Aiano Bemfica

The construction of a community goes far beyond its erected walls and masonry bricks: it lies in the everyday invention of the commonplace, of life shared in its struggles and victories. Stemming from this premise, this debut feature film (by the directors of Na Missão com Kadu) documents the daily life of the urban occupation Eliana Silva, in the city of Belo Horizonte, on the eve of the 2018 elections. Seen from the inside, the hard-won territory becomes a protagonist as much as its residents, as they talk about political activism, companionship, love. Along with the records and personal testimonies is the (re)invention of subjectivity through art, going up against the totalizing narratives that reduce their existence to a newspaper news story.

In the shadows ours lights shows the way (or, the night is time to struggle).

Put on some makeup, get ready, gather the little money they have, and head out with some friends. Rayra wants to enjoy the last night before starting her eighth job at a mall. The party isn’t great, but an unexpected encounter along the way might just change her financial fate.