The Emergence and Impact of Cinema Novo: A Deeper Look into Brazil's Film Movement of the 1960s-1970s

March 27, 2023, 5:18 p.m. Cinema Novo Evelyn Lark

Cinema Novo, a Portuguese term meaning "New Cinema," was a transformative film movement that emerged in Brazil during the 1960s and 1970s. This influential movement sought to redefine Brazilian cinema by focusing on social and political issues, aesthetic innovation, and the exploration of Brazil's rich cultural identity. In this essay, we will delve deeper into the origins, goals, and influences of Cinema Novo, examining its defining characteristics and its long-lasting effects on both Brazilian and international cinema.

The Cinema Novo movement was born out of dissatisfaction with the Brazilian film industry's commercialism and the pervasive influence of Hollywood. In response, a new generation of Brazilian filmmakers emerged, inspired by global film movements like Italian Neorealism and the French New Wave. These directors sought to create a new cinematic language that accurately reflected the social, cultural, and political realities of Brazil.

Cinema Novo arose during a period of significant change and upheaval in Brazil. The country was grappling with political unrest, social inequality, and the consequences of rapid industrialization. These factors contributed to the urgency and relevance of the movement's themes and perspectives.

Several influential filmmakers emerged from the Cinema Novo movement, each contributing their unique vision and sensibilities to the movement's overall impact. Some notable directors include:

Glauber Rocha: Often considered the most important figure of Cinema Novo, Rocha's films, such as "Barravento" (1962), "Deus e o Diabo na Terra do Sol" (1964), and "Terra em Transe" (1967), were characterized by their poetic, allegorical style, and their exploration of social and political themes.
Nelson Pereira dos Santos: A founding figure of Cinema Novo, dos Santos is known for his films "Rio, 40 Graus" (1955) and "Vidas Secas" (1963), which focused on the lives of marginalized communities and the impact of poverty and social inequality.
Carlos Diegues: Diegues contributed to the movement with films such as "Xica da Silva" (1976), which highlighted the experiences of Afro-Brazilians and the legacy of slavery in Brazil.

Cinema Novo films shared several common features that distinguished them from mainstream Brazilian cinema:

Social and political themes: Filmmakers focused on addressing pressing social and political issues, such as poverty, racial inequality, and colonialism. They often portrayed marginalized communities and engaged in controversial topics to shed light on the realities of Brazilian society.
Aesthetic experimentation: Directors sought to create a unique visual language by breaking away from traditional cinematic techniques. They experimented with innovative camera work, editing, and narrative structures to create thought-provoking and distinctive films.
Low-budget filmmaking: Many Cinema Novo films were made with limited resources, often utilizing non-professional actors and shooting on location to achieve a sense of authenticity and realism.
Emphasis on Brazilian culture: The movement celebrated Brazil's diverse cultural heritage by incorporating elements of folklore, music, and regional traditions into their films.

Cinema Novo had a profound impact on the Brazilian film industry and global cinema. The movement not only revitalized Brazilian cinema but also helped to pave the way for future generations of filmmakers who continue to explore and celebrate Brazil's unique cultural identity. Internationally, Cinema Novo films influenced other film movements, such as the Third Cinema in Latin America, which similarly focused on social and political issues through innovative filmmaking techniques and styles. By addressing pressing social issues and experimenting with aesthetics, Cinema Novo contributed to the growth of auteur cinema and the diversification of global film culture.

In Brazil, Cinema Novo's exploration of the nation's complex social and political landscape helped to foster a greater awareness of its history, culture, and the challenges faced by its people. The movement also served as a catalyst for the emergence of other Brazilian film movements and individual directors who would continue to push the boundaries of the medium.

Furthermore, Cinema Novo's influence extended beyond the borders of Brazil, inspiring filmmakers from other regions to challenge the status quo and address social and political issues in their own countries. For example, Latin American filmmakers in the 1970s and 1980s, such as those from Argentina, Chile, and Cuba, drew inspiration from Cinema Novo as they developed their own distinct cinematic voices.

The Cinema Novo movement of the 1960s and 1970s represented a turning point in the history of Brazilian cinema, as filmmakers sought to challenge the dominant commercial and Hollywood-influenced film industry by focusing on social and political issues, aesthetic innovation, and the exploration of Brazil's cultural identity. The movement's commitment to addressing pressing social concerns, experimenting with film techniques, and celebrating Brazil's diverse cultural heritage had a lasting impact on both Brazilian and international cinema. Cinema Novo not only revitalized Brazilian cinema, but it also helped pave the way for future generations of filmmakers, who continue to explore and celebrate Brazil's unique cultural identity, and contributed to the diversification of global film culture.

List of films that are often associated with the Cinema Novo movement: