Brazilian president Dilma Roussef, accused of violating fiscal laws, was suspended from government two weeks ago and faces an impeachment trial. Supporters of Roussef refer to her removal as a coup d'état. Former Vice President Michel Temer, who leans to the right, has taken over as Acting President and named a new cabinet.
What does that have to do with the Cannes film festival?
Brazilian film director Kleber Mendonça Filho, at Cannes with his Competition film Aquarius, mounted the Red Carpet with his team carrying signs of protest. The signs read:
Brazil is Not a Democracy
A Coup Took Place in Brazil
Dilma, We Will Resist With You
They turned and faced the cameras.
"They now want to boycott my film in Brazil," Kleber whispered to me on the terrace of the Silencio bar in Cannes.
His publicist took out her cell phone and showed me the Twitter messages that have gone wild on the web.
"Don't go see Aquarius!" read the Tweets.
Hence another good reason to see Aquarius, a wonderful energetic film starring the stunning actress Sonia Braga, with a political angle of its own.
Aquarius is the story of Clara, a gorgeous sixty-five year old retired music critic who lives alone in an ocean-front apartment in Recife and is menaced by developers who want her to leave her apartment, so they can tear down the two-story building to create a high rise. The developers have successfully pushed out all the other inhabitants in the building. Clara is the only one left.
It is a pleasure to watch this nearly 3 hour long film, just to be enraptured by the captivating Sonia Braga, whose dignity, strength and beauty fascinate in every scene. I did not know this actress, who apparently is a longstanding favorite in Brazil. Her eyes are brilliant with life; her body lithe and determined. Her eccentric position, as a woman alone living in an abandoned building ("without even a security guard!" admonish the developers, in a smooth attempt to persuade the iron-staunch lady), does not detract from her glow of happiness.
"It's about resistance, but also about the energy you get from trying to survive, to defend yourself," the director said.
Another great reason to see this film: just to feel the freshness of Brazil. No matter the conflict, one cannot help but marvel at the high spirits and glorious sun that pervade every shot, from the opening scene of teenagers joyfully listening to music in a parked car, to those of Clara strolling down the beach.
I saw this film right after the intensely dark Romanian film Graduation and a greater contrast in cultural spirit could not be found.
Although there was one thing in common: corruption.
I asked the director to help me out with understanding the political context of his film. One issue was confusing to me. Clara protests at one point that it is the elite who run the country of Brazil (the developers pushing for urban sprawl, the politicians in cahoots with them), and that others are powerless to defend themselves.
But Clara seems to be part of the elite.
"She has a large oceanfront large apartment; she is an intellectual and a successful critic," I said to the director. "She is certainly not poor or marginal."
Why does she feel helpless against the elite, when she is one of them?
The director--and other Brazilians at the festival--explained to me that there is a difference in Brazil between the cultural elite and the political elite.
A difference that is being played out right now in the protest, coming from the right, against the director's film.
"Brazil is divided in two right now," said Sonia Braga.
She looked straight ahead, as poised as her character Clara in the film.
"This transition is going to be very hurtful for our democracy, that was hard to get in the first place."
"I fear the right is moving towards fascism," confided the director.
He noted that Michel Temer recently abolished the Cultural Ministry.
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.