The movie Desova portrays stories of forced disappearances in Baixada Fluminense

Directed and written by Lais Dantas, the short movie Desova will be released at Cine SESC, in Nova Iguaçu, at the 12th Festival Internacional de Cinema Político. The movie is the winner of the International Short Film Competition (FICiP), in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Competing against films from 14 countries, the production emerged victorious in the Best Short category.

The movie, which was produced by Quiprocó Filmes, had its public premiere during FICiP and was an achievement that marked a significant moment in the director’s career.

At 28 years old, Laís Dantas has already signed a contract to direct projects for Porta dos Fundos, Quebrando Tabu, Instituto Marielle Franco, Canal Brasil and Instagram. She was also responsible for the photography direction of the short movie A Mulher do Fim do Mundo, directed by Geo Abreu; the mini-doc Respect Our Sacred, directed by Fernando Sousa and Gabriel Barbosa; and the long movie Rio Negro.

Exposing reality

Desova sheds light on the issue of forced and not-always-explained disappearances in the Baixada Fluminense region. It also shows the lives of mothers who tragically lost their children in this recurring situation.

In conversation with Agência Brasil, the young filmmaker explained that the short movie seeks to understand the dynamics of the forced disappearance of people, which include state techniques for disappearing with bodies, as well as the attempt by mothers and families of victims to deal with this trauma, through the creation of support groups and collectives.

Forced disappearance: stories that repeat themselves

Adriano Araújo, executive coordinator of Fórum Grita Baixada, one of the presenters of the work, talks about the movie’s theme.

“In the past, enforced disappearances were, in most cases, serious violations against a relatively homogeneous group: white, upper-middle class activists, students and urban professionals.”

“However, whether during the colonial-slavery period or after the dictatorial period, it is the black, poor and peripheral population who are most affected by state violence. Whether it is disputes between criminal factions, summary executions carried out by security forces, or the actions of militia groups, poor and black people are being killed and disappeared in the favelas and outskirts of large cities.”

“The Grita Baixada Forum intends for the movie Desova to be an instrument that facilitates debate, dialogue and legislative advocacy: it is necessary to classify the forced disappearance of people as a heinous crime, as recommended by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights”.

“Only in this way will we have the production of official data and the production of public policies for prevention, reparation and accountability of perpetrators. This is the response that mothers and families of victims of violence and missing people expect and demand”, concludes Adriano.

Don’t miss the opportunity to watch this short movie

The unique and free exhibition will take place on October 10th.

Location: SESC Theater of Nova Iguaçu.

Age range: 14 years old.

Address: Rua Dom Adriano Hipólito, 10, Moquetá – Nova Iguaçu, Baixada Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro

Time: at 6 pm

Censorship: 16 years old

The invitation is made and entry is free!