Anabazys (2007) Reviews

• A Guide to "A Idade da Terra"

  lxdf2007-12-11

  Directed by Paloma Rocha and Joel Pizzini, Anabazys is a documentary about Glauber Rocha's last movie "A Idade da Terra" (1981), considered his most chaotic and 'difficult' work ever. Armed with over 60 hours of extra footage, Paloma (Glauber's daughter) and Joel constructed a very relevant and precious work that not only shows Glauber Rocha directing his actors and crew, but also moments and acts that displays his never ending energy, integrity, passion and beliefs in his work. Seeing Antonio Pitanga and Maurício do Valle in front of some monuments in Brasilia, always mixing with the crowd and also Tarcisio Meira doing the same in a Carnival parade are a must see. Norma Bengell performs in a crowed street never losing focus and beautifully attracting people to follow her. Anabazys also and always shows an innovative and original director breaking the molds and rules of cinema. Not just because of it, but the experience of watching this 'making of' is an obligation to all true cinema fans. Anabazys allows not only the audience to learn more about Glauber Rocha's never ending creativity but also, through some sort of re-making of "A Idade da Terra", it lets people understand more about his last picture. "A Idade da Terra" wasn't well accepted in Italy, where it premiered but was also dismissed by the Brazilian media, mainly because of Glauber Rocha's political views. Anabazys was premiered at the Festival de Brasília do Cinema Brasileiro (November, 2007), won the Special Jury Prize and was said to be part (or an extra) of a restored "A Idade da Terra" DVD to be released in 2008.