Events in toronto: 5 films to watch at the 2013 Brazil Film Fest

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

5 films to watch at the 2013 Brazil Film Fest

The Brazil Film Fest's timing during the last dregs of autumn might seem like a tease, but the heart of the matter is nothing's better in nippy weather than hiding out in a theatre for a couple of hours to take in a film made somewhere much, much warmer. The magic of film might actually be the next best thing to actually flying to a sun kissed destination. The 2013 fest will take over the TIFF Bell Lightbox this weekend with 11 films from passionate love stories to understated dramas.

Read on for 5 stand out films from the fest and a ticket giveaway.

Reaching for the Moon / dir. Bruno Barreto / Friday, November 29 / 7:00 PM

Part love story, part biography, Reaching for the Moon presents the a tragic love affair sparked when American poet Elizabeth Bishop journeys south to stay with an old friend, and instantly falls for Brazilian architect Lota de Macedo Soares. Gorgeous and tender, this doomed / very real romance is co-presented with the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives, Proud FM 103.9, and World Pride Toronto 2014. If you're not as into subtitles, most of this film is in English (the fest promises subtitles for all films).

Neighbouring Sounds / dir. Kleber Mendonça Filho / Saturday, November 30th / 6:30pm

Named one of the best films of the year by the New York Times, Neighbouring Sounds will be Brazil's official selection at the 2014 Oscars for Best Foreign Film. A study on anxiety and fear in modern middle class society, a barking dog poses a noise pollution problem for a mother in a in Recife, Brazil while strange characters mingle at a independent private security firm.

Along the Way / dir. Breno Silveira / Saturday, November 30 / 9:30pm

In road movie / coming of age story Along the Way João, a Dundas West looking bearded man with a troubled past, meets a young boy searching for his father. The two form a unique bond born both of circumstance and necessity. This is one for fans of tender modern fables - and beards. Again, while the trailer lacks subtitles, the screening will have English translations.

Tiana - An Amazon Legend / dir Rosane Svartman / Sunday, December 1st / 12:00pm

Tiana combines stunning visuals and wild jungle animals with cute, adventurous kids and a humourous, epic style story - plus a little magic. The adorable Tainá is a 5 year old orphan Indian girl who "dreams of becoming a warrior and discovering her true origin." She has to fight evil and save the forest. If I had a child (who could read subtitles) I'd make sure to take them to this matinee screening, but adults will enjoy the heartwarmer too.

Rio 2096 - A Story of Love and Fury / dir. Luiz Bolognesi / Sunday, December 1st / 7:30pm

This animated feature follows Brazil's history via a 600 year long love story for the ages. The story's protagonist follows his beloved from pre-colonial tribal wars in Brazil to an apocalyptic future water crisis in Rio de Janeiro. The film was awarded the Crystal for Best Feature Film - one of animations highest's honors (eat your heart out, Disney). Rio 2096 will close out the fest.