Where are you, João Gilberto? sets out in the footsteps of German writer Marc Fischer who obsessively searched for the legendary founding father of Bossa Nova and last great musical legend of our time, Brazilian musician João Gilberto, who has not been seen in public for decades. Fischer described his journey in a book, Hobalala, but committed suicide one week before it was published. By taking up Marc Fischer's quest, following his steps one by one, thanks to all the clues he left us, we pursue João Gilberto to understand the history, the very soul and essence of Bossa Nova. But who can tell whether we will meet him or not?
Favela on Blast (2008)
For 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, but it comes from what is at times one of the most violent and poorest places in the world: the slums of Rio de Janeiro (favelas). This music is the personalization of the raw element. Bombastic rhythms coming from the American Miami Bass and samples are fused with powerful rap vocals using Brazilian slang. This documentary tells stories of sex, love, poverty, and pride among Rio's marginalized people. They have their own language, style, and heroes. It's a film that's fast, heavy, and violent like the city itself.
Antônia (2007)
Determined to escape their poverty-stricken lives, four talented young women living on the outskirts of Sao Paulo, Brazil, form an all-female rap group but find their road to success is riddled with sexism, racism, and violence. One by one, they succumb to their grim realities...until they discover that out of struggle comes strength, and out of strength, the courage to continue on.
The Team (2014)
Documentary about the victorious German national football team - called "Die Mannschaft" - and their journey to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Dzi Croquettes (2009)
A Brazilian theatre group that through talent, irony and humour confronted the Brazilian violent dictatorship in the 1970s revolutionising the gay movement worldwide and changing theatre and dance language to an entire generation.
Woodstock - Mais Que Uma Loja (2014)
"Woodstock - Mais Que Uma Loja" tells the story of the Woodstock Discos store, a stronghold considered ground zero for heavy metal in São Paulo and one of the pioneers of the style in Brazil.
Nothing Like Before – The Music of Clube da Esquina (2024)
Nothing Like Before delves into the creation of the Clube da Esquina Album (Brazil, 1972). Considered by many music critics one of the best albums of all time, it presented to the world musicians like Milton Nascimento, Lô Borges, Toninho Horta, Beto Guedes and Wagner Tiso.
Filhos de Macuinaíma (NaN)
Documentary about the life of three families living in the city of Boa Vista, north of Brazil. Some of them look for a more intense daily life going to parties, work and dealing with family trouble, others want to get back to the tribe. Personal crises and the search for their own identity are aspects that reveal great relevance.
How to Die in Cinema (2002)
Memories of a parrot who participated in the filming of the classic Vidas Secas, in 1962, where it was featured along the puppy Baleia.
Festive Land: Carnival in Bahia (2013)
Festive Land examines one of the largest and most extraordinary popular celebrations in the world, the week-long Carnival that brings more than two million people to the streets of Salvador, the capital of Bahia, in northeastern Brazil. Carnival is the most expressive showcase of the unique cultural richness of Bahia, where African culture has survived, prospered, and evolved, mixing with other Brazilian influences to create forms found nowhere else in the world. The film captures this unique cultural energy through extraordinary footage of musical performances, dances, religious manifestations, and street celebrations. At the same time, Carnival reflects the racial and social tensions of Brazil's heterogeneous society. At first glance there appear to be two million people chaotically mixed on the streets, but a more detailed look reveals how patterns of segregation driven by racial, social and economic differences continue in Carnival.
Libelu: Down With The Dictatorship (2020)
In the 1970s, they were championing the fight against Brazil’s military dictatorship. Forty years later, what’s left of Libelu? What does adult life have in store for you after the revolutionary youth?
Rota ABC (1991)
Rota ABC is a documentary essay about the desires and perspectives of youth living in the industrial suburb of São Paulo, directed by Francisco Cesar Filho and produced by Anhangabaú Produções, with a soundtrack by the punk rock band Garotos Podres.
Paulo da Portela: O Teu Nome não Caiu no Esquecimento (2001)
Documentary made to commemorate the centenary of the birth of the legendary Paulo Benjamin de Oliveira, Paulo da Portela.
The Day That Lasted 21 Years (2012)
Stunning espionage documentary on the US conspiracy that led to the 1964 Brazilian coup d'état. John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson original White House tapes, and CIA Top Secret documents reveal how the US government planned to overthrow Brazilian elected president João Goulart.
Botinada: A Origem do Punk no Brasil (2006)
Botinada chronicles the origins of punk rock in Brazil, its first phase (1976-1984) and the whereabouts of its protagonists. Were 4 years of research, interviewed 77 people, thousands of hours in editing rooms, 200 hours of video and many rare and unpublished images compiled for the first time. Botinada brings out this amazing story told by punks who experienced body, soul and leather jacket this chaotic journey.