Black Rio! Black Power! (2024)

Caribbean Creativity and Africadelic present the exclusive Dutch premiere of Black Rio! Black Power!, a fascinating music documentary exploring the transformative power of soul music in 1970s Rio de Janeiro, where dance events became crucial spaces for the political affirmation and resistance of the young Black community. This one-time screening is hosted in honor of Tiradentes Day (Dia de Tiradentes), commemorating the death of Joaquim José da Silva Xavier known as Tiradentes, one of the leading members of the revolutionary movement known as Inconfidência Mineira, on April 21, 1792, symbolizing Brazil’s fight for independence and freedom from colonial rule.

Black Rio! Black Power! is a fascinating documentary exploring the transformative power of soul music in 1970s Rio de Janeiro, where dance events became crucial spaces for the political affirmation and resistance of the young Black community. Through the lens of the Black Rio Movement, the film highlights the role of music in the struggle for racial equality during Brazil’s military dictatorship and traces its enduring influence on genres like hip-hop and funk. It also examines the movement’s legacy on Black pride, aesthetic values, and the ongoing fight for racial justice, as seen through the experiences of movement leaders like Dom Filó and the impact on subsequent generations.

The screening will start with an introduction by Amsterdam-based Brazilian actress, dancer, and cultural entrepreneur Anna Carolina Marques, the founder and director of Baile Project, and the showing of the short film Pavilhao (2025).

Melkweg often hosts different types of programmes at the same time, such as concerts, club nights and films. Please note that there may occasionally be some noise pollution from other programmes during the screening.