'Pictures of Ghosts' | Date, plot, director and is the Brazillian documentary film worth watching
Documentary name: Pictures of Ghosts (Original title: Retratos Fantasmas)
Film production company: Vitrine Filmes
Country of Origin: Brazil
Date of Release: 24 August 2023
Genre: Documentary
Run Time: 1 hr 33 mins
'Pictures of Ghosts' or 'Retratos Fantasmas' is a documentary film that will transport you to Kleber Mendonca Filho's hometown, the Brazilian city of Recife. Kleber is also the director of 'Pictures of Ghosts,' which makes this an incredibly personal vision.
'Pictures of Ghosts' recieves its Cannes Film Festival release on 19 May 2023 and was released in Brazil on 24 August 2023.
What is the plot of 'Pictures of Ghosts'?
As aforementioned, 'Pictures of Ghosts' takes place in the Brazilian city of Recife, and revisits Kleber Mendonca Filho's hometown. However, the documentary film does not focus on all of Recife, but a very specific part of the town.
The vision of the director and the crew takes the audience to Downtown Recife, where the classic movie palaces from the 20th century are now mostly gone. The film largely focuses on cinema and the little aspects that have since been lost. 'Pictures of Ghosts' provides an intimate yet somber experience to the viewers.
Who is the director of 'Pictures of Ghosts'?
The Brazilian film 'Pictures of Ghosts' has been directed by Kleber Mendonca Filho and focuses on his hometown, his vision, and a glimpse into this view of the decline, with specificities to the cinema, and everything surrounding it.
Apart from 'Pictures of Ghosts,' Kleber is also known for films like 'Bacurau,' 'Aquarius,' 'Neighbouring Sounds,' and 'Cold Tropics' amongst several others.
One of the more unique things about Kleber is that as a director and screenwriter, he doesn't always stick to just one genre. His work is known to pan across several genres including documentary, science-fiction, westerns, horror, and mystery. Kleber has often dabbled into several ways of showcasing his vision, which only makes 'Pictures of Ghosts' something viewers have looked forward to.
'Pictures of Ghosts' and film festivals
While 'Pictures of Ghosts' isn't a documentary you might have been on the big screen at the cinema next door, it slowly and steadily made its way to several film festivals all across the world, receiving immense praise everywhere.
'Pictures of Ghosts' world premiere took place at the prestigious 2023 Cannes Film Festival, in the special screenings section of the festival. After this, the documentary film made its way to several film festivals including the 2023 New York Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, and also the 27th Lima Film Festival.
Last but not least 'Pictures of Ghosts' had its Brazilian premiere on 14 August 2023, in Recife itself, where the film is based.
Is 'Pictures of Ghosts' worth watching?
If you are a fan of documentary films, the 'Pictures of Ghosts' needs to be next on your list. This Brazillian film by Kleber Mendonça Filho has received critical appreciation from all across the world.
'Pictures of Ghosts' isn't just a story about downtown Recife, but about the olden days, and more importantly, a story about cinema, something every person can feel close to.
Trailer of 'Pictures of Ghosts'