Era uma vez, film still, © Promo
Gilberto Gil, © Priscila Azul

Nov 12–22, 2009

Première Brasil 2009

Filmfestival

The latest selection from one of the most exciting sections of the Rio International Film Festival of the last two years: Première Brasil is the heart and soul of the competition and a global “showcase” for contemporary Brazilian cinema. In 2008 alone, 64 new productions were presented.

Brazilian films are catching people’s attention again at all the most important international film festivals. Today, what makes Brazilian film successful is not so much the overtly rebellious style of the 60s and 70s as the diversity of expressive forms, unusual subject matter and the high artistic quality of the productions. This retrospective shows eight film discoveries, from the Favela adaptation of Romeo and Juliet through music documentaries to a portrait of the ‘business with the body’. Discussions with directors and the head of the Festival do Rio, Ilda Santiago, will yield further insight into Brazil’s lively film industry. And of course the music from the films will be played at parties. Gilberto Gil will be on stage with his “String Concert.”

In cooperation with the Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival

With friendly support by: Secretaria do Audiovisual - Embassy of Brazil, Foreign Ministry of Brazil, Brazilian Embassy in Berlin

Thanks to:
Conspiração Filmes, Bananeira Filmes, Elle Driver, Vereda Filmes, Videofilmes, Figa Filmes, Casa de Criação Cinema
Silvio Darin – Secretário do Audiovisual
Paula Alves de Souza – Itamaraty
Everton Vieira Vargas – Embassador of Brazil in Berlin
Gustavo de Sá - Cultural Attaché of Brazil in Berlin
Ingrid Starke – ICBRA