Swing and Sway

(Vai e vem)
Fernanda Pessoa, Chica Barbosa | Documentary, Experimental

2022 | 82 minutes | United States, Brazil

Against the backdrop of a tumultuous 2020 marked by pandemics, elections, and social upheavals, the two friends embark on a thought-provoking exploration of feminist cinematic expression and the female experience.

Synopsis

A groundbreaking film that transcends borders and genres. Directed by Fernanda Pessoa in Brazil and Chica Barbosa in the US, this mesmerizing documentary unfolds as a year-long exchange of video letters inspired by pioneering women experimental filmmakers. Against the backdrop of a tumultuous 2020 marked by pandemics, elections, and social upheavals, the two friends embark on a thought-provoking exploration of feminist cinematic expression and the female experience.

As they navigate their virtual correspondence, Pessoa and Barbosa weave together a tapestry of visual essays that blend introspection, activism, and artistic experimentation. Drawing inspiration from luminaries such as Marie Menken, Yvonne Rainer, Chick Strand, Cheryl Dunye, and Ximena Cuevas, 'Swing and Sway' pays homage to sixteen renowned experimental film artists, showcasing a dazzling array of stylistic techniques and narrative approaches. From black and white to color, analog to digital, and CGI to stop motion, the film seamlessly integrates diverse visual elements to create a rich and immersive viewing experience.

Amidst their creative exploration, Pessoa and Barbosa grapple with personal and political realities, confronting issues of immigration, political disenfranchisement, and social justice. Against the backdrop of political events and cultural shifts, they confront pressing questions about progress, activism, and the power of art to effect change.

A poignant reflection on friendship, creativity, and the enduring legacy of women in film, “Swing and Sway” offers a compelling testament to the transformative power of cinema. Perfect for educators and cinephiles alike, this captivating documentary invites viewers to join a dance of resistance and discovery, where every frame is a testament to the enduring spirit of human connection and artistic expression.

 

Reviews

“It is a fascinating and engaging film experiment” – Business Doc Europe

Citation
Main credits

Pessoa, Fernanda (film director)
Pessoa, Fernanda (screenwriter)
Barbosa, Chica (film director)
Barbosa, Chica (screenwriter)
Luz, Jessica (film producer)
Wink, Paola (film producer)

Citation
Cataloging
Keywords
experimental,feminism,Trump,Bolsonaro,Covid,women,experimental,documentary,human rights,public rights,equal rights,freedom of expression,basic human rights,united nations,activism,human rights activism,human rights council,human rights commission,universal human rights,universal rights,international relations,global relations,global studies,international studies,international affairs,intercontinental relations,intercontinental studies,foreign studies,foreign relations,national relations,national studies,cross-continental studies,cross-continental relations,women,womanhood,gender,girl,girlhood,mother,motherhood,female,cis woman,cis female,trans woman,trans female,women’s rights,women’s issues,lady,ladies,gentlewoman,madame,miss,missus,mrs.,dame,damsel,ingenue,lass,maid,maiden,belle,gal,ladyfriend,girlfriend,dear,darling,widow,matron,dowager,gender,gender equality,gender pay gap,women’s liberation,women’s rights,south america,south american countries,countries in south america,argentina,bolivia,brazil,chile,colombia,ecuador,guyana,paraguay,peru,suriname,uruguay,venezuela,south american politics,south american culture,south american cuisine,south american education,south america in media,south american languages,south america history,culture,identity,identity politics,culture wars,left wing,right wing,intersectionality,identity groups,civilization,literacy,humanism,cancel culture,online culture,cultural revolution,cultural diffusion,culture shock,popular culture,pop culture,material culture,cultural capital,cultural assimilation,communications,journalism,news,information,media,new media,newspaper,newspaper,blogs,news site,news app,pulling string,gathering string,reporting,fourth estate,news media,journalists,journalist,reporters,reporter,cinema studies,film studies,cinema,film,movies,motion pictures,film history,film production,film criticism,cinema history,cinema production,cinema criticism,movie history,movie production,movie criticism,history of cinema,history of film,north america,america,us,usa,united states,united states of america,us mexico and canada,map of north america,north american countries,states of north america,provinces of north america,countries of north america,continental america,swing and sway,Maria Herminia Tonini,Victoria Pierce,Tina Zimmer,Elem Zeravali,Alice Molinari,Chica Barbosa,Fernanda Pessoa,Vai e vem; "Swing and Sway"; Pragda Films
Clips
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Festivals

IndieCork Film Festival - Louis Marcus Documentary Award; Sheffield Doc/Fest; RIDM Montreal; DokLeipzig; Kassel Dokfest; Malaga International Film Festival; Toulouse Latin American Film Festival; Outgaze Film Festiva

DIRECTOR: Fernanda Pessoa, Chica Barbosa

NATIONALITY: United States, Brazil

YEAR: 2022

GENRE: Documentary, Experimental

LANGUAGE: English; Portuguese; Spanish

COLOR / B&W: Color

GRADE LEVEL: College, Adult

SUBTITLE/CC: AVAILABLE

AUDIO DESCRIPTION: NOT AVAILABLE

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