By Roger Costa
@Cinema Village
Created to educate, to entertain and to bring awareness on Brazilian arts and culture, its traditions and diversity, the NY BRAZILIAN FILM SERIES returns to Cinema Village, 22 East 12th Street, Manhattan, with the NY Premiere of “Luiz Melodia-No Coracao do Brasil” on Sunday, May 18th at 5pm. One of the most popular documentaries of the year in Brazil, the Award-winning biopic directed by Alessandra Dorgan channels the life, career, influences and challenges of the political conscious artist using never-seen footage, interviews and performances.
Now in its 3rd edition (the NYBFS screened “Kobra-Self Portrait” and “Belchior-Just A Wild Heart” last year), the event is a multi-cultural Brazilian celebration offering a sample of Brazil through film, visual arts, fashion, literature, dance, music, culinary and performance. “It’s like visiting the Tropical land without leaving New York”, says Roger Costa, founder of the NY Brazilian Film Series.
In its first edition of 2025, the event will kick off with the electrifying original music of master percussionist Everton Isidoro, the founder of Afro-Brazilian group Mambembe NY. Isidoro has performed at many important venues across the country and often accompanies A-list artists with his percussion gifts.
To conclude his solo performance, Isidoro will pay tribute to Luiz Melodia along with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s dance member Dandara Veiga, who conceived a special piece for the event. Hailing from South Brazil, Veiga currently tours the country with Alvin Ailey, considered one of the greatest dance companies in the world.
Cambridge master degree in Literature, writer and fashion stylist Julissa Silva will launch her Gothic-romance “Blood on the Pedestal”, a passionate collection of short poems on self-discovery and the complexities of feminity. She will discuss topics of the book with hostess Karine Rezende (anchorwoman of interview show “Imigrou”), giving access to audience to immerse in the creative process of storytelling.
The first act of the show will wrap up with fashion designer Mercia Braga’s couture-inspired fashion show, featuring some of her most innovative creations and presented to Northeast tunes. She has shown her works in important venues in Paris, London and Brazil.
After the film presentation, audiences will have a chance to express their reaction to Melodia’s story, followed by a special Floral Design Art show originally conceived by floral designer Teresa Pollard. Fresh off specializing at iconic masters in Europe, and at the NY Botanical Garden, Pollard will present some of her techniques in an intimate and delicate show exploring the beauty of nature and decoration.
Dance and music continue to be essential elements at NYBFS, and this time is no different. BATALA NY returns as an official Music Partner, bringing their incomparable drumming energy. The all-female drumming group has just performed at the Carnaval in Salvador, and will spread some of that Bahia-energy with their vibrant music. Representing the female empowerment and resistance of Black communities, BATALA is also a socio-cultural bridge and healing musical movement.
Wrapping up the night, multi talented dancer and Samba star Angelica Cassimiro will perform a richly energized show, featuring the best in Brazilian rhythms and traditions.
- Tickets $22. includes Caipirinha, Guarana, Salgados and Brigadeiros sponsored by Altas Horas Lanches.
- Sunday, May 18 at 5pm at Cinema Village NYC. For information email nybrazilianfilmseries@gmail.com
- Get tickets here: https://www.cinemavillage.com/Now-Playing/luiz-melodia-within-the-heart-of-brazil.html or on Fandango.
The 3rd NY Brazilian Film Series is sponsored by Councilman Michael Silva, Eliane Souza Finance Services, Vida Pharmacy, NYC Marble Care, Amazon Fun Parks, Forsa!, Halsey Fabrics, Brazilian Press Newspaper and Altas Horas Lanches.
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