Eldorado, Lithuanians in Brazil (1924-29)

Colour, 35mm
Brazil, 2001, 70 min
Section: New Brazilian Documentary

Synopsis

In the 1920s thousands of Lithuanian families sailed to Brazil with visions of a brighter future. Instead of the prosperity they had dreamed of, however, gruelling labour (badly paid at that) often awaited them on isolated plantations. Some left for the city but found things no better there. Not even returning home to Lithuania helped because the repressive Soviet regime had come to power. The film provides an opportunity to meet those who had firsthand experience with “New Lithuania” and their descendants.

About the director

Fabiano Canosa first studied at a military academy and then graduated in economics from university in Rio de Janeiro. He writes screenplays and film criticism, and makes film. In 2000, the government of France conferred upon him the Order of Arts and Letters. Julius Ziz (b. 1970, Lithuania) graduated from the Film Academy in Tbilisi. In addition to his moviemaking activities he also writes theatre plays and jazz operas. The New York Film Critics Circle has twice awarded his work.