This third annual presentation introduces recent Brazilian films and the three principal award-winners from the 2004 Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival: Lúcia Murat’s powerful debut Almost Brothers, which will have a week’s run at MoMA; the engrossing documentary Estamira, made by the talented team behind Bus 174 (2003); and Helena Solberg’s Audience Award–winner, Diary of a Provincial Girl. Toni Venturi’s politically astute thriller Playing in the Dark further attests to the accomplishments of an emerging generation of Brazilian filmmakers. Two illuminating documentaries on Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the popular Brazilian president, are screened, and one of the most recognizable and popular men in the world, Pelé, will present a recent documentary on his life and times. In celebration of the centennial of actress Carmen Miranda’s birth, we screen Alô Alô Carnaval (1936), introduced by codirector Adhiar Gonzaga’s daughter Alice and independent curator Fabiano Canosa. All films are in Portuguese with English subtitles. Most screenings are introduced by the directors.
Organized by Jytte Jensen, Curator, Department of Film and Media, and Ilda Santiago, Director, the Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival.
This exhibition is made possible by George Gund III and Iara Lee; Varig Brazilian Airlines; The Global Film Initiative; and Beleza Pura Premium Cachaça.