1979 Brazil
(72)
Picture it: The sun cascades over sprawling sandy beaches and the golden sands sparkle like precious stones as you wind the reel. Shot after shot reveals colorful facades of Portuguese-influenced architecture adorning cobblestone streets where children are running wild with untamed energy, playing hopscotch or a game of marbles, shaping their dreams around a childhood spent during Brazil’s transitioning political era. Now watch the clock reverse and slow down again; there’s your dad (or that happy man who’s pointing his finger towards a breathtaking sunset), trying his hand with a camera lens at capturing the serendipity on a single, hand-held frame. Chatter among loved ones reverberate between tall trees ladened with coconuts; foreshadowing Brazilian feijoada simmering over open fire while it doles out appetizing smells across the neighborhood. From these vivid glimpses, you might gather that every corner seemed imbued with vivacious colors and bebop-infused rhythms which offered Brazilians a refreshing, exciting counterbalance to the socially tumultuous period of 1979, marked by the tightened censorship laws as part of military rule; yet, on the precipice of an explosive cultural-renewal in the early ‘80s. In short: it's impossible to miss out on this charming snapshot into what was once Brazil, through these endearing 8mm clips, documenting everyday scenes peppered with warmly-lit evenings that dance to Samba rhythms. Through the hallowed frames, we travel back in time together to unearth stories from what could have otherwise vanished. A rare, gritty blast from the past, spruced-up by our very own human stories that make you reflect on where you are today, compared to then; where the film flicker paints you into their tale, welcomed by your old friend- the film-reel itself.
1979 Brazil Video stock
