WINTER / SPRING 2010
Based on the popular acclaim of the Cinema Tropical's Music + Film Series, Cinema Tropical and 92YTribeca continue their ongoing tribute to the diversity and influence of Brazilian music, presenting New York audiences to a variety of different themes in Brazilian music and culture through cinema.
The new season of the Cinema Tropical Music+Film Series: Janeiro in New York presents four thrilling feature documentaries presenting different takes on various music genres and musicians. From the celebrated and lively samba to the tragic life of the great Afro-Brazilian star Simonal, this film series continues to explore the richness of the music from the South American country.
Simonal - No One Knows How Tough it Was directed by Claudio Manoel, Micael Langer and Calvito Leal tells the political and personal story of the fall from grace of one of Brazil's biggest stars during the dictatorship era and Paulo Henrique Fontenelle's film Loki -Arnaldo Baptista "focuses on another notorious musician of the 60's, the leader of the world famous band " Os Mutantes."
Helena Solberg's film The Enchanted Word is a reflection on how popular music is an unexpected vehicle for poetry and literature in Brazil, a country with a strong oral tradition while The Mystery of Sambadirected by Carolina Jabor and Lula Buarque de Hollanda pays homage to the "Velha Guarda" founding members of Portela, one of Rio's most famous samba schools.
Celebrating the best of Brazilian music these four films feature musical appearances from Marisa Monte, Paulinho da Viola, Zeca Pagodinho, Tom Zé, Gilberto Gil, Adriana Calcanhotto, Arnaldo Antunes, Chico Buarque, Lenine, Maria Bethânia, Martinho da Vila and in addition the series will present live music performances by Brazilian artists, following the screenings.
Thursday, January 28, 2010 at 7pm
MYSTERY OF SAMBA | O MISTÉRIO DO SAMBA
Directed by Carolina Jabor and Lula Buarque de Hollanda | Brazil, 2008, 85 min. In Portuguese with English subtitles
"The Mystery of Samba captures the rich lives—and astonishing vivacity—of a group of veteran musicians and composers from one of Rio's most revered samba schools, Portela.
The magic of the birthplace of these singers and poets, a quaint neighborhood in Rio's North Zone, is brought to vivid life with guest appearances by samba luminaries Marisa Monte, Paulinho da Viola, and Zeca Pagodinho." - The Museum of Modern Art.
Thursday, February 25, 2010 at 7pm
SIMONAL - NO ONE KNOWS HOW TOUGH IT WAS | SIMONAL - NINGUÉM SABE O DURO QUE DEI
Directed by Claudio Manoel, Micael Langer, Calvito Leal | Brazil, 2008, 86 min. In Portuguese with English subtitles
Watch trailer | Official website
"In an age when the talented were both revolutionary and eternal, Wilson Simonal shone like no other and innovated like few. With his charisma, kindness, swing, charm, sex appeal, and a lot of talent, he was the most successful star in Brazil and even made fans abroad. All of a sudden it was all over. Gossip, accusations, mysteries, patrols and pursuits; whatever happened to Wilson Simonal? Simonal – No One Knows How Hard It Was, portrays the impressive trajectory of a former army private that reigned sovereign in pop culture to end up ostracized for a crime of which he swore innocence." - Rio International Film Festival.
Screening introduced by journalist Scott Mitchem, who writes on design, architecture, travel and all things Rio de Janeiro & Brazil for Wallpaper* Magazine. Brazilian rhythms by DJ Greg Caz follow screening at 92YTribeca Café. Afterparty presented in association with alexadances presents.
Thursday, March 25, 2010 at 7pm
THE ENCHANTED WORD | PALAVRA (EN)CANTADA
Directed by Helena Solberg | Brazil, 2009, 84 min. In Portuguese with English subtitles
Watch trailer | Official website
"Popular music is an unexpected vehicle for poetry and literature in Brazil, a country with a strong oral tradition. Helena Solberg's new film is a reflection on how these art forms interpenetrate one another. The Enchanted Word is woven from performances and interviews with singers, songwriters, and poets. Among the artists who sing and talk and perform for the camera are Adriana Calcanhotto, Arnaldo Antunes, Chico Buarque, Lirinha, Lenine, Maria Bethânia, Martinho da Vila, and Tom Zé. The film also includes rare archival images and a rich sound track." - The Museum of Modern Art
Thursday, April 22, 2010 at 7pm
LOKI: ARNALDO BAPTISTA
Directed by Paulo Henrique Fontenelle | Brazil, 2008, 120 min. In Portuguese with English subtitles
"Cinebiography of the notorious musician Arnaldo Baptista, former lead singer of the band Mutantes. The artist portrays his life in painting, while remarkable archive footage illustrates the career of this great Brazilian rock star. Interviews with Tom Zé, Nelson Motta, Gilberto Gil, Sean Lennon and others." - Rio International Film Festival
