Humberto Mauro

Origin

Volta Grande, MG

Years Active

1925–1974

Genres

folk music, soundtrack

Instruments

violin, mandolin

Biography

Humberto Duarte Mauro was born in Volta Grande, Minas Gerais, on April 30, 1897. Since childhood, he dedicated himself to music, playing the violin and mandolin, in addition to cultivating a strong interest in mechanics and photography, which led him to become one of the pioneers and most important names in Brazilian cinema.

Throughout his career, Mauro stood out as an author of the Cataguases Cycle and directed masterpieces such as Brasa Dormida, Sangue Mineiro, and Ganga Bruta. His artistic contribution extended deeply to the preservation of the country's musical culture, especially through the short film series As Brasilianas, recorded for the National Institute of Educational Cinema (INCE), where he recorded performances of folk music and featured notable collaborations such as Heitor Villa-Lobos's score for O Descobrimento do Brasil.

Recognized as a fundamental inspiration for the Cinema Novo movement, Mauro influenced generations of artists and filmmakers, including names like Glauber Rocha and Nelson Pereira dos Santos. He passed away on November 5, 1983, in his hometown, leaving an invaluable legacy for Brazilian art and culture.