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With testimonies from stars such as Ademir da Guia, Afonsinho, Gerson and Nei da Conceição, the film pays tribute to Didi, Mr. Football, elected best player in the 1958 World Cup and inventor of the dry leaf kick.

The mystical element plays an unusual role in the civilizing process of Brazilian society. Realms such as samba, malandragem, soccer, and Carnival reflect this process, which unfolded in the shadow of the Precarious. On the street, in the terreiro, at the bar, in the favela, at the crossroads, or on the floodplain—a multifaceted historical and cultural identity was forged, resulting from the intersection of Amerindian and African spiritualities and European popular Catholicism. Macumbaria explores the phenomenon of the “macumba complex” through the lens of historian Luiz Antonio Simas, the film’s narrator.

In order to invent a region, it is necessary to create its culture, preferably with the help of cinema. Inspired by the book and play “A Invenção do Nordeste”, this is a re-editing of Brazilian films essential to the foundation of the Northeastern imaginary.

Afonsinho, Paulo Cézar Caju and Nei Conceição started their careers in the mid-1960s, a time of strong political repression in Brazil. Originally teammates of a celebrated generation of the Botafogo football team superstars, they did not give up their freedom when the military dictatorship decided to take control of the field.

Star player Nei Conceição, formerly of Botafogo, is the author of aphorisms rich in spot-on puns, unique insights, and keen perceptiveness—proving that his genius transcends the playing field.