QUILOMBO
Torn from the Motherland: Films from the African Diaspora
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• Written and directed by Carlos Diegues • Adapted from the novel by Joao Felicio dos Santos (Ganga Zumba) and Decio Freitas’ book Palmares, a Guerra dos Escravos • Cinematography by Lauro Escorel • Edited by Mair Tavares • Music by Gilberto Gil and Waly Salomao • Brazil, New Yorker Films, 1984, DVD, color, 114 min. • Cast: Antonio Pompeo, Zeze Motta, Tony Tornado, Vera Fischer, Antonio Pitanga • Portuguese with English subtitles  In Brazil entire villages (quilombos) were created by self-liberated men and women. Reminiscent of small kingdoms back in Africa, Palmares was the most famous of these in the 17th century. Carlos Diegues’ film travels from historic epic to magical realism with powerful performances, bright colors, and wonderful musical numbers. Palmares is wisely ruled by Ganga Zumba, annointed by the seeress Acotirene, until he is treacherously convinced to take many of his people to a White-sanctioned “reservation.” Staying behind is Zumbi with his own group of followers, who are rightly suspicious of the colonialists’ motives. Despite occasional attacks from the outside, all seems to be going well until a blood-thirsty slave-hunter and his small army arrive outside the walls of Palmares. -- Chale Nafus |
October 23, 2007, 7pm Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar Read the Program Notes Ticket information• Admission free to AFS members
• Admission $4 for all others • Remaining tickets available at Alamo on night of screening |
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