If the name Kleber Mendonca Filho isn’t already on your radar, it’s only a matter of time before it is. One of the most exciting directors working in Brazil at the moment, he first made waves with his terrific feature debut “Neighboring Sounds” in 2012. From there, he leapt straight into Competition status at Cannes with the exceptionally well received “Aquarius” in 2016. Now he’s back, reteaming with “Aquarius” star Sonia Braga, and co-directing with Juliano Dornelles, with “Bacarau.” And it looks like this one will light up the Croisette.
The story is a small town, where the death of its 94 year-old matriarch has unexpected consequences. Here’s the intriguing official synopsis:
A few years from now…
Bacurau, a small town in the Brazilian sertão, mourns the loss of its matriarch, Carmelita, who lived to be 94. Days later, its inhabitants notice that their community has vanished from most maps.
The last time Filho was at Cannes, the filmmaker and his crew openly protested former Brazilian leader Dilma Rousseff removal from office, denouncing it as a “coup.” Now, in a curiously timed announcement, the government of far-right leader Jair Bolsonaro has demanded that the director return over $550,000 in funding he received for “Neighboring Sounds” in 2012.
While he stops short at calling himself an activist, Filho told The Jarkata Post it’s important to reflect the world around him. “I am a Brazilian filmmaker, I live at a time when Brazilian society is suffering and stories are springing up.”
“I’m happy and a little sad at the same time because this second selection in Cannes comes at a very strange moment for our film industry, which was on an upswing and is now experiencing a serious crisis,” Filho added.
It looks like the red carpet premiere for “Bacurau” will be an interesting one to watch. Check out the feverish trailer below. No word yet on a North American distributor, but hopefully we won’t be waiting too long for this to hit arthouse screens.
Update: + 2 clips