Film Art from Brazil

Diverse landscapes, bustling cities, an unmistakable history, and creative minds... Brazil is equipped with the best conditions to produce successful films.
Every year Brazilian film festivals are organized to show current films from the largest South American country. Interesting programs take the audience on a short trip to Brazil. Documentaries and feature films present the most diverse Brazilian regions and ways of life, allowing the cinematic art to provide authentic insights into a faraway country. The production of their own films and their public presentation begins in Brazil shortly after the first film pioneers became known in Europe with their work.
With the first cinema screening in Rio de Janeiro in 1896, an important step towards a history of inspiring works was taken.

Over time, the cinema in Brazil is gaining more and more enthusiastic fans. After the first cinema was opened in Rio de Janeiro, it was not long before presentation rooms for films were introduced in other cities. In the beginning, the lack of electricity made it difficult for cinema culture to spread quickly. From 1907, however, conditions began to improve and the films produced could now be shown in many places. In 1908, more than 30 Brazilian short films and feature films were released, which already enabled some actors to make a name for themselves in the cinema world.
The first feature film, which achieved great international fame, was called "O Cangaceiro". The 1953 production won the award for the best adventure film at the Cannes International Film Festival.
Only two years later, another important film in Brazilian cinema history was released: "Rio, 40 Graus" is still considered an inspiring work for modern cinema today. In this emerging movement, the aim was then to portray life in Brazil as realistically as possible. The film "Rio, 40 Graus" documents the everyday life of people living in Rio de Janeiro. In particular, five young salesmen from a favela are accompanied. On a Sunday in Rio de Janeiro they offer their goods for sale on the beach and at other tourist destinations.
The film developed into a prime example of modern cinema, and in the following years, similar socio-critical themes were taken up in Brazilian films. The film producers of the 1960s lived by the motto "The camera in your hand and the idea already in your head. Inexpensively produced films with rich content were intended to confront the audience with political and social problems.
In 1967 the films were given a stage by the opening of one of the largest film festivals in Brazil. In the capital Brasília, this important event still takes place annually.

Like every good film, Brazilian cinema history follows the pattern of classic suspense. The critical point that had to be overcome in this history is the period of the 80s. During this period, a number of events coincide that put obstacles in the way of the development of cinema. For example, the introduction of video cassettes and the emerging film rental business now makes it possible to have one's own home cinema. In addition, a looming economic crisis, as well as an uncertain political situation led to the fact that the cinemas remained empty at first.
Only after a few years, the crisis can be gradually overcome and film production slowly resumes. The films produced celebrate successes from which the international audience also benefits. For example, the film Cidade de Deus (City of God) from 2002 was nominated for several Oscars. The film is an important work in Brazilian film history, which takes up explosive topics.
There is a large selection of Brazilian films worth watching. Once you have been infected by film fever, it won't be long before you start making plans for a trip to Brazil. Perhaps you have already been inspired by scenarios from Bahia or the semi-desert Sertão. Tell us about your ideas and together we will plan an unforgettable stay in fascinating Brazil.

External source: www.arte.tv/de/