Karim Ainouz's (Madame Sata) latest film follows single mom Hermila as she attempts to lift herself and her young child out of poverty to move from her provincial hometown to the metropolis of Sao Paolo. She moves in with her grandmother as she waits for her boyfriend (and father of her child) to join her, but he never shows. After several failed efforts to raise money, she decides to sell raffle tickets for a night of passion with her. Even though she faces tough criticism and disappointment from her grandmother, she rationalizes it to herself and her friends, believing it is the only way she can earn enough to move to the big city. The film shows a "deep sympathy with sexual free spirits in a rigid macho society," (NY Times) and Ainouz enhances the story through "captivating cinematography and a delicate, nostalgic atmosphere." (Contemporary World Cinema) more at strandreleasing.com 35mm
2007, color, 1 hour 30 minutes, Portugal/Germany/France/Brazil