Browse by Label: BANTAM FILMS

Artist:	BARTLETT, DAREN
Title:	O Zelador: A Story Of Capoeira
Label:	BANTAM FILMS
Format:	DVD
Price:	$23.00
Catalog #:	BAN 001DVD

Shot in Brazil over a five-year period, O Zelador ("The Caretaker") explores the life of Master Russo who lives with his family in the intimidating Baixada Fulminese neighborhood. At an early age, Russo discovered the value of capoeira: the music, physical agility, self-defense, and philosophy of this Afro-Brazilian cultural manifestation helped Russo endure a life fraught with poverty and danger. Master Russo was part of a group of youths who created the now-famous capoeira street roda ("circle") of Caxias, located in Rio de Janeiro's tough suburbs. This traditional manifestation of capoeira has passed through three decades, including Brazil's difficult military dictatorship years, emerging today as a unique example of Afro-Brazilian culture. UK director Daren Bartlett's intelligent and lovingly-crafted documentary is an intimate portrait of Russo, his wife and sons, and his loyal group of students who offer willing testimony to the fact that Russo's love, knowledge, and guidance have been an inspiration. A remarkable and engaging individual, Bartlett also uses Russo's life and work to detail capoeira's wider place within Brazilian culture and political history, a place ably supported by expert use of a wealth of archive footage. World premiered at the São Paulo International Film Festival, this is a fascinating and stirring work. This is a Region-free NTSC DVD, for North America. DVD extras include a director's commentary, interviews, extra capoeira scenes, and a booklet. Running time: 84 minutes. Language: Portuguese with English subtitles. Aspect ratio: 4:3 full frame.

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