Novel
Quilombo dos Palmares was a real-life democratic society, created in Brazil in the 17th century. This incredibly elaborate (and surprisingly little-known) film traces the origins of Quilombo, which began as a community of freed slaves. The colony becomes a safe harbor for other outcasts of the world, including Indians and Jews. Ganga Zumba (Toni Tornado) becomes president of Quilombo, the first freely elected leader in the Western Hemisphere. Naturally, the ruling Portuguese want to subjugate Zumba and his followers, but the Quilombians are ready for their would-be oppressors. The end of this Brave New World is not pleasant, but the followers of Zumba and his ideals take to the hills, where they honor his memory to this day. Writer/director Carlos Diegues takes every available opportunity to compare the rise and fall of Quilombo with the state of affairs in modern-day Brazil.
Story
Novel
The romanced story of Xica da Silva, a slave that used her "feminine atributes" in order to get power.
Directed by Sérgio Bernardes Filho, "Desesperato" tells the story of a writer (Raul Cortez) who leaves his home to carry out literary research in the country's most obscure settings. Unhappy with the current national situation, the historian joins a guerrilla force with serious consequences.
Novel
The story of Antônio Francisco Lisboa, the famed Brazilian sculptor and architect born in the 17th century who became known as "Aleijadinho".
The story of Antônio Francisco Lisboa, the famed Brazilian sculptor and architect born in the 17th century who became known as "Aleijadinho".
Novel
The life of a runaway slave who founded the Quilombo dos Palmares, an outlaw community of Brazilian slaves.
