FILM SCREENINGS

Santo Forte

1999. Brazil. Directed by Eduardo Coutinho. Against the backdrop of Pope John Paul II’s 1997 visit to Rio de Janeiro, ten intensely religious people tell the story of their lives and their spiritual trajectories, unveiling differences between the various evangelical churches, the practices of Umbanda, and popular Catholicism. But whether evangelical, spiritualist, or Catholic, they all share a belief in a direct communication with the supernatural world, whether through the intervention of spirits, saints, orixás, or angels. New York premiere. 80 min.