Below are some of the best Brazilian directors ever. Click on their pictures to discover more about them.
A Brief History of Brazilian Cinema
The history of cinema in Brazil dates back to the early 20th century, closely following the invention of the cinematograph by the Lumière brothers. The first screening in Brazil took place in Rio de Janeiro in 1896, and the first Brazilian film, titled “Vista da Baía de Guanabara”, was produced in 1898 by Italian-born Affonso Segreto. The silent film era saw the emergence of the “Ciclo do Recife,” a movement in the 1920s that produced significant films like “Aitaré da Praia”. However, it was with the advent of sound that Brazilian cinema found its voice, particularly through the musical comedies known as “chanchadas” that dominated the 1930s and 1940s, produced by studios such as Atlântida Cinematográfica.
Post World War II, Brazilian cinema evolved with the Cinema Novo movement in the 1960s and 1970s, which sought to address social issues and employed a neorealist style. This period marked the rise of directors like Glauber Rocha, whose works such as “Terra em Transe” and “Deus e o Diabo na Terra do Sol” became internationally recognised. Cinema Novo’s influence waned during the military dictatorship. Still, a resurgence in the 1990s with films like “Central do Brasil”, directed by Walter Salles, signalled a new era of critical and commercial success.
In the modern era, Brazilian cinema has continued to flourish, with a diverse array of films gaining attention both domestically and internationally. Directors such as Fernando Meirelles, with his critically acclaimed film “City of God”, and José Padilha, known for “Elite Squad”, have helped to showcase the vibrancy and the challenges of society. The industry today is characterised by its boldness and creativity, often tackling complex themes such as social inequality, identity, and politics, reflecting the dynamic culture and history of Brazil itself.
Bronze Screen Dream 