Without a doubt, Brazil is the warhorse of Latin American cinema. With a steady industrial production, an enthusiastic and self-sustaining domestic market and an unmistakable national brand that mixes commercial appeal with social commentary, Brazil has asserted itself as one of the most important centers of global film production, period. Recognizing the potential benefits of a deeper connection between the thriving industry in Sao Paulo and the cinematic O.G., Hollywood, CA, a group of film professionals from North and South came together to form the Hollywood Brazilian Film Festival, which kicks off its 6th edition today at Hollywood’s Montalbán Theater.
Featuring both critical and commercial hits from established directors and short films from promising up-and-comers, the Hollywood Brazilian Film Festival is a great opportunity for Angelinos to catch up on the latest from that more relaxed superpower to the south. Here’s a look at some of the films in the program.
The Hollywood Brazilian Film Festival runs November 21 – 23, 2014 and all screenings are free!
1
O lobo atrás da porta
After a child is abducted three people are questioned at the police station: Sylvia (Fabiula Nascimento) and Bernardo (Milhem Cortaz), the parents of the victim, and Rosa (Leandra Leal) the main suspect of the kidnapping and plus, Bernardo’s mistress. All three of them make contradictory statements and slowly they take us to the darkest desires, lies and perversities of the relationships between these three troubled characters.
2
Quase Samba
During the last months of her pregnancy, a radio singer is torn between the two men who believe they are the father of the child. It’s a duel between two very different men: one a militiaman, the other a hacker. On top of that is Shirley, the singer’s loyal page, a cross-dresser who is already helping her raise her firstborn. Dream, love, jealousy, life and death – rather like the lyrics to her songs.
3
Casa Grande
This coming-of-age film by writer-director Fellipe Barbosa (Laura) tells the story of 17-year-old Jean (newcomer Thales Cavalcanti), whose privileged life in Brazil begins to unravel as he gets ready for college. Financial and personal problems in his family and a new love interest begin to affect his future.
4
Tatuagem
It’s 1978. While the military coup that assaulted Brazil in 1964 starts to teeter, we follow a romance involving an 18 years old soldier and the cultural ringleader of an anarchist cabaret. Tattoo depicts the conflicts and reflections of a whole generation observed from a marginal perspective. Through the vantage point of the exception, the film elucidates the norm.
5
Geru
On his 100th birthday, Zé Dias decides to trust his life to a camera.