‘Brasileirinho’ is a documentary about the first true original Brazilian urban music – choro. In the late 19th century, Brazilian musicians started mixing European melodies, African-Brazilian rhythms and melancholic interpretations of Indios, which resulted in this unique blend. Choro is the first real musical expression of Brazilian ‘melting pot’ and has an important place in the making of the cultural identity of this South American country. Before the arrival of samba and bossa nova in the 1920s, choro was the most popular musical genre there. In the past decades it has started to return. Director Kaurismaki witnesses this big comeback by following three big names of choro in the Trio Madeira Brasil band during the traditional Roda de Choro event. The film also contains interviews with well-known masters of samba and bossa nova like Zezé Gonzaga, Elza Soares and Guinga
Mika Kaurismäki
Mika Kaurismäki studied film direction in Munich. His first film, ‘The Liar’, was made in Finland in 1980. He made it together with his younger brother Aki, who wrote the script. They have had successful cooperation ever since. In the 1990s, Mika moved to Rio de Janeiro, where he has worked on many co-productions. His films include: ‘Honey Baby’ (2004), ‘Moro No Brasil’ (2002), ‘Highway Society’ (1999), ‘I Love LA’ (1998), ‘Condition Red’ (1995), ‘Tigrero’ (1994), ‘Zombie and the Gost Train’ (1991), ‘Amazon’ (1990), ‘Helsinki Napoli All Night Long’ (1987), ‘Rosso’ (1985), ‘The Salma Gesture’ (1981).
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Brasileirinho
Finland, Brazil, Switzerland
2005, 90', color, 35 mm
Directed by:
Mika Kaurismäki
Screenplay by:
Marco Forster, Mika Kaurismaki
Cinematography:
Jacques Cheuiche
Edited by:
Karen Harley
Music:
Marcello Gonçalves, Zé Paulo Becker, Ronaldo Souza, Yamandú, Elza Soares, Teresa Cristina, Pedro Miranda, Paulo Moura, Guinga, Ademilde Fonseca, Zezé Gonzaga, Marcos Suzano...
Produced by:
Marco Forster Productions, Marianna Films Oy, Studio Uno Produções Artísticas Ltda.
