My Journey: From Rural Brazil, Humble Beginnings to Cinematic Dreams

Introduction

Hello everyone, I’m Márcia do Vales, and I want to share my story with you—a journey of dreams, challenges, and transformations. From my humble beginnings in rural Brazil to building a career in the entertainment industry, each chapter has shaped who I am today. This is not just about where I’ve been but about how each step—big or small—has influenced the person I’ve become.

Childhood in Itambaracá: Embracing Nature and Responsibility

I grew up in a world far removed from the one I know today. The rustic beauty of Itambaracá, a small town in rural Brazil, is forever etched in my memory. My father also owned a rural property in a place called Reserva, about a four-hour drive from Itambaracá. This land included a modest house, built to support the care of the plantations and animals. With no electricity, the house felt like an adventure to me as a child, deepening my connection to the countryside. I would spend long weekends and vacations there, while school days were spent with my grandparents in Itambaracá. Occasionally, when my mother stayed in Itambaracá, I would live at home instead of with my grandparents.

My childhood companions were Raio, my horse, and Pintada and Neguinho, my two pigs. While they were animals, they were also my friends, bringing joy and companionship to a life surrounded by the simplicity of nature and the vast expanse of sugarcane fields.

Yet, life wasn’t as idyllic as it might sound. By the age of eight, I was helping my ill grandfather run his bar after school, taking on responsibilities far beyond my years. While challenging, these experiences instilled resilience and a strong work ethic that have stayed with me throughout my life. It was a childhood defined by contrasts—between the freedom of nature and the weight of early responsibilities.

Entrepreneurial Spirit: My Early Ventures

At 14, I discovered my entrepreneurial side. Selling cleaning products and clothes in my village wasn’t just about earning money; it was about exploring independence. Too young to drive, I found creative ways to move around discreetly. These early ventures taught me lessons in risk-taking, resourcefulness, and perseverance—qualities that would prove invaluable later in life.

Navigating Family Dynamics: Lessons in Resilience

Family relationships were central to shaping my emotional landscape. I shared a deep connection with my father through our mutual love for the outdoors, but my relationship with my mother was more complex. Her strict discipline was difficult to navigate, but it taught me important lessons about endurance and self-reliance.

Over time, I learned to understand and forgive my mother, recognizing the challenges she herself had faced. This process of empathy and forgiveness deepened my emotional intelligence, a skill that has been vital in my work as an actor, allowing me to connect with the complexities of different characters and their stories.

Education: A Gateway to New Horizons

As a teenager, I found both solace and escape in education. At 15, I began traveling 50 kilometers each day to attend CEFET-PR, a technical school that introduced me to a new world of possibilities. My choice to study electronics was pragmatic rather than passionate—it was as much about avoiding dirty nails as it was about exploring something new. While the courses themselves didn’t ignite my enthusiasm, the experience of studying in a larger town beyond the confines of my small world was transformative.

This period marked my first step toward independence and self-discovery, fueling my curiosity and shaping my aspirations for a future filled with greater opportunities.

Embracing Motherhood: A Pivotal Chapter

At 19, my life changed profoundly with the birth of my son, Enrico. Becoming a mother at such a young age was both unexpected and transformative. Enrico quickly became the center of my world, inspiring me to dream bigger and work harder—not just for myself, but for our shared future.

This period was marked by significant transitions. Alongside my new role as a mother, I became involved in politics and decided to enroll in law school. These choices reflected my desire to create a stable and supportive life for my son while also embracing my aspirations for personal growth.

Enrico’s presence gave my life a renewed sense of purpose and direction, marking the start of a chapter defined by determination, hope, and the relentless pursuit of opportunities to build a brighter future for our family.

The European Dream: A Leap Into the Unknown

With a heart full of dreams and the responsibility of raising a young child, I made the bold decision to leave Brazil and move to Europe. It was a leap into the unknown—a transition from the simplicity of rural Brazil to the vibrant chaos of Madrid. This pivotal step was driven by two compelling desires: to provide a better future for my son and to express myself freely in ways I had yet to explore.

Back in Brazil, I had enrolled in law school, inspired by a deep-seated passion for justice and societal change, with ambitions of becoming a judge. Yet, upon arriving in Madrid, it became apparent that the regimented, structured world of law did not align with my free spirit. While I admired the discipline and purpose behind the study of law, I yearned for a medium that would allow me to express my creativity and channel my personal experiences into something meaningful.

This realization marked a profound turning point in my journey—not just professionally, but also personally, as I adapted to and embraced the richness of a new culture. It was in Madrid that I began to discover my true calling: acting and filmmaking. These art forms became powerful outlets for my creativity, providing me with the freedom to tell stories and connect with people on a deeply emotional level. The move to Europe was not just a geographical change; it was the beginning of a transformation that redefined my identity and the path I would take.

Discovering My Artistic Voice in Madrid

Moving from a rural Brazilian town to the vibrant, chaotic streets of Madrid was a profound cultural shock. Language barriers, financial struggles, and adapting to a vastly different way of life presented significant challenges. Yet, Madrid became the place where I discovered my true passion: acting and filmmaking.

The city’s diversity and artistic energy awakened a deep desire within me to tell stories and connect through art. Immersed in its eclectic environment, I found a sense of belonging that fueled my creativity. I enrolled in acting schools, where I learned to channel my personal history into meaningful performances, transforming challenges into artistic expression.

Madrid was more than a new home—it was a turning point. Adapting to a new culture and industry enriched my understanding of storytelling, adding authenticity and emotional depth to my work. This transformative period not only shaped my identity as an artist but also ignited a lifelong passion for sharing stories that connect and inspire.

Beyond Acting: Diverse Roles in the Entertainment World

My journey in the entertainment industry has been anything but linear. Each opportunity I embraced—whether in public relations, Samba performances, or other roles outside the realm of acting—added a unique layer to my perspective and enriched my understanding of the world and the nuances of the industry.

These experiences were far more than jobs; they were pivotal chapters of my life. They taught me the intricacies of audience engagement, cultural expression, and the art of connection. Through them, I gained a deeper understanding of people, which shaped both my creativity and resilience.

Growing up in rural Brazil, navigating young motherhood, and adapting to life across different cultures in Europe further enriched my perspective. These challenges, paired with my diverse professional experiences, enable me to infuse my craft with authenticity and emotional depth.

This blend of life experience and artistic insight gives my work a distinctive resonance. It’s this foundation of genuine understanding that helps me stand out in the competitive world of acting and filmmaking, allowing me to create stories that truly connect and inspire.

Embracing Global Citizenship: My Multicultural Odyssey

My journey has taken me across continents, shaping my identity as a global citizen. From Brazil to Madrid, then London, Florida, and back to Spain, my life has been a rich tapestry of cultures and experiences. Each place brought its own set of challenges—navigating language barriers, adapting to different systems, and even going through the process of obtaining driver’s licenses in Brazil, the USA, and Spain.

With dual nationalities and permanent resident status in multiple countries, I’ve learned to call Brazil, Europe, the UK, and the USA my homes. This multicultural journey hasn’t just broadened my perspective; it has deeply influenced my work as an artist. The diversity of these experiences allows me to approach storytelling with authenticity and a unique sensitivity, connecting with a wide range of audiences on a profoundly human level.

Conclusion

This blog has taken you through the chapters of my life, from my early days in rural Brazil to my adventures across continents and my journey into the world of acting and filmmaking. It’s a story of transformation, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. But this is just the beginning. There’s so much more to share—about my experiences in the film industry, the roles I’ve played, the projects I’ve worked on, and how I’ve navigated the complexities of personal and professional growth.

If you’d like to hear more about my journey or have questions about overcoming life’s challenges, I’d love to hear from you in the comments. Your thoughts and experiences mean so much to me, and I’m excited to continue sharing my story with you.

Let’s connect and inspire each other. Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for updates:

https://www.youtube.com/@MarciaDoVales

Thank you for being part of this adventure. Stay tuned—there’s so much more to come!

With gratitude,
Márcia do Vales

Stay tuned for more. Thank you for being a part of this adventure with me.

Marcia Do Vales