Caipira: The Story
Roberto DiMatthus’ lavishly-adorned 10-string guitars, knowns as violas caipiras, are sought after by professional musicians and hobbyists alike.
In Caipira, we’ll watch the self-taught luthier create a viola, considered by many to be Brazil’s national instrument, from start to finish. We learn of his humble beginnings, his dashed dreams of stardom and his progressive environmental philosophy — he has never cut down a tree to create a viola.
DiMatthus maintains an infectious optimism despite the ongoing struggle to balance his deeply ingrained love of nature with the ever-growing demand for his instruments, the time it takes to create a top-notch viola, and the need to support his family in a hostile economic climate.