The 10th Cine Las Americas International Film Festival is honored to welcome Brazilian filmmaker Lúcia Murat, who will present the Austin premiere of her two most recent films: QUASE DOIS IRMAOS (Almost Brothers) and OLHAR ESTRANGEIRO (The Foreign Eye).

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Lúcia Murat became politically active in the late 1960s. In 1971 she was jailed in connection with her participation in the guerrilla movement that opposed Brazil’s military dictatorship (1964-1985.) Her experience during this period inspires much of her work.

Following her release in 1974, Murat started a career as a journalist. After working with some of the most prominent newspapers and television networks in Brazil such as O Jornal do Brasil and O Globo, she began to devote her attention to filmmaking.

Murat’s Quase Dois Irmãos examines the relationship between Jorge and Miguel, two boys separated by social class, who grow up connected by samba. After years of separation, they meet again at the notorious Ilha Grande prison when Jorge is arrested for robbery, and Miguel for his political activity against the dictatorship. Quase Dois Irmãos is underscored by a circular narrative that highlights a cycle of violence continuing over three generations due to the great divide between rich and poor.

Topless beaches, exotic jungles, gang violence, Latin lovers and other clichés in world cinema that feature Brazil are addressed in Olhar Estrangeiro. Murat interviews filmmakers and actors and inquires about their processes and deliberate choices to employ their own fantasies about Brazil. Jacqueline Rush Rivera, Director of Programming for Cine Las Americas, says, “Olhar Estrangeiro is a fun and fascinating look at how stereotypes are born, packaged and sold to audiences the world over.”

Murat will be available for questions during the Opening Night Press Conference, 3 p.m. Thursday, April 19, at the Paramount Theater, and will host a Q&A at both of her screenings.

QUASE DOIS IRMAOS
Almost Brothers
Saturday, April 21, 8PM, Regal Metropolitan Theater

OLHAR ESTRANGEIRO
Foreign Eye
Sunday, April 21, 6PM, Regal Metropolitan Theater