Brazilian cinema is vibrant, heart-felt, and brimming with the exuberance of life. It’s also exceedingly intellectual, oftentimes conveying sharp critiques of social inequality, structures of powers, and the living conditions of its population. By striking a perfect balance that appeals to both the heart and the mind, Brazilian cinema has diversified significantly in the last years to provide fantastic films. This showcase is diverse in its representation of Brazilian cinema — from a visual essay of one of film history’s most influential periods, Cinema Novo, to the zany and infectious comedy Jules and Dolores— and guaranteed to make you a lifetime devotee to this country’s cinema.
Califórnia
Dir. Marina Person
(Brazil, 85 min., 2016, Portuguese w/ English subtitles, Drama)
3/17 / 6:00 / DGC
3/19 / 7:45 / S9
Estela, a young girl living in Brazil during the mid-80’s, is struggling with adolescence and trying to understand sex, love, and friendships. Her only dream is to travel to California to visit her uncle Carlos, but when Carlos returns to Brazil, weak and ill, Estela must face a new reality that will forever change how she sees the world. Country of Focus: Brazil Showcase.
Cinema Novo
Dir. Eryk Rocha
(Brazil, 90 min., 2016, Portuguese w/ English subtitles, Documentary)
3/16 / 9:00 / S10
3/20 / 9:20 / S9
3/23 / 4:00 / DGC
3/26 / 1:15 / DGC
Cinema Novo combines film clips with interviews and behind-the-scenes footage to capture the revolutionary spirit of the 1960’s film movement that changed Brazilian filmmaking forever. Country of Focus: Brazil Showcase.
Elis
Dir. Hugo Prata
(Brazil, 110 min., 2016, Portuguese w/ English subtitles, Drama)
3/18 / 8:45 / S2
3/25 / 5:00 / S1
The life of the Brazilian singer Elis Regina, who battled her country’s dictatorship and her own personal demons to become the greatest singer in the history of Brazil. Country of Focus: Brazil Showcase.
Jules and Dolores
Dir. Caito Ortiz
(Brazil, 91 min., 2016, Portuguese w/ English subtitles, Comedy)
3/21 / 7:05 / S1
3/26 / 4:55 / S1
In an attempt to pay off his gambling debt and pacify his flamboyant girlfriend, Dolores, fun-loving Peralta and his happy-go-lucky buddy, Borracha, decide to steal a golden replica of the legendary Jules Rimet soccer World Cup trophy. However, they end up stealing the original trophy, putting the entire country on high alert and on their tail. Country of Focus: Brazil Showcase.
Where I Grow Old
Dir. Marilia Rocha
(Brazil / Portugal, 100 min., 2016, Portuguese w/ English subtitles, Drama)
3/17 / 5:15 / S1
3/24 / 5:45 / DGC
3/26 / 7:30 / S9
Francisca is a young Portuguese woman who’s been living in Belo Horizonte, Brazil for a year. She welcomes Teresa, an old friend from Portugal, into her home. The film follows each woman’s adventures in the city and the deep friendship that grows between them, forcing them to deal with conflicting desires: Francisca’s longing for her former life in Portugal, and Teresa’s commitment to making Belo Horizonte home. Country of Focus: Brazil Showcase.
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For screening links and interview inquiries, contact for the Media Arts Center San Diego:
Laura Castañeda / Press Pass International / PresspassLC@gmail.com / 619-855-4140