It has been fifty years since the official establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil in 1974, paving the way for a lasting partnership. Ever since China and Brazil established a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2012, the two nations, as integral members of the BRICS countries, have fostered a close bond and engaged in friendly interactions, bearing witness to the remarkable progress achieved by each other.

Since the beginning of the new century, a plethora of remarkable Brazilian films have made their way onto screens throughout China. Gems like Aquarius and Perlimps have also graced multiple sections of the Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF), creating delightful memories for movie lovers. As the anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries coincides, several outstanding Chinese films have also made their way to Brazil, capturing the hearts of people in cities such as Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.

As spring unfolds in Beijing, in the midst of samba rhythms and off the football field, the 14th BJIFF presents the Brazil Film Week as part of its Beijing Film Panorama section with Brazil as the Guest of Honor, offering film enthusiasts a splendid cinematic feast with four exceptional Brazilian films.

　　Pictures of Ghosts (2023)

 Kleber Mendonça Filho 

　　"With tears as my key, I seal the doors of the cinema."

Starting from an old mansion in Recife, the film gradually unravels, taking the audience on a mesmerizing sensory voyage across various dimensions. Through the lens of the camera, the recorder photographs the elusive portrait of an unknown "ghost" within the room of a defunct theater, where a movie related to supernatural entities is being projected. Kleber Mendonça Filho skillfully intertwines a wealth of information with clear logical connections, seamlessly blending everyday observations with his signature cinematographic style. The end result is a magnificent work of art. As time silently alters space, the divide between personal and collective memories is bridged, allowing us to experience love and faith, reality and illusion, through the medium of film.

　　Mars One (4K) (2022)

　　Gabriel Martins

　　"Mustering up my courage, I reveal my innermost desire to venture to Mars."

The film had its premiere at the 38th Sundance Film Festival in 2022 and was submitted as Brazil's entry for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. It presents viewers with a tapestry of ethnic dances and scenes of boys playing football on open-air fields. Perhaps this is the most representative work of the Brazilian national identity in the Beijing Film Panorama section, yet the director's intention extends beyond that. Beneath the veil of hidden social pressures, a family of four maintains a semblance of optimism and tranquility; however, each individual carries their own secrets and afflictions. It could be the love story hindered by formidable resistance, the conflict between dreams of football and astrophysics, or the cascade of unexpected incidents brought about by a surreal "curse". Through gentle cinematography and melodic music, the film eloquently imparts the philosophies of life: teams won't always return victorious, and life won't always unfold according to our desires. Nevertheless, it urges us not to abandon our yearning for the magnificent stars adorning the night sky. This unwavering optimism mirrors the enduring spirit of the Samba nation, embracing dreams and cherishing the present.

　　The Second Mother (2015)

　　Anna Muylaert

　　"Bound by blood, we break free from the constraints of destiny."

The film was nominated for the World Cinema Dramatic Competition at the 31st Sundance Film Festival and received accolades such as one of the Top Five International Films at the 87th National Board of Review Awards. The narrative centers on Val, a middle-aged nanny, and her daughter Jéssica, with whom she hasn't shared a life for thirteen years. With a tranquil and refined audio-visual language, the film displays the emotional mismatch and connection between this biological mother and daughter. The film's title carries a significant double meaning, serving as both a summary of Val's projection of motherly love towards her employer's son over the years, and a portrayal of the interwoven and mirrored destiny shared between the young Jéssica and Val. With opposing notions of character, the mother and daughter experience quarrels, separation, and eventually come to sit and share laughter-filled conversations during a summer day in São Paulo. The fate of women should not be confined by class restrictions. Stepping into the previously inaccessible swimming pool, Val ultimately makes the daring choice to embark on a quest for a revitalized existence.

　　A History of Love and Fury (2013)

　　Luiz Bolognesi

　　"In the name of love and the land beneath our feet, we persistently carry on the fight."

Merging centuries of national struggle and future imaginings, the film becomes an epic masterpiece through meticulously hand-drawn frames. This is a tale of love and struggle that spans across time, a passionate outcry that exposes the darker facets of the Samba Nation. Across five hundred years of reincarnation, the protagonist experiences the vicissitudes of life, holding steadfast to his loved one and the indomitable valor to fight for his people. The director deftly harnesses the strengths of animation, leading the audience to experience Rio de Janeiro and embrace the unyielding spirit of the nation that remains indelibly etched in its soil in a remarkably imaginative manner. Through the divine guidance and the architectural design of the cyberpunk city in the year 2096, the film encapsulates a captivating fusion of magical realism and science fiction, delivering an unparalleled audiovisual feast that should not be overlooked.

Fifty years of diplomatic relations are encapsulated within the frames of light and shadow, allowing the film to transcend time and oceans to resonate as the pulsating heartbeat of a nation.

　　影迷评论上墙