Brazil (CITY OF GOD)

• What is Brazil classified as in terms of development?


  Brazil is part of the "developing world."
• What is the size of Brazil in relation to Latin America?

  Brazil is the largest country in Latin America, covering about half the continent.
• What is Brazil's rank in terms of land area and population globally?

  Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world in both land area and population.
• What is the estimated population of Brazil?

  Brazil has a population of about 215 million.
• What percentage of Brazil's population lives in poverty?

  An estimated 30% of the population lives in poverty.
• How does the income distribution in Brazil compare between the poor and the wealthy?

  Those living below the poverty line receive 2% of the GDP, while the top 10% receive 50.6%.
• What is a significant social issue in Brazil, particularly in Rio de Janeiro?

  High crime rates are a significant issue in Brazil and Rio de Janeiro.
• What is "City of God" in the context of Brazilian cinema?


  "City of God" is an example of Brazilian national cinema.
• What language is primarily used in "City of God"?

  The primary language used in "City of God" is Portuguese.
• How does "City of God" compare to Hollywood films?

  It has genre characteristics that invite comparisons with Hollywood 'hood' films.
• Who narrates the story in "City of God"?

  The story is narrated by Buscapé/Rocket, the photographer.
• What are the core study areas in analyzing "City of God"?

  • Key Elements of Film Form: Cinematography, editing, sound, mise-en-scene & performance
  • Meaning & Response: Representations and aesthetics
  • Contexts of Film: Social, cultural, political, institutional, and production contexts
• What cultural identities are associated with Brazil?

  Cultural identities include samba, soccer, sun, and sand.
• What historical event significantly impacted Brazil in the 16th century?

  Brazil was colonized by Portugal, resulting in the subjection of indigenous people.
• When did Brazil gain independence?

  Brazil gained independence in the 19th century.
• What was a significant aspect of Brazil's economy in the 19th century?

  The economy was partly founded on the transport of slaves from Africa.
• When was the practice of slavery abolished in Brazil?

  Slavery was abolished in the second half of the 19th century.
• What is the composition of Brazil's multi-ethnic communities today?

  They are made of descendants of slaves and immigrants from around the world.
• How was Brazil politically influenced in the 20th century?

  Brazil was politically dependent and dominated by the USA.
• Who was elected President of Brazil in 2002?

  Luiz Ignacio Lula da Silva was elected President in 2002.
• What was significant about Lula da Silva's government?

  It was the first left-wing government to be in power for more than 40 years.
• What promise did Lula da Silva make to the Brazilian people?

  He promised economic prosperity fairly distributed to all Brazilians.
• How did digital editing impact "City of God"?

  It allowed Daniel Rezende to experiment and create character interpretations during editing.
• What was unique about the footage used in "City of God"?

  All scenes evolved from the actors' improvisations, making each one unique.
• Who financed "City of God"?

  "City of God" was financed by TV Globo and O2 Filmes.
• Who was the international distributor of "City of God"?

  The international distributor was Miramax.
• What was Miramax's reputation based on?

  Miramax's reputation was founded on their involvement with interesting and challenging films.
• What is Cinema Novo?

  Cinema Novo is a Brazilian genre and movement noted for its emphasis on social equality and intellectualism.
• When did Cinema Novo rise to prominence?

  Cinema Novo rose to prominence during the 1960s and 1970s.
• What was the guiding principle of the Cinema Novo aesthetic?


  The guiding principle was to show life as it actually was.
• What influences did Cinema Novo have?

  It was influenced by Italian Neo-Realism and included the use of non-actors and 16mm cameras.
• How did the French New Wave influence Brazilian directors?

  Brazilian directors were attracted to the low budget and independent production methods of the French New Wave.
• What does the phrase 'uma camera na mão, uma ideia na cabeça' signify?

  It signifies a determination to make films reflecting the directors' ideas with minimal resources.
• Who is attributed with the phrase 'uma camera na mão, uma ideia na cabeça'?

  The phrase is attributed to filmmaker Glauber Rocha.
• What are the characteristics of Cinema Novo?

  • Emphasis on social equality and intellectualism
  • Embedded with political, philosophical, and historical meaning
  • Provided insight into government corruption and poverty