E: 14/07 Win O Zelador DVD

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Shot in Brazil over a four-year period, O Zelador explores the life of Mestre Russo who lives with his family in the intimidating Baixada Fluminese neighbourhood.

At an early age Russo discovered the value of capoeira. The music, physical agility, self-defence and philosophy of this Afro-Brazilian cultural manifestation helped Russo endure a life fraught with poverty and danger. In the early 90s Russo was approached by a group of young boys who sought to train with him and develop their capoeira; Russo took this group of youngsters into his heart and into his family.

Director Daren Bartlett’s intelligent and lovingly crafted documentary is an intimate portrait of Russo, his wife and sons and his loyal group of students who offer willing testimony to the fact that Russo’s love, knowledge and guidance have been an inspiration. A remarkable and engaging individual, Bartlett also uses Russo’s life and work to detail capoeira’s wider place within Brazilian culture and history, a place ably supported by expert use of a wealth of archive footage. World premiered at the Sao Paulo International Film Festival, this is a fascinating and stirring work.

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