Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by tinear (A) on December 29, 2008 at 10:32:51

haphazard documentary shows the fates of many different people that have come from the historically impoverished and drought-stricken NE of Brazil to seek their fortunes in one of the world's largest cities, Sao Paulo (22 million, and quickly rising).
Weaved throughout the interviews and scenes of the megalopolis is the common thread of two street singers who practice an old Brasilian folk art which involves not only making up lyrics on-the-fly but doing so, often, in a contest wherein the one who best insults (with humor, not invective), wins. The NE music has a very fast tempo making the skill that much more difficult to perfect.
Here's a sample, in translation:

"The mason from the Nordeste
slaves away with no rest
builds pools and mansions
embellished like gardens

but he and his own
have no roof to call home

to this city we come
and end up in a slum
we build lovely villas

with door and windows
but once we've painted the place
they slam the door in our face

…….

Sao Paulo may thrill you
but its sadness can kill you
some have a tear in their eyes
others stifle their cries
some live in fine villas
other suffer in favelas


….today I woke in song
drank a coffee real strong
took my adored guitar

that I carry near and far
to sing "Saudade for the Future"
for a film in which I feature."
Saudade is an often-used word which is very hard to translate having nostalgia, heartbreak, happiness, and deep sadness possible in its varied meanings, all colored by individual circumstance, facial expression, and specific context.