World Cinema Amsterdam screens more than forty independent films from Latin America, Africa, and Asia in, among other things, an extensive competition program and a free open-air program. As usual, there are Q&As, masterclasses, debates, and parties. The festival welcomes twenty filmmakers this year. The festival takes place at four locations in Amsterdam: Theater Rialto, De Balie, Vondelpark Open Air Theatre, and Marie Heinekenplein.

Country in focus 2012: Brazil

Under the banner of Brazilian Stories, the festival pays special attention to recent independent cinema from Brazil. While until recently mainly commercial films were produced in Brazil, in recent years a new generation of filmmakers has been making its presence felt. They often tell small, intimate stories or focus on social issues. Such as A cidade é uma só? (Is It Only One City?) by Adirley Queirós, which portrays the bizarre history of a suburb of Brasilia that was moved in its entirety from one side of Brasilia to the other in the 1960s for 'aesthetic' reasons. Or A som ao redor (Neighbouring Sounds) by Kleber Mendonça Filho, a poignant portrait of the Brazilian middle class in Recife. Fearing the hostile outside world, they have locked themselves behind bars and fences in their neighborhood. Also being screened is the highly successful O Palhaço (The Clown) by Selton Mello, a subtle and tragicomic portrait of a father and son, both clowns. In Brazil, the film attracted over 1.5 million viewers. World Cinema Amsterdam is also showing various swinging and rousing music documentaries, a genre that is wildly popular in Brazil.

Location
Amsterdam



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