Ziraldo - Era uma vez um menino... is a self-portrait of the artist. The film follows Ziraldo's trajectory by means of statements and interviews he has given over more then forty years. His life and art history in his own words, voice and emotion.

Callado said he had to leave Brazil to get to know Brazil. His six-year trip to England and France during World War II sparked a "hunger for Brazil." As a journalist, he traveled to the "geographic center" of his Brazilian identity. As a writer, he reached the depths of his passion for a more just, less prejudiced, freer, and more democratic country.