A new voice from the Amazon: ‘Manas’ debuts at Venice Days
A cinematic journey into the heart of the Amazon
The trailer for Marianna Brennand’s debut feature film, Manas, has been released, setting the stage for its world premiere at Venice Days, a prestigious sidebar to the Venice Film Festival. The film, represented globally by Bendita Film Sales, promises to be a poignant exploration of life in the Amazon rainforest.
Life on Marajó Island
Set against the lush backdrop of Marajó Island in the Amazon, Manas tells the story of Marcielle, a young girl living with her family near the riverbank. Influenced by her mother’s tales, Marcielle idolizes her older sister, who supposedly escaped their harsh reality by finding a “good man” on the commercial barges that navigate the region.
As Marcielle matures, her idealized visions crumble, revealing a stark reality. Trapped between two abusive environments, she becomes increasingly concerned for her younger sister and the bleak future that awaits them. Determined to challenge the oppressive system that governs their lives, Marcielle embarks on a courageous journey to protect her family and the women in their community.
A haunting debut
Luis Renart of Bendita Film Sales describes Manas as a “haunting experience,” praising Brennand’s delicate and absorbing direction. He believes the film will deeply resonate with distributors and programmers worldwide, showcasing the director’s wisdom and strength.
Walter Salles, an associate producer on the project, echoes this sentiment, calling Manas a “brilliant first feature film.” He highlights the film’s sensorial and emotional narrative, gripping performances, and inspired direction. Salles commends Brennand for shedding light on a world rarely seen, bringing its inner demons to the forefront.
Giving voice to the voiceless
In a heartfelt statement, Brennand shares the inspiration behind Manas. During her research for a documentary in the remote villages of the Amazon, she encountered women who had endured immense trauma from a young age, suffering sexual abuse at home and exploitation on commercial barges. These stories of abuse, often hidden and unspoken, left a profound impact on her.
Brennand emphasizes the importance of movements like Me Too in breaking the silence and exposing abusers. However, she also highlights the plight of “invisible women” whose stories remain unheard. Through Manas, she aims to give voice to these women and girls, honoring their experiences and using cinema as a powerful tool for social and political transformation.
A collaborative effort
The screenplay for Manas is a collaborative effort by Felipe Sholl, Marcelo Grabowsky, Brennand, Antonia Pellegrino, Camila Agustini, and Carolina Benevides. The cast features Jamilli Correa as Marcielle, Fátima Macedo as Danielle, Rômulo Braga as Marcílio, Dira Paes as Aretha, Emily Pantoja as Carol, Samira Eloá as Cynthia, Gabriel Rodrigues as Danilio, and Enzo Maia as Marcéu.
The film is produced by Inquietude, with co-production support from Globo Filmes, Canal Brasil, Pródigo, and Fado Filmes. Producers include Benevides and Brennand, with executive producers Benevides and Marcelo Maximo. Associate producers are Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne of Les Films du Fleuve, Delphine Tomson, Dominique Welinski, Marcelo Pedrazzi, Braulio Mantovani, Sholl, Grabowsky, Maximo, Salles at VideoFilmes, and Maria Carlota Bruno.
The film received support from Ancine, FSA-BRDE, and República Portuguesa Cultura – ICA.
A personal reflection
As a cinema enthusiast, Manas strikes a chord with its raw portrayal of resilience and the human spirit. Brennand’s ability to weave a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally relevant is a testament to her talent as a filmmaker. The film not only sheds light on the hidden struggles of women in the Amazon but also serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of storytelling.
For those who appreciate films that challenge societal norms and provoke thought, Manas is a must-watch. It is a film that promises to leave a lasting impact, urging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and empathize with those whose voices have long been silenced.