THE SAMBA WITHIN ME

Documentary, Brasilien 2010 (54min./77min.)
Director: Geórgia Guerra-Peixe
Production: BossaNovaFilms
World Sales: Rise and Shine World Sales UG

Geórgia Guerra-Peixe takes us on a journey through her native Mangueira, a slum district in Rio de Janeiro hosting one of Brazil´s top samba schools. Among the characters we meet is Mestre,
the leader the school, whose imitation of a full Samba band puts Hip-Hop beatboxers to shame. There is also “Granny”, whose grandmother was a slave and who earned her nickname by having 168 great-grandchildren. At first the stories seem mundane, but the relaxed highlights make them funny and touching and provide a glimpse into a Brazil beyond favela drug wars and carnivals.

Festivals (Selection):
Hot Docs Toronto 2011/CDN, DocFest Thessaloniki 2011/GR, Sao Paolo IFF 2011/Brazil