Social & External
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The Mangueira slum is the scenario where Tantinho and the old samba composers remember stories about the slums and samba.
One of the most important events in Brazilian history, the Búzios Revolt of 1798 was led by dozens of black men who rose up to overthrow the colonial government, proclaim independence and establish a democratic Republic, free from slavery. The boldness of these men called on the people to make the Revolution and the conspiracy spread to the city of Bahia. The seizure of power is near. But the movement is denounced, the government sets up a Devassa against hundreds of people and four of them are hanged and quartered.
"O Mar de Antônio Peregrino" tells the fascinating story of the pilgrim Antonio Conselheiro and the village of Canudos. In a region feared by its long droughts, thousands of outcast peasants and Indians came together to build a country utopia. The city has been wiped off the map three times but refuses to die. The film is a journey in search of the people and dreams of Canudos. Guided by Antônio Conselheiro's famous phrase “The drought will turn into the sea, and the sea will turn into the drought”, the film goes through the drought and the flood to meet a warm and strong people who never surrendered, cherished with the music of hope and missing.
One port, the discovery and two bodies in motion.
"É o Boi" is a documentary that narrates the origins, portrays the present and discusses the perspectives of carnival in the city of Porto Ferreira/SP. Celebrating a tradition that already is already 90 years old, the film is mainly made up of images taken during the Porto Ferreira's carnival and interviews with people who fight daily to keep this unique and at the same time typically Brazilian cultural manifestation alive. Made over almost a decade, "É o Boi" also portrays critical moments of this carnival in the countryside of São Paulo, including disagreements with public authorities that almost led to the carnival being banned and the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on the organization of celebrations.
An irresistible journey through the universe of the singer and composer that revolutionized the song in Brazil and influenced generations of musicians, paving the way for movements such as Bossa Nova and Tropicália.
Ebony Goddess: Queen of Ilê Aiyê follows three women competing to be the carnival queen of Ilê Aiyê, a prominent and controversial Afro-Brazilian group with an all-black membership. The selection is based on Afro-centric notions of beauty, in counterpoint to prevailing standards of beauty in Brazil, a country famous for slim supermodels and plastic surgery. Contestants for the title of Ebony Goddess dress in flowing African-style garments, gracefully performing traditional Afro-Brazilian dances to songs praising the beauty of black women.
The story of the Candeal favela in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil, where musician Carlinhos Brown carries out social and cultural initiatives that protect and enrich the lives of its inhabitants every day.
A year in the life of a samba school, from the first rehearsals to the parade on the avenue.
Since November 2021, Casa Preta Zeferina has been building a space of welcome and struggle, helping women victims of violence in Salvador. Even without any funding, the militants were successful in occupying and resisting. In constant dialogue with the Santo Antônio community, the House counts on the people's help to continue carrying out its work. The documentary Casa Preta Zeferina shows the challenges and obstacles in building the House - but above all emphasizing its importance and the impact of popular power.
Short by Jomard Muniz de Britto
A portrayal of the life of one of the most important samba musicians in Brazil, Bahian sambista Oscar da Penha, popularly known as Batatinha (1924 -1997). Through memories of their father, his nine children share their perspectives, as well as interviews with family, friends and musicians, to tell the story of Batatinha’s life, history and work.
It is late 2004, and 34-year-old Englishman Alistair Appleton is about to fly from London to the Brazilian coast, where he will drink ayahuasca for the first time. With wit, insight, and sensitivity, Alistair shares this experience with us, and chats with some fellow participants before and after the ayahuasca ceremonies. For the past few years, Alistair had been working as a television presenter. In 2000, he started making trips to the Centre for World Peace and Health in Scotland to learn how to meditate. When clinical psychologist Silvia Polivoy opened an ayahuasca healing center in Bahia in 2004, Alistair faced his fears and seized the opportunity to attend.
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