5x Favela: Agora por nós mesmos (Vancouver Latin American Film Festival 2011 #VLAFF2011) [Movie Review]

5xFavela: Agora por nós mesmos
(5xFavela: Now by Ourselves)
Brazil, 2010

This is a recent remake of a concept from the 1970′s in Brazil. Five stories are told, all in and around Brazilian favelas – shanty neighbourhoods. The remake was done in 2010 by members of the favelas themselves. They all touch on families that are doing the best they can to get by in these dangerous neighbourhoods riddled with poverty and crime, but how they unfortunately end up involved in the activities that they were trying to avoid. The cinema quality was outstanding, and the colours and noises made me want to hop on a plane and go to Brazil to see it myself. Even the darkness of the favelas was brought into a redeeming light.

The story that stood out to me most was about kite fliers. Kids and families who competed in friendly kite competitions would suddenly turn ruthless at the sight of another person from a competing Favela. The film was beautiful and funny, yet with a strong message. All of the acts included children, some of which actually starred in the story.

Overall this was a great film. Perhaps if someone is a little squeamish around blood and violence, I would recommend something a bit different. For anoyone who wants to see a taste of the real Brazil, with life stories and a good look at the underlying class, this is exactly the film to see.

5xFavela: Agora por nós mesmos shows tonight (September 9th) again at 7pm at Pacific Cinemathéque. You can get more information and tickets here.

Hummingbird604.com is a proud media sponsor for the 2011 edition of the Vancouver Latin American Film Festival. Follow all our coverage here on the VLAF2011 tag or on the Hummingbird604.com Facebook page. Jessica attended on Hummingbird604.com’s media pass.

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