Brazilian Film 'Casa de Antiguidades' Selected for Cannes Amid Cinematic and Political Tensions

The film 'Casa de Antiguidades' from Brazil, featuring Antônio Pitanga, was chosen for the 2020 Cannes Film Festival. Directed by João Paulo Miranda, the story centers on Cristovam, a Black dairy worker in a fictional town in southern Brazil, grappling with issues of racism and conservatism. The shoot took place in a city in Santa Catarina that backed Jair Bolsonaro. Miranda highlighted that Pitanga, who is over 80, plays a character who stands up to an ultra-conservative faction. Although the festival, set for May 12-23 with Spike Lee as jury president, was ultimately canceled due to COVID-19, the films selected still maintain their recognition. Cannes artistic director Thierry Frémaux voiced worries about Brazilian cinema, while a petition for the struggling Cinemateca Brasileira emerged on May 15. Steve McQueen's 'Lovers Rock' and 'Mangrove' were also among the selected films.