Fora da Caridade Não Há Salvação

Arreda Homem Que Chegou Mulher

Documentary about terreiro women in Fortaleza who occupy the highest positions in the hierarchy, subverting the patriarchal tradition of religious communities.

Encruzilhadas do Som

The documentary adresses the meaning of music and the musical diversity present in Umbanda (a Brazilian religion with afroindigenous roots). With interviews with four umbandistas from Fortaleza - Ceará, Crossroads of the Sound pays reverence to the enchanted dimension where the sounds cross each other to make the spirits dance.

Do Que Aprendi Com Minhas Mais Velhas

Preto Velho na Lagoinha

Documentary about the preparation of a popular celebration of "Dia do Preto Velho", one of the most important rituals from the Umbanda in Brazil.

Batchan

Teachings of an Issei. Advice, spirituality and challenges.

Encontro das Águas

This short film follows the journey of Rosane Pires and Iara Viana, during the preparations for their wedding, as well as the civil and religious ceremonies.

Words with Gods

The first of four installments in the groundbreaking Heartbeat of the World anthology film series. Comprised of several short films by some of the world's most exciting directors, Words with Gods follows the theme of religion - specifically as it relates to an individual's relationship with his/her god or gods...or the lack thereof. In Words with Gods, each director recounts a narrative centered around human fragility, as well as environmental and cultural crises involving specific religions with which each has a personal relationship; including early Aboriginal Spirituality, Umbanda, Buddhism, the Abrahamic faiths, Hinduism, and Atheism. An animated sequence by Mexican animator Maribel Martinez is woven through each of the film segments, with each segment narratively connected as a feature-length film.

Amor de Ori

Oxum goes to the river every day to fill his jug with water. One day, a woman in red clothes crosses his path and changes her life forever.

Ylê Xoroquê

The process of formation of the person and its identity from an African conception of the world. The orixás (gods), linked to the forces of nature, are equal to people, and are not transcendent. of the person with their orixá, within the family and the culture. Filmed in a Candomblé terreiro of Bantu origin.

Beethoven In Beijing

"Beethoven in Beijing" starts with a forgotten moment in history —the first American orchestra's visit to communist China. The Philadelphia Orchestra’s 1973 tour was a gesture of cultural diplomacy that resonates still today, as the revival of classical music in China energizes the world of music.

Dear Santa

An elixir to our current state, "Dear Santa" takes us on the fanciful and poignant journey of a little known program called Operation Santa. For more than 100 years, human elves have been helping Santa respond to the thousands of letters children write and mail to him. This gripping documentary crisscrosses the country, following the most emotional letters as the elves work hard to make sure each child’s Christmas dreams come true.

The Flame of the Spent Hour

Hour by hour the ancient face of repeated / Beings changes, and hour by hour, / Thinking, we get older. / Everything passes, unknown, and the knower / Who remains knows he knows not. / But nothing, Aware or unaware, returns. / Equals, therefore, of what isn’t our equal, / Let us preserve, in the heat we remember, / The flame of the spent hour. Ricardo Reis (Fernando Pessoa)

Scala

A film about the London repertory cinema the Scala, noted for its eclectic and sometimes controversial programmes, which changed daily. Management, staff and audience members are interviewed about the cinema's history and notable events, which included themed parties and personal appearances by film-makers.

S W E A T

A documentary about the Athens underground rave scene that explores and narrates different quests for the gender, body and society, through music and dance. A cinematographic journey into the night, desire and transformation.

Hell or High Seas

"Hell or High Seas" follows U.S. Navy veteran Taylor Grieger and writer Stephen O’Shea on the adventure of a lifetime. As the two sail around Cape Horn – the world’s most treacherous ocean waters – to raise awareness about veteran suicide, Taylor finds healing from his own painful journey with PTSD.