One of the most important films in Brazilian history, MACUNAIMA is a magical fable of a black man born in the jungle who magically becomes white and embarks on a journey through modern Rio de Janeiro. A biting satire and allegory of Brazil’s complex racial and cultural history. Along the way there is a giant, cannibals and more.

About this series:

Joaquim Pedro de Andrade is one of the most important figures of Brazil’s Cinema Novo period and his film MACUNAIMA (aka JUNGLE FREAKS) helped to set the tone for this style of film that, much like its musical analogue, Tropicalia, gave the psychedelic and countercultural movements that were then sweeping the world a uniquely Brazilian beat. If you love John Waters’ and Lina Wertmuller’s approach to film narrative, we think you will enjoy these films.