The English botanist who fought deforestation with a paintbrush headlines Cine Lage’s free opening session on March 27 at EAV Parque Lage.
Cine Lage kicks off its 2026 season with a free screening at the Escola de Artes Visuais (EAV) do Parque Lage in Rio de Janeiro. On Friday, March 27, at 7 PM, the historic venue will screen Margaret Mee and the Moonflower (2012), a documentary directed by Malu De Martino. The event takes place at the Capelinha, one of the most atmospheric spaces inside Parque Lage.
A love story with the Amazon
The documentary follows the remarkable journey of Margaret Mee, a British botanical illustrator widely regarded as one of the most important artists of the 20th century. Drawing from her personal diaries, testimonies, and narration, the film captures her deep love for the Amazon rainforest and her decades-long effort to document — and protect — Brazil’s endangered flora.
Long before environmentalism became mainstream, Margaret was making the case for conservation through art. Her paintings, produced across numerous expeditions into the Amazon, stand today as both scientific record and passionate plea. The film’s title refers to her lifelong search for the elusive moonflower, a cactus that blooms only at night.
A season dedicated to Brazilian visual arts
The 2026 season is curated by filmmaker Luiz Carlos Lacerda, who also teaches in EAV’s Filmmaking program. He outlines his vision for the series:
My intention as Cine Lage’s curator is to screen films connected to the practice or history of Brazilian visual arts — as has been the case in recent editions — showcasing the work of Brazilian filmmakers. Walter Carvalho, Vladimir Carvalho, Mallu De Martino, Antonio Carlos da Fontoura, and Leon Hirszman are some of them.
Luiz Carlos Lacerda, Cine Lage curator
EAV director Tania Queiroz highlights the school’s long ties to cinema: “EAV has a very extensive relationship with Cinema. Beyond our Filmmaking program, which trains industry professionals, Parque Lage is also a sought-after filming location, occupying an important chapter in Brazilian — and even international — cinema.”
Five decades of arts education
The EAV do Parque Lage is one of the leading arts schools in Brazil and Latin America, offering more than 50 courses across creative disciplines. In 2025, the institution celebrated its 50th anniversary with a year-long special program, cementing its role as a cornerstone of contemporary Brazilian art and culture.
Event Info
- Event: Cine Lage — 2026 Season
- Film: Margaret Mee and the Moonflower (2012), directed by Malu De Martino
- Date: Friday, March 27, 2026
- Time: 7 PM
- Venue: Capelinha — EAV Parque Lage, Rio de Janeiro
- Admission: Free
- Tickets: Distributed 30 minutes before the event starts
