Benedita da Silva

Filhas de Lavadeiras

Stories of black women who, thanks to the relentless toil of their mothers, were able to attend school and retrace the paths treaded by their ancestors. Their memories, joys and sorrows become present as a possibility for a new fate, transforming the hard work of the washerwomen in a spectacle of life and fulfillment.

Se O Rei Zulu Já Não Pode Andar Nu

Video documentary on prejudice against black people in Brazil, featuring statements and interviews about racist episodes, and a poll on the importance of Benedita da Silva’s presence in the Constituent Assembly. Footage of the South African bishop Desmond Tutu’s visit to Rio de Janeiro, at a time when Apartheid was still in effect in his country and Nelson Mandela was in prison.

O Repórter do Poder

The Coup d'État Factory

Brazil has a long tradition of coup d'états. These coups would have not been viable without the support of the big media, particularly TV Globo. Two Brazilian journalists in the UK reveal the manipulative tactics of these organisations.

Our Lives

The documentary addresses the stereotypes that imprison both men and women, the prejudice against women at the time and the need to legalize abortion to avoid the damage caused by illegal abortion.

Intermissions

Intermissions follows Lula during the hectic election campaign for the presidency in 2002. Lula gave filmmaker João Moreira Salles and his crew complete access, and the result is an intimate documentary of what went on behind the scenes. Sometimes, Lula is afraid that he will lose his freedom as president. Combined with Lula's candor, the film's observational style provides some very special insight into one of Brazil's most popular leaders.

Babilônia 2000

Documentary on poor people living in a slum in Rio de Janeiro, on the occasion of New Year's Eve of 1999.

Pelé

Against the backdrop of a turbulent era in Brazil, this documentary captures Pelé's extraordinary path from breakthrough talent to national hero. Mixing rare archival footage and exclusive interviews, this documentary celebrates the legendary Brazilian footballer who personified football as art.

The Memory Thread

A panorama of the Brazilian black experience, starting with the figure of the semi-illiterate popular artist and employee of a salt mine Gabriel Joaquim dos Santos.

Abolition

In 1988, the centenary of abolition of slavery in Brazil, Zózimo Bulbul made this powerful historical analysis of racial issues in his country. This documentary provides an in-depth look through extensive archival researching and interviews of key figures who were involved in preserving black culture. Aside from historical testimony, this epic documentary also points to the current relevance of facing the racism that still confronts the black population in Brazil.