New York State Writers Institute - Classic Film Series

February 16, 2001 (Friday) at 7:30 p.m. Page Hall, 135 Western Avenue (Free and Open to the Public) (Brazilian, 1999, 110 minutes, color, 35mm) (In Portuguese with English subtitles) Directed by Carlos Diegues Starring Toni Garrido, Zeze Motta, Muriolo Benicio, Patrícia França

ORFEU is a contemporary retelling of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, directed by one of Brazil's preeminent filmmakers, Carlos Diegues. The film celebrates Rio's rich culture with spectacular scenes of Carnaval, while exposing the poverty and brutality of its slums and gang violence. The samba music by world-renowned composer Caetano Veloso is intoxicating.

"The film incorporates the light and music of carnaval with flamboyant passion!"
- Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun Times

"A dazzler! Sensual and picturesque!" - Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times