Synopsis
Just released from prison, Léa (Léa Alves Silva) returns home to the Brasilia favela of Sol Nascente and joins up with her half-sister Chitara (Joana Darc Furtado), the fearless leader of an all-female gang that steals and refines oil from underground pipes and sells gasoline to a clandestine network of motorcyclists. Living in constant opposition to Jair Bolsonaro’s fiercely authoritarian and militarized government, Chitara’s women claim the streets for themselves as a declaration of radical political resistance on behalf of ex-cons and the oppressed. A provocative portrait of Brazil’s dystopian contemporary moment that blends documentary with narrative fiction and genre elements, the latest film by Joana Pimenta and Adirley Queirós offers a unique vision of the country’s possible future.
A word from Tënk
In the Sol Nascente favela, on the outskirts of the Brazilian capital, an all-female gang selling gas on the black market decides to create a political party to represent the interests of a population abandoned by the government. This subversive tale reminiscent of Robin Hood is directed by Joana Pimenta and Adirley Queirós, who live in the region. The arid landscape adds to the creation of a rather singular atmosphere. The film picks up on a recurrent approach in Queirós’ work, which flows easily between reality and fiction and draws on Western and science fiction elements. Dry Ground Burning is an explosive and irrefutable invitation to rebellion against the conservative dystopia engulfing Brazil.
Ana Alice de Morais
Programmer, RIDM
