The emotional true story of the legendary capoeira fighter from Bahia, who was rumored to fly and lead an uprising of agricultural workers against an exploitative plantation owner. The action begins when Master Alipio (Macale), who has taught the art of capoeira to Besouro, Dinora and Quero-Quero since they were children, is brutally murdered on the orders of Colonel Venancio, the young plantation owner. The Colonel’s attempt to nip rebellion in the bud has just the opposite effect, and from beyond the grave, Master Alipio urges his young student Besouro to fight for his people. Co-presented by Cinema Tropical.

SCREENING WITH

Ebony Goddess: Queen of Ilê Aiyê
Carolina Moraes-Liu, 2010, USA/Brazil; 20m

Moraes-Liu’s film follows three women competing to be the carnival queen of Ilê Aiyê, a prominent and controversial Afro-Brazilian group with an all-black membership. Contestants for the title of Ebony Goddess dress in flowing African-style garments, gracefully performing traditional Afro-Brazilian dances to songs praising the beauty of black women.