Capoeira is more than you think, created by filmmaker Edmonton for CBC’s creator network
The subject of a new short film is Edmonton martial arts instructor Reni Lima Ferreira.
Since moving to Edmonton 21 years ago, Ferreira has taught the people of Edmonton the techniques and history of the Brazilian martial arts Capoeira.
The history and true meaning of form by fusing music, dance, acrobatics, and martial arts are shown through this movie.
“I was shy, but thanks to the history of this art, I’m very happy that many of these people can see it right away,” Ferreira said on Friday.
Capoeira was first developed by African slaves in Brazil as a leisure activity and later as a weapon of war.
Brazil was the last country to import more slaves than any other country and abolish slavery. Capoeira was the word of revolt for those slaves.
“They used the side to hide it-it was just a game. It was just her music, but at the time to fight for freedom, use it as a martial art.” said Edmonton-based filmmaker Sandro Silva.
Silva wrote, directed and produced a film for CBC’s Creator Network, an initiative that works with various producers to expand the Canadian story.
Silva is a co-owner of Dona Ana Films & Multimedia and an executive producer of the award-winning documentary 3 Siblings.
He made Capoeira the subject of the film, recognizing the lack of awareness of Afro-Brazilians and their culture.
“It’s really hardly we see any Afro-Brazilians abroad,” he said. “It’s unique and that’s the point when we see special people like [Fereira] bring our culture abroad.”
Capoeira discriminates against blacks in Brazil and here in Canada. Silva said he is still fighting oppression as he continues to face it.
“Still we are fighting oppression, and that’s our way of doing it,” he said.
In the 20 years since leaving Brazil, Ferreira has honed his skills in celebrating his culture. And he teaches Canadians what it means to be part of the Afro-Brazilian community.
Silva and Ferreira hope that the film will further advance this goal.
“People really are not aware of these things, so they realize these points to actually educate people and educate themselves,” Silva said.
Read More: New short film made in Edmonton focuses on history of Brazilian martial art form capoeira | CBC News
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