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Brazil - Story Lines
Story line of Paginas da Vida
Watch scenes from Paginas da Vida
Nanda (short for Fernanda), a Brazilian student of Art History in Amsterdam, falls in love with another student called Leo (short for Leonardo), and becomes pregnant after she moves in with him on his houseboat. The sole child of wealthy parents, Leo is terrified about his father’s anticipated reaction to Nanda’s pregnancy, and he asks her to abort the child. When Nanda refuses, Leo gives her a large sum of money and disappears (years later he would surface in Brazil).
Abandoned by Leo, Nanda returns to Brazil and faces a series of tragic events. Hit by a car, Nanda is taken to the hospital where the obstetrician Dr. Helena (played by Regina Duarte) is able to save her twins but cannot save her life. One of the newborn girls, Clara, is identified with Down syndrome, a genetic disorder (occurring in about 1 per 800 births) that often results in reduced cognitive ability and poor muscle tone. Nanda’s mother, the cold-hearted Marta, rejects her granddaughter, having no idea that early childhood interventions, pre-screenings, medical treatment, a nurturing family environment, and vocational training can significantly improve the quality of life of those with Down syndrome..
Longing to be a mother (she had previously lost her only child), Helena adopts the unwanted Clara, raising her with love and care. Clara is Francisco’s twin sister and does not know the existence of her true family. Although a carrier of Down syndrome, Clara studies in a suburban school as per the wishes of her mother Helena, who very openly favors the social inclusion of those with disabilities. As the storyline evolves, Clara and Helena encounter several people who stigmatize disabilities, raising an ongoing debate about the issue of disability throughout the course of the show. Years later, when Leo (Clara and Fracisco’s father) surfaces in Brazil, Helena is caught in a bind: Should she disclose that his daughter is under her care?
In essence, it was through Clara’s character and Helena’s care for her that the viewers learned about Down syndrome, its physical ramifications, and the stigma faced by those who are diagnosed with it. Through these main characters, Paginas da Vida was intended to spark reflection, conversation, and more compassionate actions about Down syndrome and other disabilities.
