Besouro preto

From the small town of Santo Amaro, located in Bahia's Reconcovo, comes the legend of a man steeped in African spiritual tradition, a man who took it upon himself to challenge those who abused their power. Some say he was noble, others a troublemaker who disrespected the powers of authority. Besouro Preto looks deeply into the mysterious world of Capoeira, it's historic evolution from Africa to Brazil, its spiritual/religious traditions, its philosophy and then into the life of one of its biggest enigmas. Brazil/USA, 2003, 35min By Salim Rollins Portuguese & English spoken (English subtitles)

Bimba, The enlightened Capoeira

In 1899, Master Bimba was born. Determined to change Capoeira's criminal status to which it was condemned by the 1890 Penal Code, Bimba modernized the art, and founded the first academy. Through accounts given by some of his old students and never seen before images, the documentary tells the story of this humble, illiterate Brazilian, who is today known, sung about and respected in all Capoeira rings. Brazil 2007, 78 min - By Luiz Fernando Goulart - Portuguese spoken, English subtitles

Come play with me, Ypiranga de Pastinha

The documentary explores the spiritual and cultural context of the traditional style of Capoeira known as Capoeira Angola. Depicting the social implication of the Centro Ypiranga de Pastinha, in the favelas (slums) of Rio in Brazil. Brazil/France 2007, 45 min - By Valentin langlois - Portuguese spoken, English subtitles

Feudal (The capoeira musical)

In a time of government control a bounty hunter must forget and confront his past as he hunts for the man that took everything. USA 2007, 10min - By Kamal Robinson

Gatos (Cats)

The arrival of foreigners to the village has created a new variety of options for self fulfillment, that doesn't go hand in hand with the economical and social possibilities of the locals. Zalela, the talented Capoeira player, regrets not taking a long-lost opportunity to leave for a better life elsewhere. Another chance presents itself; will he go this time? Dum and Joyse, both 15 years old, are dealing with early parenthood. Will their love survive the birth of their baby? Dror, an Israeli tourist, falls in love with Tatiana. Can they overcome their cultural differences? Brazil/ Israel 2005, 52 min - By Gali Meiri - Hebrew, Portuguese with English subtitles

Ginga, a Capoeira Documentary

In May 2000, five teenagers were invited by their Capoeira Master to join his Company Dancebrazil. They travelled  from Boca do Rio, Brazil to perform at the Joyce Theater, one of New York's most prestigious dance venues. This film captures that special moment in time for these Youth while bringing us into the reality of their day to day lives. Brazil/USA 2004, 55min - By Gustavo Moraes - Portuguese spoken, English subtitles

Jogo de Dentro (The Inside Game)

This animated short tells the story of a couple playing a game of Capoeira in the park. The technique of rotoscoping (tracing video frame by frame) is used to give the movements an extra dimension. The Netherlands 2008, 2 min, By Sir Moving Images

Maré Capoeira

Joao, a ten-year-old boy nicknamed Maré, wishes to be a Capoeira master just like his dad. He tells how the technique has been handed down in his family from generation to generation. What will happen when he encounters a formidable opponent in the circle; her nickname is Tatuí. Brazil 2006, 15min - By Paola Leblanc - Portuguese spoken, English subtitles

Meu Atabaque (My Atabaque)

A Documentary about making an Atabaque, an african drum used in Capoeira. A New Zealander takes up the challenge of building a labour of love. Will he succeed? New Zealand 2007, 22min - By Yan - English

Mundo Livre (Free world)

In Pernambues, a poor neighbourhood of Salvador de Bahia, Mestre Gildo Valu is directing a capoeira academy on the top floor of an appartment building. This school has an enormous social function in the area. His sister, Silvia Dos Santos is supporting children in a nearby even more deprived area. Since june 2004 she has been providing activities for children in different locations. She is now developing her own after-school care centre to provide children with computer, language and art lessons. Brazil/The Netherlands 2008 7'min - By Renée Koldewijn – Portuguese & French spoken, English subtitles

My Father, My Master (the prelude to the documentary)

Explores the depths of a father/son, master/student relationship. 65 year-old Master Virgilio belongs to one of the most traditional lineages of Capoeira Angola and has lead a weekly practice for almost 50 years. His adoptive son Master Roxinho crosses the oceans to Australia and fights for the dignity of his father and their shared practice: Capoeira Angola. Australia 2008, 10min - By Paulo Alberton

O Zelador (The caretaker)