By Roger Costa
Carrying the essence and spontaneity of his God-given talent, master composer and singer Milton Nascimento is revered around the world for his natural ability to recreate natural sounds, with many admirers calling him “the voice of heaven”.
His long-time collaborations with other talented professionals, and his political, social and environmental activism made him one of the most prolific Brazilian artists of all times, one who could define a generation of freedom-seekers, one who stands up for righteousness, human rights and racial equality.
Like every other profession, one must retire at some point, and for Milton that time came a few years ago, when he embarked on a world farewell tour. It seemed it was the right thing to do, since he started showing debilitations of memory (his son, Augusto Nascimento recently announced that Milton has been diagnosed with dementia and is losing his memories).
Documentarian Flavia Moraes followed him through his preparations for the final tour, going backstage, interviewing Milton himself, his friends and collaborators as well as extracting important and heart-breaking memories from his childhood and career.
Sitting on a wheelchair in front of the Brooklyn Bridge, Milton says “here is the present, on the other side is already the future”. The moment is simple but captivating and highly emotional, since we know Milton is fighting with his diagnosis and gradual weakness. In another shattering moment, Milton recalls the countless times he had suffered and confronted racism- starting from his adopting white parents facing neighborhood prejudice to when he couldn’t use the front door at the venues he would play.
Winner of the Audience Award for Best Picture at this year’s Grande Otelo Awards (the most prestigious Brazilian cinema award) and shortlisted as Brazil’s official selection for next year’s Oscars, the film paints a canvas on Brazilian contemporary history seen through Milton’s perspective, and a love letter to Minas Gerais, the state where he grew up, capturing heartwarming moments enhanced by the beauty of the natural landscapes.
Narrated by Fernanda Montenegro, who gives a poetical tone to the narrative, it features interviews with names such as Spike Lee, Quincy Jones, Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Carminho, Mano Brown and many others.
Profound and enigmatic, fueled by the incredible sounds of Milton’s compositions, the result is a brilliant non-fiction artwork, an essential homage and celebration of one of Brazil’s greatest cultural treasures.
(“Milton Bituca Nascimento” will have its New York Premiere as part of the 4th NY Brazilian Film Series, Sunday, November 2nd at 5pm at Cinema Village, 22 East, 12th Street, Manhattan. Go to https://www.cinemavillage.com/Now-Playing/ny-brazilian-film-series-fall.html for tickets).
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