Manga d’Terra (2023) is the new feature film by Portuguese-Swiss Basil da Cunha, which has just been screened at the Rio Festival. The story revolves around Rosinha (Eliana Rosa), a young Cape Verdean woman who leaves her children in her homeland, Cape Verde, and moves to Lisbon with the hope of providing them with a better life. However, in Lisbon, she faces a life permeated by police raids and machismo. Rosinha, who aspires to be a singer, finds solace and strength in the women of her community and in music to fight for her dreams.
In Manga d’Terra, Basil da Cunha continues to explore the daily life of Bairro da Reboleira, a peripheral area of Lisbon. Unlike his previous works, which focused on the male universe, this film places women at the center of the narrative, highlighting their struggles and resilience in an adverse environment.
Eliana Rosa, who is Portuguese and Cape Verdean, lights up the screen with her performance as Rosinha. The young singer, now turned actress, brings to life a character whose trajectory reflects many of her own experiences. “All of this is very rewarding. Being able to make a film, work on what I want to work on, travel to other countries, sing for people to listen to. I have everything I want,” she said. Rosa brings incredible sincerity to the role, especially in the scenes that address harassment and prejudice, reinforcing the authenticity of her performance.
Basil da Cunha’s approach is intuitive and organic, which maintains a documentary aesthetic. The film is rich in improvisations and spontaneous moments, captured by the handheld camera. He skillfully balances drama with humor, creating memorable scenes that oscillate between the tragic and the comic.
Manga d’Terra goes beyond a simple sociological portrait of the Bairro da Reboleira. It delves into the issues of immigration, identity and belonging that are strongly present in Lisbon today. Rosinha, like many immigrants, works in underemployed jobs and faces constant challenges due to her lack of documents. The narrative highlights the strength of the women in the community, who, despite adversity, find ways to support each other and endure.
The film captures the coexistence of humor and drama in the daily life of the neighborhood. It shows how life in the Reboleira neighborhood is full of funny situations and complex human relationships, from jealous women being carried on people’s backs to hilarious arguments over Instagram photos. This duality makes the film even more real and accessible. Manga d’Terra is a masterpiece by Basil da Cunha, combining emotional depth with documentary authenticity.
Eliana Rosa’s performance is the heart of the film, and her transition from singer to actress is nothing short of brilliant. “I am very blessed, I swear,” says Rosa, reflecting her gratitude and excitement for this opportunity. Manga d’Terra is a brilliant addition to Da Cunha’s filmography and a deeply moving cinematic journey that celebrates the resilience and humanity of immigrant women.
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