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Swiss director Basil Da Cunha returns to the working-class district of Reboleira, in Lisbon, to narrate the difficult daily life of a mother in the style of a musical comedy.
Music allows you to bring out the most buried emotions. © Sister Distribution
Published on 06/25/2024
Estimated reading time: 1 minute
Swiss director Basil Da Cunha returns to explore the complex reality of the Reboleira district of Lisbon with his third film, Manga D’Terra. This poetic film highlights the women of this united and vibrant community. Manga D’Terra stands out for its unexpected genre: the musical comedy. This choice affirms the therapeutic power of music, capable of freeing emotions.
The film follows Rosa, a 20-year-old young woman, a role played by the talented Eliana Rosa. Originally from Cape Verde, Rosa left her native region for Lisbon, in the hope of building a better future for her children who remained in the country with her mother. However, his daily reality is far from idyllic. Working as a housekeeper for the despotic manager of a small restaurant, she leads a life marked by harshness. Rosa’s situation deteriorates suddenly when she loses her job and, consequently, her makeshift accommodation. With only two suitcases and her extraordinary voice, she looks for an escape.
Unique musical comedy about the ghetto Manga D’Terra is inspired by the real lives of the inhabitants. Basil Da Cunha does not seek to offer an idealized or comforting vision. Instead, it gives visibility to the countless “ordinary” women of this neighborhood, highlighting their determination, resilience and passion for music. The screening on Thursday 27 at Cinemotion Rex, in Fribourg, will be followed by a meeting with the director.
A film by Basil Da Cunha.
With Eliana Rosa, Lucinda Brito.
Duration: 1 hour 36 minutes
Age: 16/16
To see in Fribourg.
Our opinion: 3 stars
