"CINEMA BRASIL"
comes to San Diego
By
Cine ’99: The San Diego Latino Film Festival is scheduled March 9-14, 1999 at
United Artists Theaters in Horton Plaza. This year’s festival features three award-winning
Brazilian films on Thursday, March 11, 1999 / United Artists Theaters – Horton Plaza /
5:00 PM "Doces Poderes/Sweet Power" 1997, Brazil, 35mm, 98 min,
Portuguese w/ English Subtitles Directed by Lúcia Murat Starring: Marisa Orth, Antônio
Fagundes, Tuca Andrada, Sergio Mamberti and Otávio Augusto.
At the center of Lúcia Murat’s second film, Sweet Power, is the power struggle behind
the scenes during an election campaign in Brazil. Murat, a journalist by profession sets
out to uncover the role of the Brazilian media and stumbles upon a fascinating world
seldom explored, where journalists forfeit theirs professional ethics for financial
reward, and candidates – with the media’s help – smear each other publicly, but in fact
Sweet Power is full of humor, romance and real conflict. Bia (Marisa Orth) arrives in
Brasília (Brazil’s capital) to become the news director of a major network during the
election campaign. She strives to keep the news unbiased, but soon finds herself
confronting forces intent on preserving the political status quo. Meanwhile, the
Afro-Brazilian origins of the opposition and favored candidate rattle conservatives, who
resort to dirty tactics to keep their man on top. Bia meets her old flame Chico (Antônio
Fagundes), the opposition’s campaign manager, and their affair rekindles despite his being
married. But Bia is also getting acquainted with Alex (Tuca Andrada), her chief news
writer. Murat’s sense of realism drives Sweet Power, infusing it with pathos and style.
7:00 PM "Baile Perfumado/Perfumed Ball" 1997, Brazil, 35mm, 93 min,
Portuguese w/ English Subtitles Directed by Lírio Ferreira & Paulo Caldas Starring:
Duda Mamberti, Luiz Carlos Vasconcelos, Aramis Trindade, Chico Diaz and Jofre Soares.
Based on a true story, Perfumed Ball tells the story of one of Brazil’s most infamous
outlaws -"the cangaceiros". Set in the 1930’s, the film follows Benjamin
Abrahão, a Lebanese immigrant. A filmmaker and photographer, Abrahão sees an opportunity
for fame and fortune in the elusive Lampião, one of the cangaceiros" infamous
leaders. Abrahão manages to track down Lampião at his camp and talks him into becoming
the subject of a documentary film. Abrahão captures Lampião’s private life on film from
the bloodthirsty murders to leading his fellow "cangaceiros" in prayer.
Abrahão returns to Rio de Janeiro where his film is an immediate success. However, he
soon finds his life in danger when one of his backers claims the film is unpatriotic. An
entertaining and fresh film filled with hilarious dialogue and top-notch performances.
9:30 PM – U.S. Premiere Screening! "Amor & Cia/Love & Co."
1998, Brazil, 35mm, 100 min, Portuguese w/ English Subtitles Directed by Helvécio Ratton
Starring: Marco Nanini, Patrícia Pillar & Alexander Borges
In Brazil, at the end of the 19th century, Godofredo Alves, a rich businessman, finds
his beloved wife Ludovina in the arms of his partner Machado. From that moment on Alves’
world collapses and his life changes into hell. LOVE & CO. tells in a good-humored way
the story of a man who is betrayed by the people whom he trusted. He is a man tormented by
a dilemma: what is more important in life, fight for one’s love or defend one’s own honor?
$7 General/$5 Students $75 Festival Pass (Includes 15 programs & all parties)
In addition, there will be various receptions, closing and opening night parties,
workshops and panel discussions with visiting filmmakers and actors. Daily and weekly
festival passes are also available upon request.
For more info: contact Ethan van Thillo, Festival Founder & Director (619) 230-1938
or LatinoFilm@aol.com THE SAN DIEGO LATINO
FILM FESTIVAL
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