Retrospective MFA — IndieLisboa

01 MAY — 11 MAY 2024

01 MAY — 11 MAY 2024

Filters

Filters

Tribute to the MFA’s Cultural Dynamisation and Civic Action Campaigns

Retrospective MFA

Tribute to the MFA’s Cultural Dynamisation and Civic Action Campaigns

With the aim of collectively celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 25th of April, we pay homage to what was one of the first cultural initiatives after the 25th of April: the Cultural Dynamization and Civic Action Campaigns of the Armed Forces Movement (MFA). For about 1 year (October 1974 – November 1975), military and civilians came together to travel across the country and build the revolution with cultural support considered indispensable, with the fundamental objective of disseminating and clarifying the MFA Program and the progressive consolidation of the People – MFA connection. Cinema, along with the visual arts, theater or music, was one of the central sectors of cultural entertainment. Films were shown in various locations during the campaigns, followed by periods of debate and clarification. In partnership with Cinemateca Portuguesa, we re-showed several of these films, some of which had original copies and were not screened again. The selection of films took into account a balance between revolutionary films, films that address transformations and social events and entertainment films. Before each of them, we show, in partnership with RTP, small exciting excerpts from reports and footage of cultural dynamization campaigns in action, which allow us to glimpse the contagious revolutionary energy and an expectant country. Everything was still possible. Fifty years later, it is urgent to keep the revolution present in our memory to avoid repeating history.

And There Was No More Sea

A work commissioned by the Dutch state, this is a journey through the customs and traditions of this country and its connection to Lake IJssel, through a gaze that is both poetic and piercing.

1955, 24'

Attica

In 1971, inmates at the American prison of Attica revolted. In an organized effort, they managed to take control of the D-yard and took 35 hostages after numerous peaceful attempts failed when it came to reforms within the institution. The film reveals the systemic injustices and abuses of power that resulted in this historic event.

Cinda Firestone

1974, 80'

Campanha de Dinamização Cultural e Acção Cívica do MFA em Bragança

As part of the “May-Northeast” campaign (which was, in turn, a result of the Cultural Dynamisation and Civic Action Campaigns), the Armed Forces Movement promoted the visit of the Loures amateur theatre group to the parishes of Salsas and Aveleda.

1975, 23'

Campanha de Dinamização Cultural e Acção Cívica do MFA em Lisboa

In the Lisbon neighbourhood of Casal Ventoso, which is fighting for better conditions, a Q&A and cultural revitalisation session is promoted through the efforts of the Armed Forces Movement.

1975, 13'

Campanha de Dinamização Cultural e Acção Cívica do MFA em São Pedro do Sul

The return of a brigade from the Armed Forces Movement (MFA) to show the images that resulted from the inaugural visit to the village of Covas do Rio, in São Pedro do Sul, on the 1st of April 1974. In addition to this civic action campaign, roadworks are being supervised in the area.

1975, 20'

Campanha de Dinamização Cultural e Acção Cívica do MFA em Unhais da Serra

Exploration of the political awareness and resistance activities of the residents of Unhais da Serra, located in the parish of Covilhã, which resulted in the occupation and administration of Quinta da Vargem and the textile factory “A Penteadora: Sociedade Industrial de Penteação e Fiação”.

1975, 33'

Campanha de Dinamização Cultural e Acção Cívica do MFA no Alto Minho

Journalist Carlos Soares travels to Alto Minho to report on a cultural dynamisation and sensibilization campaign carried out by the Armed Forces Movement.

1975, 19'

Campanha de Dinamização Cultural e Acção Cívica do MFA no Estoril

The Armed Forces Movement carried out a Cultural Dynamisation and Civic Action Campaign in the deprived social housing area of Bairro Novo do Pinhal, also known as Bairro Fim do Mundo.

1975, 4'

Campanha de Dinamização Cultural e Acção Cívica do MFA no Porto

The GNR’s philharmonic band, a folk dance group, José Jorge Letria and Carlos Paredes are brought together for an event aimed at cultural revitalisation by the Armed Forces Movement, at Porto’s Crystal Palace.

1975, 6'

Delta Phase I

Distributed in Portugal by Sociedade Portuguesa de Atualidades Cinematográficas, this film shows the construction of the first dyke that regularised the Rhine delta, contributing to the achievements of Dutch engineering.

1962, 20'

Long Pants

Expected to marry his childhood sweetheart, Priscilla, Harry Shelby falls for Bebe, a femme fatale tied to the mob. Believing Bebe reciprocates his feelings, he risks everything, eventually landing in serious trouble. All the while Priscilla keeps patiently waiting. Live music by Catherine Morisseau on the piano.

1927, 60'

Report on Brazil: Torture

Chris Marker’s film interweaves the narratives of the Brazilian revolutionaries who faced the oppression of the dictatorship and those who took part in the kidnapping of the US ambassador in 1969. Through interviews, he reveals their terrible experiences and the demands made.

1969, 24'

Sacco & Vanzetti

A film inspired by the real events surrounding the trial of Italian immigrants Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti, two anarchists who were arrested and charged with murder and armed robbery in Massachusetts, United States. The music was composed by Ennio Morricone, including a ballad sung by singer and activist Joan Baez.

Giuliano Montaldo

1971, 125'

Saint Bernard

Based on the novel by Graciliano Ramos, the film tells the story of a poor fellow who becomes a wealthy landowner who can’t live in peace. After accumulating his wealth, and always with his eye on gaining more, his goal is to produce an heir. To do this, he marries the town’s schoolteacher, but this is doomed as soon as it begins.

1972, 113'

The Navigator

Directed by and starring Buster Keaton, this film is a comedy about Rollo Treadway’s mistaken voyage on a ship sold to a warring country. Initially intending a honeymoon cruise, Rollo boards the wrong ship when his proposal to neighbour Betsy O’Brien is rejected. The ship belonged to Betsy’s father’s and she comes looking for him. Eventually, both find themselves trapped there. Movie accompanied by live music. Live music by Catherine Morisseau on the piano.

Donald Crisp, Buster Keaton

1924, 59'

The New School

Documentary about education in Cuba, highlighting the educational revolution in rural secondary schools, where theory and practice merged. Fidel Castro is a prominent figure in this film by Jorge Fraga.

1973, 88'

The Promised Land

In late 1920s Chile, an economic crisis hits peasants and displaced nitrate workers. El Traje Cruzado and José Durán meet and discuss revolution and land occupation, ending up establishing a town in Palmilla. They arm themselves for socialist revolution but fail, facing eviction and violence.

1973, 123'

Tupamaros

The film focuses on the Uruguayan urban left-wing guerrillas, the so-called Tupamaros, and was filmed at the height of their operation and within their members — the filming was clandestine and carried out by various people who didn’t know the real purpose of the film, which shows the history of the struggle and the desperation that led to the guerrillas’ operationalisation.

Sweden / Uruguay

1972, 50'