WINTER / SPRING 2012
This popular series has built a cult following among those who love Brazilian music and culture. Whether you already are a fan of Brazil or want to be, this series is for you. The 2012 Edition kicks off with an appropriate film for February, the month of Carnival in Brazil, with a film whose subject is the famed Rio Samba School, Mangueira.
The Samba that Lives within Me (O Samba que Mora em Mim) (US Premiere) begins at the Mangueira Samba School court and goes into the community of Morro da Mangueira, in Rio de Janeiro. Director Georgia Guerra Peixe brings a personal report of samba and the history of the community in this autobiographical film. In March we switch from the green and pink of Mangueira to the blue and white of Portela and give equal billing to another of Rio's samba institutions with the US Premeire ofSamba Beats (As Batidas do Samba).
Thursday, May 10, 2012 at 7pm
FAVELA ON BLAST
Directed by Leandro HBL & Wesley Pentz | Brazil, 2008, 84 min. In Portuguese with English subtitles.
For over 20 years, a subculture has emerged in Brazil under society's radar. It is the culture surrounding 'funk carioca', a musical rhythm which mixes the American electronic funk of the 1980s with the most diverse influences of Brazilian music. 'Baile funk' is one of the most interesting musical movements in the world, emerging from the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. Directors Wesley Pentz (Diplo), teamed up with Leandro HBL in 2005 to tell the story of the MC’s, DJ’s, dancers and cultural producers who have spent their lives in the favela and are creating this vibrant scene. Together, they visited 60 favelas and conducted more than 100 interviews in order to explore the culture that surrounds Funk Carioca. In doing so, they have created a portrait of a subculture that defines the youth of Rio’s dismissed population.
Thursday, April 11, 2012 at 7pm
TEMPO REI
Directed by Lula Buarque de Hollanda, Andrucha Waddington and Breno Silveira | Brazil, 1996, 90 min. In Portuguese with English subtitles
Filmed in 1996, Tempo Rei celebrates 30 years of Gilberto Gil's career. In this personal film, Gil looks back on his artistic trajectory, sharing memories and personal stories. Tempo Rei was filmed in Rio De Janeiro, São Paulo, Salvador and Ituaçu. It includes scenes of shows and musical meetings with special guests Filhos de Ghandi, Gil's family, Stevie Wonder (who interprets "Desafinado"), Caetano Veloso and Carlinhos Brown, among others. It includes the great successes of Gilberto Gil, such as "Madalena," "Cores Vivas," "Vamos Fugir," "Procissão" and "Expresso 2222.
Thursday, March 8, 2012 at 7pm
SAMBA BEATS | AS BATIDAS DE SAMBA
Directed by Bebeto Abrantes | Brazil, 2010, 82 min. In Portuguese with English subtitles. US PREMIERE
"The documentary Samba Beats (As Batidas do Samba) explores the evolution of the Rio samba beat since the beginning of the Twentieth Century. The film chronicles the introduction of percussive instruments and their transformation, which lead to the distinctive samba rhythm of Rio de Janeiro. With rare exceptions, the musicians, composers and percussionists of the samba world are intuitive talents without formal musical training, making the record of this memory even more important. With the participation of samba maestros Marçalzinho, Monarco and Wilson das Neves.
- It's All True International Documentary Festival
Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 7pm
THE SAMBA THAT LIVES WITHIN ME | O SAMBA QUE MORA EM MIM
Directed by Georgia Guerra Peixe | Brazil, 2010, 72 min. In Portuguese with English subtitles. US PREMIERE
"Winner of Special Jury Award in the 34th International Film Festival in São Paulo, The Samba that Lives Within Me begins at the Mangueira Samba School court and goes into the community of Morro da Mangueira, in Rio de Janeiro. Director Georgia Guerra Peixe brings a personal report of samba and the history of the community in this autobiographical film." - São Paulo International Film Festival
