O Zelador: A Story of Capoeira (2008)

Master Russo

The Brazilian form of personal expression known as Capoeira may not have an equivalent in North America. A multifaceted combination of dance, martial arts, games, pagan religion, and indigenous music,... read more  Capoeira originated with Afro-Brazilian slaves of centuries ago. Intriguingly (for a practice partially rooted in martial arts) it functions not as an outlet for hostility and rage but as an expression of nearly limitless joy and hope. Challenging the notion that poverty tends to automatically breed crime and violence, documentarian Daren Bartlett travels into the destitute areas of Brazil known as the Baixadas - not variants of the traditional favela slums, but communities regarded as socioeconomically inferior to those slums - where he witnesses and films capoeira thriving, a sign of the inner spiritual freedom that natives have found. The film then segues into discussions with Jonas Russo, considered the zelador (grand master, or "caretaker") of Capoeira. Bartlett and his cameras travel with Russo to the Roda de Caixas, or one of the largest outdoor meetings of Capoeristas, for firsthand glimpses of the vitality of Capoeira to the Brazilian people. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi