By Armando Tarula | Marketing & Administrative Associate
We are thrilled to share that Portland’s own Barbara Lima has won Best Actress for her role in Mother/Other at the Direct Monthly Online Film Festival! This prestigious recognition is a testament to Barbara’s incredible talent and the powerful storytelling featured in the film, a collaboration with Heidi Duckler Dance Northwest.
Mother/Other, an original film by Heidi Duckler Dance Northwest, has garnered attention from film festivals around the world, including Cinescape Lisbon and the Cannes Art Festival, where it earned several awards. This striking film has captivated audiences with its emotional depth, captivating choreography, and exploration of universal themes. Barbara’s performance, in particular, has been hailed for its emotional resonance and compelling portrayal of complex characters.
In addition to winning Best Actress, Mother/Other has also received six official selections from prominent film festivals, including:
- Miami Women Film Festival
- New York Shorts Awards
- Denver Indie Film Festival
- Amsterdam Movie Fest
- Direct Monthly Online Film Festival
These accolades reflect the film’s universal appeal and the incredible effort of everyone involved in its creation, from the dancers and choreographers to the filmmakers and production team. Mother/Other is more than just a dance film—it’s a poignant narrative that brings together art, movement, and storytelling in ways that resonate with a diverse audience.
Barbara Lima’s performance stands out as a remarkable achievement, showcasing her versatility as an artist. Known for her work as a dancer, choreographer, and director, Barbara’s ability to bring depth and authenticity to her characters continues to inspire audiences around the world. Her win at the Direct Monthly Online Film Festival is a well-deserved recognition of her remarkable skill and dedication to the craft.
As a proud Portlander, Barbara’s achievements also shine a spotlight on the incredible talent emerging from our local arts community. With her growing recognition on the global stage, we can’t wait to see what she does next!
About Mother/Other
Mother/Other is a film that blends dance, narrative, and powerful imagery to explore themes of motherhood, identity, and personal transformation. Created by Heidi Duckler Dance Northwest, the film pushes the boundaries of traditional dance film, using movement to tell a deeply emotional and thought-provoking story. The film has garnered critical acclaim for its unique approach to dance and its ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level.
We extend our warmest congratulations to Barbara Lima for her outstanding achievement and recognition. We look forward to collaborating on more exciting projects with this talented artist in 2025! Stay tuned for more updates on Mother/Other’s ongoing journey in the world of dance and film.
Photography by Jingzi Zhao
Barbara Lima
Barbara Lima is a Brazilian dancer, choreographer, and artistic director based in Oregon, USA. She earned her degree from Angel Vianna University (Brazil) and, for over 15 years, has honed her craft across multiple disciplines, including performing, directing, producing, teaching, writing, and visionary work.
Lima is featured as a dancer in the documentary Believe the Beat, which has been showcased at prestigious festivals such as the Hip Hop Film Festival in New York and the Oregon Independent Film Festival. She has performed internationally in renowned venues across Europe, including Théâtre de la Ville in Paris, Hellerau in Germany, and Kunsten Festival des Arts in Belgium. Her performances also extend to global stages in Rio de Janeiro, Vienna, and major festivals throughout the U.S. and beyond.
Direct Monthly Online Film Festival
The Direct Monthly Online Film Festival is a monthly international event that highlights independent short films, documentaries, animations, music videos, and web series. Each month dedicated judges, watch, review and rate the submitted films for monthly recognition and honors. Learn more about DMOFF here.
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The project was made possible by funding from Hacienda CDC and Prosper Portland.
Edited by 2Sides Films
