Quilombo (1984; unrated; in Portuguese w/English subtitles)
Monday, March 31st @ 7:00 p.m.
Witherspoon Campus Cinema
(click
here for directions)
In Brazil entire villages (quilombos) were created by self-liberated men and women. Reminiscent of small kingdoms back in Africa, Palmares was the most famous of these in the 17th century. Carlos Diegues’ film travels from historic epic to magical realism with powerful performances, bright colors, and wonderful musical numbers. Palmares is wisely ruled by Ganga Zumba, anointed by the seeress Acotirene, until he is treacherously convinced to take many of his people to a White-sanctioned “reservation.” Staying behind is Zumbi with his own group of followers, who are rightly suspicious of the colonialists’ motives. Despite occasional attacks from the outside, all seems to be going well until a blood-thirsty slave-hunter and his small army arrive outside the walls of Palmares.
Guest Speaker:
Dr. Sheila Smith McKoy
Dept. of English, NCSU