CINEMA CLASSICS SEMINAR: CITY OF GOD - $30 for BMFI members, $40 for non-members

Instructor: Amy Corbin, Ph.D., Muhlenberg College As a low-budget film set in an impoverished neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, no one expected City of God (2002) to take Cannes by storm and find worldwide popularity. Over two decades later, it’s still one of the most watched non-English language films. It follows a group of boys growing up in the violent favela known as “Cidade de Deus.” Rocket, who tries to avoid gang life and become a photographer, guides us through different moments in time, immersing us in gripping storytelling that also explores the causes and consequences of violence. Director Fernando Meirelles took inspiration from Italian neorealism and directors like Martin Scorsese and Robert Altman to develop a unique blend of location shooting, frenetic camera movement, distinct color palettes, and a multi-genre musical soundtrack. The ensemble cast of mostly non-professional actors used improvisation to bring authentic experiences to the screen. Praised by critics, the film’s virtuoso style also compels us to consider the ethics of filming marginalized communities for entertainment. Additionally, this seminar will explore City of God’s impact: it is credited with waking up middle-class Brazilians to conditions in the favelas, as well as turning worldwide attention to Brazilian film at the beginning of the 21st century.