‘Images Towards Freedom: The Documentary Shorts of Orlando Bomfim Netto’
Co-presented with Cinelimite, Cinema Tropical, Acervo Capixaba, and Pique-Bandeira Filmes.
Orlando Bomfim Netto is one of the most important Brazilian documentary filmmakers of all time, building a body of work from 1976 through 1985 that captured the diverse culture and spirit of the state of Espírito Santo. These films not only mapped the representations of popular traditions in this coastal state, but granted them the means to present themselves to the audience with all their power and beauty. Featuring the gorgeous cinematography of life-long collaborator Douglas Lynch, Bomfim’s work explores facets of Espírito Santo reality related to Afro-Brazilian celebrations and identities, Italian immigration, the state’s ongoing issues with environmental pollution, and its rich animal life.
In 2017, the production company Pique-Bandeira Filmes launched a preservation initiative titled “Acervo Capixaba” with the goal to preserve and restore Bomfim’s filmography. Almost four years after this initiative began, the screening program “Images Towards Freedom: The Documentary Shorts of Orlando Bomfim Netto” marks the North-American debut of five newly restored films from the director, presented with new English translations. With the director passing away only this last July, we’re thrilled that audiences will finally have the chance to delve into one of the world’s great and underappreciated documentary artists.
TUTTI TUTTI BUONA GENTE, PROPRIAMENTE BUONA
(Orlando Bomfim Netto, Brazil, 1976, 28 min. In Portuguese with English subtitles)
The Italian colonization of Espírito Santo, which in 1975 marked one hundred years, is approached from the point of view of the inhabitants of the city of Santa Teresa, the strongest and most representative concentration of Italian immigrants in the state.
MESTRE PEDRO DE AURORA
(Orlando Bomfim Netto, Brazil, 1978, 11 min. In Portuguese with English subtitles)
Mestre Pedro de Aurora showcases the last root jongo singer, leader of the singers and party-goers from the region of Vila de Santana, in Conceição da Barra, Espírito Santo.
CANTO PARA A LIBERDADE: A FESTA DO TICUMBI
(Orlando Bomfim Netto, Brazil, 1978, 20 min. In Portuguese with English subtitles)
Canto para a liberdade traces a local history of the Ticumbi, a cultural manifestation performed by the Afro-Brazilian community of Conceição da Barra, the northernmost municipality of Espírito Santo. The film focuses on the Ticumbi performers and the relationship they have with reality, mysticism, fantasy and cultural heritage.
ITAÚNAS: DESASTRE ECOLÓGICO
(Orlando Bomfim Netto, Brazil, 1978, 1979, 9 min)
Irrational deforestation in Itaúnas, a coastal community in the northernmost region of Espírito Santo, caused the displacement of sand dunes which then invaded the old village. In 1968, the region became uninhabitable, producing a current example of ecological disaster. Itaúnas: Desastre Ecológico explores the region and laments the ecological damage that has taken place.
AUGUSTO RUSCHI GUAINUNBI
(Orlando Bomfim Netto, Brazil, 1979, 9 min. In Portuguese with English subtitles)
Augusto Ruschi Guainunbi focuses on the scientific contributions of Capixaba naturalist Augusto Ruschi, a pioneering researcher in the field of ecological preservation recognized for his specialization in the study of native Brazilian hummingbirds and orchids.
Thursday, November 11, 7:30pm
Maysles Cinema
343 Malcolm X Boulevard, New York City
For tickets and more information visit: www.maysles.org
*Post-screening conversation with Pilar Dirickson Garrett (Associate Director, Cinema Tropical) moderated by William Plotnick (Executive Director, Cinelimite).
