiovisual was consolidated as the main axis of actions, under the leadership of institutions such as Fundação Cultural Ormeo Junqueira Botelho, Instituto Fábrica do Futuro, ENERGISA, and SEBRAE.

The Polo promotes audiovisual production through projects, events, and technical training, aiming to consolidate the sector as a vector for sustainable development. It also operates ANIMAPARQUE, a space inaugurated in 2023 in Cataguases after five years of work, dedicated to animation and creative activities, including the SENAI Audiovisual School, which offers courses such as Stop Motion Animation.

Its portfolio is extensive and diverse, covering feature films, short films, series, and documentaries in genres such as drama, comedy, adventure, children's and youth, biographical, and animation. Notable projects include films such as "O Menino no Espelho", "Predestinado, Arigó e o Espírito do Dr Fritz", "Redemoinho", "As Órfãs da Rainha", and "Humberto Mauro", demonstrating an ability to attract significant film productions to the region.

The movement positions itself as a hub for national connections and international cooperation, especially with Portuguese-speaking countries, generating resources and new business opportunities. Its work is recognized for creating a facilitating environment for productions, with support from the local community, as highlighted in testimonials from directors who found in Cataguases locations and a unique willingness for the production of period films.