Antonia
Set on the outskirts of São Paulo, this engaging, female-centric melodrama concerns four streetwise Afro-Brazilian women, backup singers for a male hip-hop group, who dream of making it on their own. With talent to spare, their biggest obstacles prove to be poverty and violence—twin perils that threaten to offset the energy and vitality that equally distinguish Brazilian culture. The music, rhythms, and vibrant colors of the city are beautifully woven into cinematographer Jacob Sarmento Solitrenick’s unobtrusive handheld camera work, while director/co-writer Tata Amaral reveals a deft hand with actors. The largely nonprofessional cast is headed by Brazilian rap star Negra Li and pop singer Leilah Moreno, so authentic that they seem to be acting out their own life stories—and very well may be.
– JEAN OPPENHEIMER, VILLAGE VOICE
The third feature in a trilogy by Tata Amaral, ”Antonia” pulses with color and movement. Filmed in the São Paulo suburb of Vila Brasilândia, the movie has an earthy realism underscored by naturalistic performances and a restless camera. Maximizing her nonprofessional cast of Brazilian hip-hop performers, the director fi lls the soundtrack with a vibrant blend of R&B, soul and rap. When the group sings an a cappella version of ”Killing Me Softly,” you may forget to breathe.
– JEANETTE CATSOULIS, THE NEW YORK TIMESDuration: 90 min
Dialogue: Portugese
Subtitles: English
Credits
Mendes, Leilah Moreno, Jacqueline Simão
