Nena Queiroga cried and stayed in bed for two days when she realized there would be no carnival. Documentary shows the pain and return of Brazil’s biggest street party.
The documentary The Year Frevo Didn’t Hit the Streets, directed by Bruno Mazzoco and Mariana Soares, has just released its official trailer and confirms its national release for April 23. The film follows the resistance of Recife and Olinda’s carnival during the two years of forced shutdown due to covid-19, recording empty streets and the explosion of joy upon its return in 2023.
Filming began in 2021, capturing the melancholy of revelers prevented from experiencing the traditional celebration. Later, in 2023, cameras followed preparations for that year’s carnival, documenting feelings of euphoria and resilience as the celebration resumed. Distribution is by Lira Filmes, with sponsorship from BNDES.
Voices of silenced revelry
Nena Queiroga, singer and composer who has commanded crowds at Galo da Madrugada for over 30 years, confesses the emotional impact of the celebration’s absence.
When I realized there wouldn’t be carnival, I stayed in bed for two days. I’ve dreamed of singing alone, went to perform and there was no one, there was no pandemic, and even so, there was no audience. The emotional pressure is funny. We’ve imagined ourselves not being at carnival, but without carnival, we never imagined that. Nena Queiroga
The documentary also features testimonies from iconic figures such as Fernando Zacarias, standard-bearer of the world’s largest carnival block; Lúcio Vieira da Silva, conductor of the Henrique Dias Orchestra; Carlos da Burra, responsible for the mystical Midnight Man puppet; and Spok, conductor who calls himself the “last reveler” for closing festivities at Recife’s Marco Zero.
Memory and celebration of life
Rudá Rocha, son of Zé da Macuca, founder of Boi da Macuca who passed away in May 2021, shares the emotion of honoring his father at the 2023 carnival.
My father was honored at Olinda’s 2023 Carnival, and we came out with a powerful parade, playing Luiz Gonzaga, Dominguinhos, songs from Pernambuco’s interior. It’s my father’s memory all the time, but in a happy way because that’s what he built. Rudá Rocha
Combining memories and expectations, the film celebrates Brazilian culture and its capacity for resistance in the face of adversity. The documentary was screened at Cine PE, where it won the award for Best Soundtrack, composed by Diogo Felipe, and at In-Edit Brasil.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rXUAFTCMY70rzZpoafeK5520kIpj3ypi/view?usp=share_link
Details
The Year Frevo Didn’t Hit the Streets
Direction: Bruno Mazzoco and Mariana Soares
Release: April 23
Distribution: Lira Filmes
Sponsorship: BNDES
Photo: Press Release
