A Desconhecida: An Independent Italian–Brazilian Odyssey in the Audiovisual Market

A Desconhecida at Rome’s FantaFestival 2025

The original report records the presentation of the transmedia project A Desconhecida at Rome’s FantaFestival on Wednesday 26 November 2025 at 6 p.m., the sixth day of the historic fantasy-film festival’s 45th edition. Producer Stefano Misiani attended the event at Spazio Scena, while Cristiano Stern, in Brazil, sent a video message.

The project is described as an ambitious Italian–Brazilian animated film produced by SBS Studios Ltda in coproduction with Around Culture Srl. The archived account credits Ibermedia support and a partnership with Europa Filmes. Set during the Second World War, it follows a fiery Indigenous warrior who joins the Brazilian Expeditionary Force and travels to Berlin to seek help from a Nazi scientist’s daughter and her mysterious artefact. The journey brings together science fiction, historical thriller and Brazilian Indigenous culture.

Crossing formats and platforms, it reflects the expansion of genre cinema into an interconnected universe, a modular narrative and an immersive experience.

In an audiovisual market increasingly dominated by streaming giants and large studios, A Desconhecida—also identified in the original article as Unknown Maiden, La Sconosciuta and La Desconocida—offers an example of independent persistence. Created by Cristiano Stern and produced by SBS Studios, it brings science fiction, history and mysticism together in a richly imagined world.

Time travel made in Brazil

This speculative science-fiction saga combines action, romance, suspense and mysticism. It explores the ethics of manipulating time and the power of friendship in a changing world.

The challenges of independent production

Making A Desconhecida is an ambitious undertaking in itself. Working within limits of resources and investment, the SBS team brings commitment and ingenuity to the project. The original report identifies international recognition through Ibermedia’s funding for the series’ development and coproduction with Rome’s Around Culture Srl, managed by Stefano Misiani.

“It is rewarding to see our project gain international visibility and support,” says creator Cristiano Stern. “The Ibermedia programme allowed us to make a qualitative leap in development, accessing resources and expertise that would otherwise have been difficult to obtain.”

Meet the team

A distinctive animation style and original score

The project uses a stylised 2D/3D hybrid approach influenced by anime, steampunk and art nouveau. Its original score, composed by internationally known artists, combines classical, epic, tribal and electronic elements to deepen the atmosphere of mystery and action.

Process test: rendering a scene

The accompanying video is a collaborative experiment by the artists, exploring techniques and pipelines. It is not an official trailer: it is work in progress, celebrating the creative journey behind the animation.

Every frame marks another step forward. Follow the development and join the conversation. #aDesconhecidaWIP

An invitation into the DGU

A Desconhecida is one part of the wider Die Gotica Universe, with ambitions across books, games, music and art. The journal invites readers into complex stories, memorable characters and ethical dilemmas that stretch the imagination.

Join the DGU community and support independent, original creative work.

Press coverage

The original article links to coverage by Antena 1 and Look Magazine.

Project website: www.adesconhecida.com