Social Issues and Brazilian Cinema
In this course we will examine the problems around representations of social issues in Brazilian film, such as street children and urban violence. Historically, Brazilian cinema has functioned as a means for social and cultural criticism. However, at the same time that it sought to raise awareness regarding Brazil’s shortcomings, it also created its own quandaries. How does cinema production consume the bodies of the poor? Does cinematic violence against the underdog become the privilege of the few? How does the concept and practice of digital inclusion play against cinematic production? These are a few of the questions we may investigate through late 20th-century and contemporary films, such as Pixote or Cidade de Deus, as well as theoretical texts. (PGSE 0215 or by approval) 3 hrs. lect./disc.