Betânia is a 2024 Brazilian drama film written and directed by Marcelo Botta in his feature directorial debut. The film starring Diana Mattos, revolves around Betânia 65 and a stalwart family matriarch, who is on a turbulent ride on the ever-shifting sands of time.[1]
| Betânia | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Marcelo Botta |
| Written by | Marcelo Botta |
| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Bruno Graziano |
| Edited by | Márcio Hashimoto |
| Music by |
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Production company | Salvatore Filmes |
| Distributed by |
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Release date |
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Running time | 120 minutes |
| Country | Brazil |
| Languages |
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It was selected in the Panorama section at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival and was screened on 18 February 2024.[2] Marcelo Botta, the first feature director was nominated for GWFF Best First Feature Award in the festival.[3]
Synopsis
editAfter losing her husband, Betânia, a 65-year-old family matriarch, is convinced by her daughters to return to her birthplace, where her relatives still reside. The village is located near the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park’s sandy landscape in Maranhão, a Brazilian state that has recently become arid and is close to the Amazon. Betânia abandons her simple, rural life without electricity and enters a world where old and new clash. Driven by the ancient music of Maranhão, Betânia and her family struggle to preserve their identity. Life prevails, as it always does, despite the challenges of the towering sand dunes, contaminated water, economic difficulties and family conflicts.
Cast
edit- Diana Mattos as Betânia
- Tião Carvalho as Ribamar
- Caçula Rodrigues as Tonhão
- Nádia D’Cássia as Vitória
- Ulysses Azevedo as Antonio Filho
- Michelle Cabral as Irineusa
- Vitão Santiago as Xambim
- Enme Paixão as DJ Kaya
Production
editSet in the sand dunes of Lençois in Northern Brazil, the film is bank rolled by Salvatore Filmes.[4]
Release
editBetânia had its world premiere on 18 February 2024, as part of the 74th Berlin International Film Festival, in Panorama.[5][6]
In December 2023, Paris-based MPM Premium has acquired the sales rights of the film prior to its Berlinale premiere.[4]
Reception
editStephen Saito reviewing for Moveable Fest at Berlinale wrote, "While the film is more inclined to chase their vitality than to adhere to some more traditional structure, much like the characters themselves, “Betânia” finds the rewards in that experience."[7]
Accolades
edit| Award | Date | Category | Recipient | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berlin International Film Festival | 25 February 2024 | Panorama Audience Award for Best Feature Film | Marcelo Botta | Nominated | [5] |
| GWFF Best First Feature Award | Marcelo Botta | Nominated | [3] | ||
| Teddy Award for Best Feature Film | Marcelo Botta | Nominated | [8] |
References
edit- ^ "Betânia". MPM Premium. Retrieved 7 February 2024.
- ^ Abbatescianni, Davide (17 January 2024). "The Panorama strand of the Berlinale to open with Levan Akin's Crossing". Cineuropa. Retrieved 7 February 2024.
- ^ a b "GWFF Best First Feature Award". Berlinale. 1 February 2024. Retrieved 7 February 2024.
- ^ a b Callum McLennan (22 December 2023). "MPM Premium Acquires International Rights to Berlin Panorama Player 'Betania' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 7 February 2024.
- ^ a b Goodfellow, Melanie (17 January 2024). "Berlinale Unveils Full Panorama, Forum & Generation Line-Ups With New Films By Nathan Silver, Levan Akin, André Téchiné & Bruce LaBruce". Deadline. Retrieved 7 February 2024.
- ^ "Betânia". Berlinale. 6 February 2024. Retrieved 7 February 2024.
- ^ Stephen Saito (19 February 2024). "Berlinale 2024 Review: A Matriarch Builds a Formidable Sand Castle in "Betânia"". Moveable Fest. Retrieved 23 February 2024.
- ^ Gregory Coutaut (3 February 2024). "Les films en compétition pour le Teddy Award 2024" [The films in competition for the Teddy Award 2024]. Polyester (in French). WordPress. Retrieved 10 February 2024.
