2017 PS Film Festival
film synopsis
Legendary Brazilian star Sonia Braga gives what may be her greatest performance as Clara, a retired music critic, now in her sixties and the stubborn last hold-out refusing to sell her enviable oceanfront apartment in Recife, Brazil, to the mounting frustration of the developers who have bought up the rest of the block.
Clara's complete disinterest in the inflated sums of money they're offering sparks off a wave of intimidation and disruption. The apartment above is rented out as the location for a porno; graffiti and worse is daubed across the stairwell, and even Clara's (grown) children urge her to sell. But this is her home and she knows its real value.
The second feature by former film critic Kleber Mendonça Filho (Neighboring Sounds), is both an inspiring, positive portrait of an independent older woman, and an angry critique of corruption and greed. Aquarius is a film about place, personality and politics, all firmly intertwined in Braga's formidable presence.
"Marvellous and surprising... a captivating film, an experience well worth seeking out." A. O. Scott, New York Times
film details
guests in attendance
Kleber Mendonça Filho – Director